Home

Light and Lighting MSc

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hackney Wick (Here East)

UCL offers one of the world's most comprehensive Master’s degrees in Light and Lighting. We bring together the technical and creative sides of daylighting and lighting design, to offer an extensive package of knowledge and skills for your career as a lighting professional working in the built environment. You learn to design lighting as an integrated component of architecture, utilising exciting advances in science and technology whilst taking into consideration human responses to the lit 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 closed

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

The normal minimum qualifications are a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

If you do not meet this requirement then we will still consider your application if you have any qualification in an appropriate field, in addition to extensive relevant work experience.

Please note that in very rare cases, a special qualifying examination may be set. This only applies if the applicant does not meet the 2:2 minimum entry threshold, and their work experience is limited and at a junior level. Details of this route can be obtained from the department at the email address at the bottom of this page.

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


From gas lamps to LEDs, as technology has progressed, the lighting industry has become increasingly specialist. UCL's Light and Lighting MSc is designed to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge base and skill set to build a successful career in the lighting profession, whether as a lighting designer, luminaire manufacturer, or as part of an architectural or engineering firm. As a student, you gain in-depth expertise in the science of light, lamp and luminaire technologies, and the impact of light on architectural form and human response to both daylight and artificially lit spaces. This knowledge equips you with the vision to design beautiful lit environments that promote user wellbeing and the skills to ensure they are successfully engineered. You join a global cohort of students studying pioneering sustainable approaches to lighting design, operation and research.

During your degree you:

  • Study the fundamentals of lighting, including natural daylight, lighting technologies, design calculations, and the human response to lit environments.
  • Utilise advanced design techniques to produce conceptual and detailed lighting designs and luminaire product designs.
  • Are taught mathematical models and physical concepts for illumination, applied to the reality of the lit environment.
  • Understand the multi-sensory experience of built environment through characterisation of exposure to various elements of environmental quality.
  • Learn how to design a lighting control system that meets people’s needs in different environments.
  • Gain experience using computational design tools used in the lighting and architectural industry such as Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D with Ladybug and Honeybee Tool, Climate Studio and DIALux.
  • Explore the evolution of lighting design and innovation over time, giving the historical context for lighting design practice in the present day.
  • Understand essential lighting practice, regulations and standards required for lighting designers.
  • Delve into current research in lighting, sustainability, health and wellbeing.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for recent graduates as well as early to mid-career professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in the field of lighting. Individuals passionate about lighting are encouraged to apply. While applicants typically come from backgrounds in architecture, interior design, industrial design, engineering, science, arts, and theatre, we welcome all prospective students with an interest in lighting.

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

What this course will give you

Industry and research-led education at #1 faculty of the built environment 
We draw on the expertise of specialists from leading companies and our industry advisory board to enrich this master’s course and keep it industrially relevant. You are taught by academic experts at The Bartlett, UCL’s Faculty of the Built Environment. The Bartlett is #1 for Architecture and Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) and is where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Study lighting in London, where learning connects with practice
London is an international hub for top engineering and architecture firms, and a centre for lighting in the UK. During your degree, you have the opportunity to visit various sites and facilities across the city to study lighting. These visits enrich your studies by showcasing the real-world impact of light and lighting. London is also ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

State of the art equipment and facilities 
During your degree you will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities including The Bartlett Lighting Simulator, an advanced sunlight and daylight modelling facility employing both computer simulation and a sophisticated variable luminance artificial sky. You will also have access to a variety of field equipment, for example luminance meters, luminance distribution analysers, illuminance meters, spectrophotometers and more.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
Computer drawing of rail station concourse, with tree like support running up to roof. Credit: Hufton + Crow

How lighting can power change

Alumna Florence Lam tells us why lighting design is about more than technology.

The foundation of your career

“This course offers a forward-looking research-led academic foundation for the next generation of lighting professionals.” – Industry advisory board member Florence Lam, Arup Fellow and Visiting Professor in Lighting Design and Engineering

We have an extensive network of alumni who have been driving change in lighting design, technological development, and research for the past 36 years. According to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey (2017-2023), 100% of our graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating from the Light and Lighting MSc. Our graduates work in global engineering consultancies, lighting design practices, architectural offices, and luminaire manufacturers. Several have also used the MSc as a foundation for MPhil/PhD research.

Employers of our graduates include Isometrix Lighting Design, Lux Populi, Archtube, Arup, Buro Happold, Hoare Lea, Mott MacDonald, Caribbean LED Solutions, Stantec Architecture, JFA Architects, and more.

Many of our alumni have gone on to win international awards in the field of lighting, such as the Light Play Prize at the Total Lighting Show, the RHS Silver Gilt Medal, and Lighting Designer of the Year. Additionally, several graduates have received the Society of Light and Lighting's Young Lighters of the Year award.

Read about careers in light and lighting and our alumni's experiences ►

Employability

Through the degree, you will learn skills and knowledge that are sought-after by leading employers in the lighting industry.

