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Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc

London, Bloomsbury

UCL's Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is designed to meet the growing demand for specialists to drive the health and wellbeing agenda in the design, assessment, retrofit and operation of sustainable buildings. This accredited master's degree offers more than just knowledge; it equips you with the skills, tools and networks needed to advance your career across a variety of professions, in enhancing sustainability, health, and wellbeing within the built environment. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally a second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. architecture, engineering, physics and other relevant disciplines in built environment and public health) is required, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. If your first degree was not in a relevant discipline, please clearly state in your personal statement how your educational or employment background (including any internships or projects) relates to the programme and what you aim to achieve through your studies.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc was launched in response to the demand for a new generation of experts to drive the health, wellbeing and sustainability agenda in the built environment. The convergence of these three components has led to the emergence of a more holistic, human-centred approach to design, and made health and wellbeing an increasingly influential research area. During this degree you are taught by multi-disciplinary research-active leaders in the field and have opportunities to network with and learn from industry and practice-based experts, to develop your understanding of commercially applicable, research-oriented tools and approaches.  

During your degree you:

  • Acquire the skills to address health, wellbeing, and human performance in the design, assessment, and operation of buildings, including new builds, retrofits, and existing structures.
  • Understand the interactions between human-centred outcomes and sustainability issues and explore the challenges of balancing multiple outcomes.
  • Learn how social and built environment factors impact health, wellbeing, and performance across different spatial scales, from individual buildings to urban environments.
  • Innovate and design solutions and operational strategies for the remediation or alleviation of health and comfort challenges within buildings.
  • Enhance critical thinking and expertise in modelling, monitoring, and design approaches, and learn to sustainably implement health and wellbeing across various disciplines and building types.
  • Use a variety of methods and tools to evaluate and predict the impact of building and built environment features on health, wellbeing, and performance.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of individual and social factors influencing building and spatial use, and the built environment positively affects users’ physical and mental health, and boosts productivity.

Who this course is for

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is interdisciplinary and attracts students from a range of disciplines including architecture, engineering, interior architecture and design, physics, and other related disciplines, including the built environment, geography, public health and environmental psychology who wish to gain further training in the field. We also welcome your application if you are an early or mid-career professional in the built environment, public health, environmental psychology, or other relevant fields wishing to deepen your skills and knowledge.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

An industry and research-led word-class education   
Our Industry Advisory Group consists of experts from industry, practice and policy, including leading architectural, engineering and facility management firms. They contribute to the course as invited lecturers, tutors and dissertation advisors, offering insight into current professional demands in the field. You will learn from academic experts working across diverse disciplines, whose research is shaping the health and wellbeing agenda across policy and industry. Our faculty, The Bartlett, is #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). The Bartlett is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

New skills for your future career  
You will gain key skills to build your career improving health and wellbeing in the built environment — from technical knowledge of building standards to specific tools and methods such as DesignBuilder and health impact assessments, as well as transferable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and critical thinking. The degree is accredited as further learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). This professional recognition is highly valued in the industry and provides a strong foundation for your career.

Study in London – an international hub for built environment 
London is an international hub for architecture and engineering firms, along with other built environment organisations. Being in the capital, there are often conferences and events on health and wellbeing in buildings offering potential networking opportunities. With our campus in the heart of the city, you will have the chance to explore London—ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and third worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
Photo of town houses on a street in London

Tackling moisture balance for healthier housing in London

From retrofit research to educating local authorities, our academics are applying their expertise to improve living conditions in London and beyond.

The foundation of your career

As awareness of the impacts that the built environment can have on health, wellbeing and sustainability increases, so too does the demand for professionals with relevant expertise. 

Our graduates have gone on to work in architectural or engineering companies, and specialist consultancies dedicated to the design and/or evaluation of sustainable buildings and places, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing. Graduates have found employment in leading organisations globally including Atkins, Arup, Buro Happold and Jacobs in the UK, Delos in China, Samoo Architects & Engineers in South Korea, and the Shenzhen Institute of Building Research. Some of our graduates have also set up their own companies and consultancies (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2023, Alumni testimonials, LinkedIn). Meanwhile, others have used their master’s as a foundation for PhD roles at universities including UCL. Additional career paths may be within in-house building design and operational teams, in relevant public sector agencies or government departments, or in specialist product or service innovation companies.

Read more about careers in health and wellbeing within the built environment, and our alumni's experiences ►

I feel this course has opened up a lot of horizons for me to understand at length how the field of sustainability brings together research and design. This course has given me a wide range of transferrable skills which I didn’t have prior to my MSc.

A photo of Gomathi standing in front of a red telephone box in London

Gomathi Krishnamoorthy

Health Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc graduate, Architect

Learn more about Gomathi's experience

Employability

You will gain many skills required to build your career enhancing health and wellbeing in the built environment sector. These include:

  • Developing technical knowledge on health and wellbeing in the built environment including theoretical frameworks, building standards (WELL, LEED).
  • Using and applying specific software and methodologies, eg Design Builder and health impact assessments.
  • Developing transferable skills, eg collaborative problem-solving, interdisciplinary approaches to teamwork, analytical and critical thinking, leadership and communicating with a variety of audiences.

UCL Careers gives you access experienced careers professionals who support you exploring your options and finding the right path for your future. UCL Careers provide support to help you find graduate jobs or further study positions and advise you on the opportunities you have during your time at UCL. From your first day at UCL and up to three years after you graduate, you can access bespoke one-to-one appointments, career events and activities programme featuring employers and alumni, confidence-boosting insights, online resources, and opportunities to increase your employability.

