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Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Innovative opportunities in the design and engineering of buildings with more efficient integrated services are being unlocked by advances in technology and artificial intelligence, combined with unprecedented access to building operation data. This accredited Building Services Engineering MSc will teach you to utilise advanced modelling tools, data analysis, and machine learning to engineer smarter, more sustainable buildings that create healthier environments for occupants. These skills will prepare you for a career in innovating the engineering, design, and operation of integrated building systems.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
£10,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
£18,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A second-class or higher UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. engineering or physics), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. These requirements may be relaxed for students who can demonstrate considerable and relevant aptitude and work experience; these candidates will be assessed on an individual basis. Please clearly state in your personal statement how your educational or employment background (including an internships or projects) relates to the programme and what you aim to achieve through your studies.

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.

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 world is rapidly evolving, and so are our buildings. With advancements in digital tools for building performance analysis and technologies like the Internet of Things, we now have unparalleled data insights and tools to innovate how buildings are designed and operated. This course provides a forward-looking perspective on the digital transformation of Building Services Engineering, emphasising sustainable building design and the creation of smarter, more efficient buildings that prioritise occupant wellbeing.

During your degree you will:

  • Explore scientific principles underlying the design and operation of buildings and their systems.
  • Gain hands-on experience with data-driven approaches to enhance building operations. Working with a series of case studies you will be supported in using machine learning algorithms and tools.
  • Apply modelling techniques to optimise the operation of efficient building systems as a part of the integrated system of building fabric, building space, occupants, building services and controls.
  • Gain practical experience with industry-standard tools such as EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder, and become familiar with modelling languages like Modelica, applying these skills in project work and real-world challenges.
  • Learn and utilise Python to develop and apply advanced analytical methods, supporting data-driven decision-making in building design and operation.
  • Develop and interrogate digital building twins, and understand how these can support better insights into building performance and occupant comfort.
  • Gain insight into how building systems impact occupants and the sustainable operation of buildings, with a strong emphasis on decarbonisation within the construction industry.
  • Participate in a field trip and visit the latest smart buildings in London and beyond to explore real-world challenges and best practice.
  • Tailor your studies to your interests by selecting specialist optional modules in areas such as energy systems modelling, indoor air quality, urban building energy modelling, building acoustics, lighting, retrofit, and more.
  • Engage with industry experts to solve real-life problems, preparing for a career at the forefront of this emerging discipline.

The world needs better buildings – can you help make that change?

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for recent engineering graduates with a strong quantitative background and a keen interest in understanding novel modelling techniques and building systems to drive engineering innovation and sustainability in the built environment. Additionally, this highly technical degree is relevant for early and mid-career professionals seeking to expand their technical skills and knowledge, keeping up with the latest developments to build their career prospects in the field.

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

What this course will give you

Industry and research led world class education
We draw on the expertise of specialists from leading companies including Buro Happold, Arup and Hoare Lea to enrich your studies. You will learn from academics whose pioneering research id innovating building services design and operation. Our faculty, The Bartlett, has been ranked #1 for built environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) and is where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Hands-on experience for your future career
Learning by doing, you will gain experience ready for your future career. Not only will you learn to develop your own simulations using advanced modelling tools, but you will also learn to apply cutting edge tools available to improve building service engineering through case studies and working on projects. Additionally, through a field trip, site visits, and engaging with industry professionals, you’ll gain practical insights into real-world applications, further enhancing your readiness for a successful career in the industry. This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers as meeting the further learning requirements for professional recognition, supporting your path towards becoming a Chartered Engineer. As a student, you can become a member of CIBSE and participate in various activities, including career events, which will further enhance your professional development.  

Study in London – an international centre for engineering
Studying in London, you will be at the heart of a large cluster of engineering firms. This offers the chance to learn from professionals in the field through guest lectures and to network with future employers. London has also been rated the best city in the world for students (QS Best Student Cities 2025). You will also have the chance to join ASHRAE, a leading global organisation for Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and participate in the ASHRAE UCL student branch.   

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

The digital transformation of our built environment is beginning, creating high demand for engineering graduates with the knowledge and skills acquired in this course globally. Alumni from our department are now working in 55 countries around the world (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2022). Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc graduates are now employed by leading firms such as WSP, AtkinsRéalis, DesignBuilder, Mott MacDonald, Hoare Lea, Arup, Buro Happold, and Kier Group. Many have also launched their own start-ups and businesses, leveraging the expertise gained during their degree.

With the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc you’ll be an ideal candidate for specialist roles in digitally focused companies that provide engineering, design, planning and consulting services. Potential job titles include Building Services Engineer, Smart Building Consultant, Building Energy Analyst, Sustainability Consultant, Building Physics Engineer, Building Energy Performance Modeller, Building Systems Engineer, Facility and Operations Manager, Research Analyst (In low carbon buildings), Energy Consultant, Digital Buildings Engineer.

