Infrastructure Systems MSc
London, Bloomsbury
Discover excellence with our Infrastructure Systems MSc programme. Immerse yourself in a dynamic blend of lectures, collaborative projects, and personalised research. With complexity science approaches, students decipher the interconnected nature of transport, energy, water, and data communications, harnessing positive societal, economic, and environmental impacts. Tackle disruptions, balance demanding performance expectations, and address sustainability concerns while exploring the nexus of digital technology and industry transformations. Delve into emergent properties like resilience and security, foster research skills through group projects, and receive industry input to refine designs. This programme is your gateway to a future where you navigate complexity and innovate for sustainable infrastructure transitions.
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Duration
Programme starts
Applications accepted
Applications open
Applications open
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject such as Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Architecture, Mathematics. Applicants with degrees in alternative disciplines will be considered if they have studied technical modules or have a minimum of 1 years’ work experience in any infrastructure service (e.g. utility operator, transport planning).
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The English language level for this programme 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.
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This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.
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
The Infrastructure Systems MSc programme at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Infrastructure systems embrace transport, energy, water, wastewater, and data communications sectors which provide critical services to the public, industry, hospitals, businesses, government, etc. These services have significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. Disruptions must be managed and prevented even in the context of challenging performance demands (less cost, less material/resource use; accessibility requirement; and environmental concerns such as climate change, emissions, etc.). You will have the opportunity to learn how to solve these challenges through infrastructure design and adaptation.
Digital technologies are helping to create transparency about interdependencies between infrastructure systems and are driving industrial change. Innovations in business models, such as the circular economy, are finding novel ways to do less harm to the environment. You will explore innovations that underpin major transitions in infrastructure systems to meet industry, government and consumer needs.
There is such a diversity of organisations that contribute to infrastructure provision. Yet traditional programmes continue to take a sectoral focus ignoring interdependencies between systems. Complexity science provides a scientific basis for investigating integrated and co-evolutionary systems. You will learn about emergent properties of infrastructure, such as resilience, security, and performance, how they change over time, and how different organisations contribute to making them happen.
The programme also focuses on research skills through the term group project where you will learn to work as a team to identify research methods used to solve challenges in infrastructure systems. You will have opportunities to look at practical applications and receive input and feedback from the industry on your designs to improve performance. You will develop the skills to work confidently with data and grasp the underlying concepts and practical trade-offs in infrastructure systems transition.
Who this course is for
Students doing undergraduate courses in single infrastructure sectors who want to branch out and students in multi-disciplinary subjects such as urban studies and assessment management. Mature students in the workplace looking to take on senior technical positions and require a knowledge of infrastructure would find this programme attractive as well as engineering professionals looking to achieve Chartered Infrastructure Engineer certification. We are looking for students that are passionate about improving critical services to keep society flourishing and the environment sustainable; pluralistic and able to accommodate multiple points of view; tenacious and inquisitive with a positive approach to problem-solving; interested in both technical and non-technical interventions and innovations to transform infrastructure for greater resilience and productivity.
What this course will give you
Discover unparalleled educational opportunities at UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering. Located in the vibrant hub of London, our esteemed multidisciplinary department boasts a rich history of excellence in teaching and research with well-established research projects and networks in environmental engineering, transportation, urban resilience, wastewater provision, human settlements and renewable energy.
The Infrastructure Systems MSc programme offers a profound understanding of the intricate connections between essential services, their outcomes, and their role in alleviating pressures on various aspects such as civil contingencies, social infrastructures, environmental sustainability, and consumer costs. Rooted in complexity science, the program illuminates the interdependencies between traditionally isolated sectors and unveils the transition pathways for achieving a cohesive national infrastructure. Graduates emerge with a holistic perspective that empowers them to contribute to the creation of integrated and resilient infrastructure systems.
Students acquire a diverse skill set that includes critical assessment, research-driven decision-making, and comprehensive investigations. They delve into topics such as resilience, digitalization, circular economy principles, and more. The programme is particularly valuable for non-industry students, as it opens their eyes to the breadth of opportunities within infrastructure systems, helping them refine their career paths. The programme's emphasis on engaging with stakeholders across various infrastructure sectors enriches students' research dissertations and serves as a launchpad for recruitment into these sectors. Overall, the Infrastructure Systems MSc equips graduates with the insights and expertise needed to shape the future of infrastructure and contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.
The foundation of your career
Upon completing our programme, graduates unlock a multitude of promising pathways. They seamlessly integrate into the workforce, finding placements in esteemed consultancies, construction giants, and influential government bodies. The programme lays a robust foundation for their journey towards becoming Chartered Engineers, a highly regarded professional achievement that solidifies their expertise.
With a comprehensive skill set and in-depth knowledge, graduates are poised to excel across various sectors, spearheading projects, influencing decisions, and contributing to the advancement of the engineering landscape. This degree not only opens doors to an array of prestigious employment opportunities but also sets a well-defined trajectory for a fulfilling and impactful career.
Employability
The Infrastructure Systems programme cultivates a versatile and self-reflective mindset, enhancing your employability within the dynamic field of infrastructure. With its transdisciplinary approach, graduates are equipped to navigate market fluctuations and evolving government policies impacting sustainable infrastructure systems. Throughout the programme, students acquire a range of essential skills, from making decisions amidst uncertainty to managing complexity and fostering systems thinking. Team collaboration, critical analysis, creativity, and effective communication of intricate issues and solutions are instilled. This comprehensive skill set empowers graduates to excel in senior technical infrastructure positions, confidently supporting decisions while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the field.
Networking
UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for engineering excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom.
These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.
Accreditation
Chartered Infrastructure Engineer (Institution of Civil Engineers) when the student has sufficient work experience:
Note the intention is to apply for accreditation for this programme and to request that this be backdated to the first intake, however accreditation cannot be formally conferred until at least one cohort has completed.