Networking

This course benefits from the inputs of an experienced and engaged industry advisory group made up of experts in the field. Members of the panel represent major consulting companies such as AECOM and Buro Happold, public agencies (eg the UK Health Security Agency), other universities, and organisations such as the International WELL Building Institute. They advise on current industry practice and future directions, share case studies, provide dissertation topics and support, and deliver guest lectures and participate in networking events. 

Accreditation

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc is accredited as further learning for Chartered Engineers (CEng) by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). 

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, tutorials, site visits and lab demonstrations. Individual or group tutorials on coursework and hands-on skills are embedded throughout the course.

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In Terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 8 to 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops and tutorials. Students then use the remainder of their time (approximately 22 to 29 hours per week) for self-directed learning, preparatory reading and coursework. In Term 3, you complete your own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with your dissertation supervisor.

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In Term 1 and Term 2 full-time students typically have between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops, and tutorials. Students use the remainder of their time (approximately 22 to 29 hours per week) for independent study, focusing on self-directed learning, preparatory reading and coursework.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits - full-time 9 months or modular/flexible 2-5 years) is offered. The course consists of eight modules (15 credits each). A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits - full-time 4-7 months or modular/flexible 2-5 years) is offered. The course consists of four modules (15 credits each).

Modules

The Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings MSc consists of six compulsory modules, and a research project which culminates in a dissertation. Additionally, you will have a choice of two out of three available optional modules to complete alongside your compulsory modules.

In Term 1, you learn about the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in buildings; the different methods of research and analysis of the built environment; basic principles of psychology, sociology and design to illustrate how the perception of and interaction with building factors can impact health, wellbeing and human performance; and, the concepts and fundamentals of integrated building design and operational strategies within the context of enhancing health, wellbeing and comfort in buildings.  

In Term 2, you gain additional insights into the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in the built environment at a neighbourhood and urban scale, taking into consideration social aspects such as health inequalities and group-level effects. You also examine the need for assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and the implications for health. Additionally, you will select two out of three available optional modules that offer you the chance to pursue specialist interests.

In addition, your learning is supported via supplementary activities including dedicated tutorials for specialised software, case study visits, an introduction to software/equipment and opportunities to attend selected events with international experts.

The research project is undertaken during Term 3 and throughout the summer, leading to the submission of a dissertation in early September.

Part-time students will take four modules in Year 1, and four taught modules and the dissertation in Year 2.  

In Term 1 of Year 1, you learn about the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in buildings and, the concepts and fundamentals of integrated building design and operational strategies within the context of enhancing health, wellbeing and comfort in buildings. In Term 2 of Year 1, you will gain insight into the fundamentals of health and wellbeing in the built environment at a neighbourhood and urban scale, taking into consideration social aspects such as health inequalities and group-level effects. You also examine the need for assessment of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the implications for health.  

In Term 1 of Year 2, you continue your studies by exploring the different methods of research and analysis of the built environment and the basic principles of psychology, sociology and design to illustrate how the perception of and interaction with building factors can impact health, wellbeing and human performance. In Term 2 of Year 2, you select two out of three available optional modules, completing your dissertation in Term 3 of Year 2.

Flexible students complete all six compulsory modules, two optional modules and their dissertation over the course of three to five consecutive academic years.

In addition, flexible students are recommended to:

  • Take the following modules before taking other taught modules: ‘Health, Comfort and Wellbeing in the Built Environment’, ’Integrated Building Design for Health and Wellbeing in a Changing Climate’, Healthy Cities: Theory and Action’, and ‘Indoor Air Quality in Buildings’ before taking other taught modules.
  • Take at least one module in each academic year you are enrolled on the MSc.
  • Take the dissertation either in the year in which you complete the final taught modules or the year after you have completed all taught modules, as long as this is not more than five consecutive years after you first enrolled.

Flexible students will be encouraged to discuss your plan for completing the MSc with the course director. It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year.

Compulsory modules









Optional modules





Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings.

Fieldwork

The course includes case study visits. Each year, we plan an overnight residential field trip outside of London. In previous years this has been to Bath and Bristol, and involved a mix of social activities, and case study visits to healthy urban developments and industry presentations.

Fieldwork activity may also be required for selected coursework and, if so, this is likely to take place within the Greater London area. You will gain hands-on experience of monitoring environmental conditions, gathering and evaluating human responses to the environment, applying industry standards, and simulation tools similar to those used by commercial companies for building performance evaluation.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Photo of UCL Student Centre looking down at all levels of the building

The UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering is one of four sustainability-focused institutes in The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources. Our degrees empower you to make our buildings, towns and cities, healthier, more sustainable places to live.

Find out more

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Travel, accommodation, food and activities planned for the field trip are covered by the course. Travel costs for site visits or fieldwork within the Greater London area (Transport for London zones 1-6) which are accessible by public transport are covered by students. The actual cost of travel in London for site visits varies, but based on prior experience, it is estimated that three to five trips may be required which could incur between £45 and £75 of travel costs in total.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Ecclesiastical Insurance Bursary

Deadline: 21 July 2025 at 5pm
Value: £27,000 (to cover the cost of fees and a stipend) (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application, we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to the chosen course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging course
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this course match what the course will deliver. 

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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