Read more about Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering career pathways ►

Alumni experiences

“The multitude of softwares and programming tools that I learnt through this course have enhanced my technical competence and confidence in the core themes while increasing my career prospects. I am also very pleased with the fact that we choose two optional courses, as I was able to tailor the course to suit my interests and the path I wished to take." - Apurva Jaishankar, first destination after graduating Graduate Building Services Engineer at AtkinsRéalis

Read about Apruva’s experience ►

“Upon graduating, I joined Mott MacDonald UK as a Building Physics Engineer... Based in London, my responsibilities include thermal and energy modelling, daylight assessments, programming, and building data exploration.” - Denis Fedosov, first destination after graduating Mott MacDonald UK as a Building Physics Engineer

Read about Denis’ experience ►

Employability

You will gain core knowledge and hands-on experience with monitoring and energy management systems and applying industry standards. You will use simulation tools including EnergyPlus, DesignBuilder and will become familiar with Python and modelling languages like Modelica. These skills are highly sought after.

Members of the industry provide guidance to ensure teaching content and project briefs are relevant to industry needs. We regularly invite members of industry to give guest lectures to enhance your learning experience.

You will gain the confidence to undertake large interdisciplinary projects with many unknowns and uncertainties, learning to coordinate work, integrate across disciplines, and make balanced decisions, thus preparing you for professional life.

Networking

Throughout the year, you'll have the opportunity to connect with Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc alumni and industry experts through seminars, guest lectures, and networking events. Additionally, you'll be able to attend numerous London-based industry events, including those organized by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the UK chapter of the international organisation ASHRAE. There is also the potential to win industry awards, such as the Building Simulation Award supported by DesignBuilder Software, which our students won in 2023.

Accreditation

This MSc has been accredited as suitable further learning to meet the academic requirement for Chartered Engineers (CEng) professional registration by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Teaching and learning

This course takes an integrated perspective of a building, its systems and users, by exploring how digital technologies can be applied in building services engineering to support the design and operation of sustainable buildings. This highly technical programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, problem-based learning and project work. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underpinning the way buildings and their systems are designed and operated, as well as exploring the areas of building data collection, processing and data analytics.

You will be assessed throughout your degree through a combination of written coursework, individual and group-based project work, and group work with a design component. Your studies will culminate in a dissertation, allowing you to explore your interests in-depth and demonstrate the knowledge you've gained throughout the course.

In terms 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 focus on their dissertation research, maintaining regular contact with their dissertation supervisors. Outside of lectures, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, dedicating their remaining time to self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

A Postgraduate Diploma, six compulsory modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), full-time up to nine months or flexible/modular up to five years is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate, four modules (60 credits) - of which at least three selected from the Core Modules, - full-time nine months or flexible/modular up to five years is offered.

Modules

You will take eight taught modules across Term 1 and Term 2; four during Term 1 and four during Term 2.

In Term 1, you will learn about building systems physics, engineered environmental elements, building systems modelling, and integrated building design. These modules set the foundation for the whole master's, preparing you for further topics and for your research project.

In Term 2, you will gain more specialised and advanced knowledge in machine learning in smart buildings and integrated building systems simulations and will have the opportunity to choose two specialised optional modules depending on your career aspirations.

In Term 3 and the summer, you will complete the dissertation, having had preparatory tutorials throughout the year.

You will take four taught modules in year one and four taught modules and the dissertation in year two. The split of modules across the two years is designed to ensure the programme builds upon knowledge and skills in subsequent terms.

In term 1 of your first year, you will learn about building systems physics and engineered environmental elements, which provide the foundations for later courses to build upon. In term two you will choose your optional modules that align to your interests and skills.

In year two you will be introduced to building systems modelling, and integrated building design in term 1. In term two you will delve into the advanced subjects of machine learning in smart buildings and integrated building systems simulations. You will be encouraged to start your dissertation research at the start of year 2, to submit it at the end of the year.

You will take all six compulsory modules, two optional modules and the dissertation over the course of a maximum of five consecutive academic years. Due to their foundational nature you will be encouraged to complete the ‘Building systems physics’ and ‘Engineered environmental elements’ modules before completing other taught modules. You will be invited to discuss the order in which you complete the remaining modules, to support your studies and agree a programme that builds your knowledge and skills in a coherent manner.

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 Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering.

Fieldwork

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a field trip which will include a mix of workshops, seminars and team building activities, offering a hands-on experience that directly complements the academic content of the programme. These trips provide a unique chance to explore the intricacies of smart buildings and discover the insights behind delivering sustainable designs. You'll visit state-of-the-art sites, engage with industry professionals, and discover how classroom concepts are applied to real-world challenges. Throughout the programme, additional site visits will enable you to observe first-hand how theoretical principles are applied in innovative building projects, deepening your understanding of sustainable practices and equipping you for a successful career in the field.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500 £10,250
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500 £18,250

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

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

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee 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 and meals for fieldwork and site visits outside London that are part of the degree will be provided. Travel costs for optional site visits or fieldwork within the London area (zones 1-6) accessible by public transport are covered by students. Based on site visits that took place last year, it is estimated that the public transport costs for students in 2025-26 will be approximately £40 if you reside in London.

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 £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. 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

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their 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 programme 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 at graduate level Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering
  • why you want to study Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • 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 programme match what the programme will deliver.

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.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

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

bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk

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