Teaching and learning
Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates emerge with an array of capabilities:
Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: The programme utilises a variety of approaches including traditional and pre-recorded lectures, seminars by external experts, tutorials, blended learning, and group activities. These methods foster an in-depth grasp of complex interdependent infrastructure systems, exploring the opportunities across various sectors. The interdisciplinary nature of the topic is harnessed to provide a contextual understanding through a complex systems inter-disciplinary framing.
Practical proficiency and collaboration: Hands-on learning is facilitated through both independent and group work, allowing students to collaborate on projects that mimic real-world scenarios. These projects range from technical designs to dissertation projects, offering a practical avenue to apply theoretical concepts and evidence. Students develop a range of practical skills while engaging in team-based problem-solving, an essential attribute for the professional world.
Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: The programme cultivates intellectual growth through critical evaluation of literature and synthesis of diverse perspectives. Graduates gain the ability to comprehend and analyse the intricate facets of infrastructure systems and their underlying scientific and mathematical principles. The integration of original research with a keen sense of the bigger picture is emphasised, nurturing research excellence and encouraging intellectual exploration.
Practical and innovative aptitude: Through the curriculum, students are equipped with practical and transferable skills that extend beyond academia. They learn to collaboratively tackle technical challenges, comprehend leadership roles in providing essential services, critically assess complex systems, and craft innovative design solutions. Communication with stakeholders and an overarching focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability is fostered, aligning graduates with the contemporary demands of a dynamic infrastructure landscape.
These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.
The programme adopts a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, and enriching field trips. The culmination of the programme is the research project, encompassing laboratory experiments, computational analyses, or field investigations, tailored to the project's specific requirements. Evaluation embraces multiple modalities, encompassing examinations, coursework evaluations, comprehensive project reports, and rigorous assessment of the research project, ensuring a holistic measurement of students' theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities.
Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.
Modules
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Students take 120 credits of taught modules and 60 credits of project-based modules.
Students take two compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Complex Infrastructure Systems (15 credits, T1)
- Infrastructure Group Project (30 credits, T1 andT2)
Students select two pathways from the following:
Data/digitalisation
- Data driven decision making (15 credits, T1)
- Digitalisation in infrastructure (15 credits, T2)
Resilience
- Interdisciplinary thinking in urban sustainability and resilience (15 credits, T1)
- Risk, reliability, and resilience (15 credits, T2)
Sustainability
- Systems society and sustainability (15 credits, T1)
- Engineering for circular economy (15 credits, T2)
Public Policy
- Data driven decision making (15 credits, T1)
- Transport policy, governance and economics (15 credits, T2)
Students must also select a third optional module in T2 which may include any of the above T2 modules or:
- Building energy efficiency (15 credits, T2)
During T3 students take 60 credits of project-based dissertation modules. They must choose two from the three options below.
- Business Case Project (30 credits)
- PEARL (Person Environment Activity Research Laboratory) Project (30 credits)
- Public Policy Project (30 Credits)
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Students take 120 credits of taught modules and 60 credits of project-based modules over two years.
Year 1:
Students take one compulsory module:
- Introduction to Complex Infrastructure Systems (15 credits, T1)
Students select one pathway from the following:
Data/digitalisation
- Data driven decision making (15 credits, T1)
- Digitalisation in infrastructure (15 credits, T2)
Resilience
- Interdisciplinary thinking in urban sustainability and resilience (15 credits, T1)
- Risk, reliability, and resilience (15 credits, T2)
Sustainability
- Systems society and sustainability (15 credits,T1)
- Engineering for circular economy (15 credits, T2)
Public Policy
- Data driven decision making (15 credits, T1)
- Transport policy, governance and economics (15 credits, T2)
Students select a 15 credits term 2 module from:
- Building Energy Efficiency (CEGE0119, T2, 15 credits)
- Another T2 module (which if selected cannot be chosen in Year 2)
During term 3 students take 30 credits of project-based dissertation modules. They must choose one from the three options below.
- Business Case Project (30 credits)
- PEARL (Person Environment Activity Research Laboratory) Project (30 credits)
- Public Policy Project (30 Credits) (only if they selected the public policy pathway in Year 1)
Year 2:
Students take one compulsory module:
- Infrastructure Group Project (30 credits, T1 andT2)
Students select one pathway from the following (which must be a different pathway from Year 1):
Data/digitalisation
- Data driven decision making (15 credits, T1)
- Digitalisation in infrastructure (15 credits, T2)
Resilience
- Interdisciplinary thinking in urban sustainability and resilience (15 credits, T1)
- Risk, reliability, and resilience (15 credits, T2)
Sustainability
- Systems society and sustainability (15 credits,T1)
- Engineering for circular economy (15 credits, T2)
Public Policy
- Data driven decision making (15 credits, T1)
- Transport policy, governance and economics (15 credits, T2)
During term 3 students take 30 credits of project-based dissertation modules. They must choose one from the three options below and it cannot be the same as they chose in Year 1.
- Business Case Project (30 credits)
- PEARL (Person Environment Activity Research Laboratory) Project (30 credits)
- Public Policy Project (30 Credits)
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 Infrastructure Systems.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £17,300 | £8,650 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £34,400 | £17,200 |
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme 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
Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses.
While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Funding your studies
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
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Brown Family Bursary
Deadline: 20 June 2024Value: £15,000 (1 year)Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial needEligibility: UKUCL East London Scholarship
Deadline: 20 June 2024Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()Criteria Based on financial needEligibility: 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 programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.
In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:
- Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in Civil Engineering.
- What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
- The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
- How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
- Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.
While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.
Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.
Choose your programme
Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.
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