These include:

  • Fundamentals of photometry and radiometry
  • Health and well-being aspects of lighting
  • Role of lighting in environmental quality in terms of health and comfort
  • Dynamic daylight and thermal simulation modelling using Radiance through Rhino Grasshopper, as well as climate-based modelling using Ladybug, Honeybee tools
  • Multidisciplinary integrated design approach  
  • Integrated daylighting and lighting control systems
  • Advanced lighting design

Networking

During the master’s we welcome design practitioners, manufacturers, and researchers to give presentations to students. This connects you with lighting innovators who share the latest industry developments and enhance your studies through their practical insights. The course also offers networking opportunities with national and international lighting societies, such as The Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and The Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP), as well as with leading lighting designers and practitioners. Additionally, you have opportunities to connect with our Light and Lighting alumni who are now leading innovations in lighting design, technological development, and research.

Accreditation

The Light and Lighting MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) as meeting the further learning requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. The course is recognised by the American National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions - NCQLP, supporting students to achieve LC Certification.

Teaching and learning

In this course, lecture-based modules are delivered by experienced academics and lighting practitioners, equipping you with knowledge, skills and experience in lighting research and design. Teaching is supported with project-based workshops, forums, and informative online materials, enabling you to develop deeper understanding of the subject and to engage with academics and practitioners. Small group and one-on-one teaching is provided to support your learning, design projects and research dissertation.

The course has lectures and tutorials, complemented by design and project work. Modules are assessed through coursework such as essays and design projects, as well as a written examination. Students will complete a 10,000-word dissertation.

In Term 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops and tutorials. In Term 3, students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors. Outside of lectures full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time (approximately 22-29 hours) for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

As a full-time student, you will complete eight compulsory modules and one optional module, providing you with the knowledge and skills that underpin lighting research and design.

In Term 1, you will study "Lighting Fundamentals", "Health, Comfort and Wellbeing in the Built Environment", "Lighting Innovation and Sustainability" and “Computational Design for Sustainable Building”. This selection will build the basis for you where philosophies, innovations, and principles of lighting and daylighting in a holistic relation with all affective aspect of environmental quality is explored. You will also gain experience in computational design, the use of simulation tools, and light measurement equipment.

In Term 2, you will deepen your expertise in "Lighting Design Calculations" and gain insights into "Lighting Controls Design", with a focus on energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and diverse user needs. You will also explore the practical implications of design decisions. In "Integrated Lighting Design", you will gain hands-on experience developing integrated electric lighting and daylighting solutions through a design project.

In Term 3, you will carry out an independent research or design project. This project will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the lighting knowledge base, with particular attention to sustainability, health, and wellbeing.

Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to work on individual and group design projects, based on real-world briefs and with input from professionals in the field.

Part-time students take the course over two years, typically taking four modules in Year 1, and four modules and the dissertation in Year 2.

Throughout the degree you will have the opportunity to undertake project work and design work, both on an individual basis and as part of a group. Design briefs are drawn from real-world lighting projects, and you will have opportunities to engage with professionals in the field.

In Year 1 Term 1, you are recommended to learn about lighting fundamentals and health, well-being and comfort in build and environment. Term 2 lighting design calculations is recommended, and you can choose one of the offered optional module.

In Year 2 Term 1, you are recommended to learn about the lighting innovation and sustainability as well as computational design for sustainable buildings. In Term 2, you will learn how to design a lighting control system to meet people’s needs in different environments and to understand the practical implications and consequences of your design. You will then integrate your knowledge of lighting and daylighting into a design project. In Term 3, you will undertake a research project that will allow you to demonstrate a deep understanding of the lighting knowledge base, sustainability, health and wellbeing which will lead to a dissertation worth a third of the MSc.

Flexible students take all modules and complete their dissertation research between two and five years of starting the degree. Flexible students will be encouraged to discuss their plan for completing the MSc with the course director.

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 Light and Lighting.

Fieldwork

Students participate in visits to various sites, laboratories, and facilities across London to study lighting in real-world contexts. These excursions provide insights into the practical applications of lighting design and technology.

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

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Discover MSc Courses at the UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage

Join The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources for an online taster session exploring MSc Courses at The UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

Watch on demand event

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.

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

Travel for fieldwork and site visits outside London that are part of the degree are provided. Travel costs for site visits or fieldwork within the London area (zones 1 to 6) accessible by public transport are covered by students. Based on London site visits and fieldwork that took place last year, it is estimated that the public transport costs for students will be approximately £80 if you choose to reside in London.

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

The Luciano Zucchini Bursary is available to Light and Lighting students at UCL. Created in memory of industrial designer Luciano Zucchi (1931–2022), this bursary supports Light and Lighting MSc students who share his passion for the creative and technical possibilities of light.

The Bartlett Promise Scholarship is a long-term project from our Faculty to attract students from a broader range of backgrounds and tackle the lack of diversity in the built environment. Please see the Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship webpages 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: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on 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 Light and Lighting at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Light and Lighting 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

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.