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Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc

London, Bloomsbury

To achieve net zero emissions a new relationship is required between how we produce, supply and consume energy: innovative smart energy technologies and services are crucial. UCL’s Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc gives you the skills and knowledge for a career at the forefront of the smart energy revolution. It focuses on how renewable energy resources can be integrated with the built environment to enable global transformation, ensuring resilience and security of supply and controlling costs. There is a worldwide demand for specialists with deep expertise in this field, whether in business, policy or consultancy. 

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 – 30 May 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

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

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (for example physics or a related physical science, engineering, mathematics, geography, psychology, social science, architecture, planning or economics) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. Applicants with a different degree discipline but a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience are welcome to apply and will be assessed on an individual basis. 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 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


To combat climate change and deliver the transition to zero carbon, we must transform how we generate and use energy. Smart energy has the power to reduce costs, increase reliability and support decarbonisation. There is significant global investment into smart energy, leveraging new technologies and data analytics to innovate energy supply and demand. Around the world a new generation of experts working in business and policy is needed to drive the transition. UCL’s Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc will equip you with an in-depth understanding of energy supply and demand, its smart, flexible operation, and the role of the built environment. 

During your studies you will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of smart energy and the built environment through physical, social and data-driven approaches.
  • Explore the key principles of generation (including renewables), transmission/distribution and energy demand, focusing on buildings. 
  • Discover how new flexible demand can be combined with storage to enable decarbonisation whilst maintaining security of supply and minimising costs.
  • Investigate how individual behaviour and social structural issues impact the energy transition, using insights from social sciences, including behavioural economics, social practice theory, psychology, and anthropology.
  • Master statistical analysis techniques to evaluate smart energy data and understand how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and advanced energy data monitoring and control systems can be implemented in the built environment.
  • Be introduced to programming in Python and how it can be used for data analysis.
  • Learn how to model community energy solutions, exploring the potential of micro-grids to meet local energy needs globally, and examining community energy projects in the UK.
  • Gain hands-on experience by applying your knowledge and skills to real case studies in a stimulating, multidisciplinary environment.
  • Pursue your interests in sustainability, energy, and resources by selecting optional modules covering topics such as new energy business models, urban building energy modelling, clean energy and development, advanced data analytics in the smart built environment, and more smart energy solutions.

Who this course is for

This degree is suited both to recent graduates and early or mid-career professionals looking to expand their skills and knowledge. Energy and the built environment is a multidisciplinary subject, and students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Suitable academic backgrounds include physics and related physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, geography, psychology, social science, architecture, planning, or economics. We also welcome your application if you are coming from a different degree discipline with relevant experience. 

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

What this course will give you

Build your career in innovative sustainable energy solutions 
The Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc is designed to help you develop an exciting career in this rapidly expanding sector. The changes that are taking place globally to decarbonise our energy sector need to accelerate to meet global carbon reduction targets. New technologies need to be complemented by risk management and regulation that supports innovation, driving change whilst protecting the consumer. Investment from governments, businesses and households in clean energy technologies and infrastructure is increasing at a record pace, leading to a growth in investment in grids and energy storage technologies, with households becoming important investors in this area through energy efficiency and low carbon technologies.  

Research-led world-class education
Research is essential to drive innovation in this rapidly changing sector and research skills are required to interpret emerging findings and identify challenges and opportunities. The Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc delivers a cutty-edge course that will bring you up to date with these research skills. You will be taught by leading experts from the UCL Energy Institute who are developing insights, methods and models to solve energy challenges across industry, policy and research. Our faculty, The Bartlett, has been ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024). The Bartlett is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Hands-on learning experience 
Your learning of concepts and theory will be complemented by a focus on applying knowledge to real cases. Working individually and in groups you will address real problems and case studies, including data analysis, modelling and social issues. You will propose technical and social solutions, explore how technologies can be used and their limitations, and develop your skills in an engaging and supportive environment. Assessments in the form of consultancy reports, presentations and writing for the public enable you to develop communication skills to complement your technical and critical thinking skills. 

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

The foundation of your career

96.7% of energy graduates in our department are in work or further studies within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-21). 

The Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc is designed to prepare you for a career in:

  • Energy consultancies
  • Public sector
  • NGOs
  • Energy start-ups
  • Institutions which value expertise in energy and the built environment.

Employers of Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc graduates include Arup, Verco, Nesta, Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative, ABO Wind, OVO Energy, Mace, ZTP Energy Consultancy, CBRE, Greater London Authority and London boroughs, the UK Department for Energy and Net Zero and other roles in Governments around the world. 

Alumni testimonial

"The course has taught me to how to approach the complex interplay of sociotechnical issues involved in decarbonising the built environment. I am more discerning in the interpretation of data. I feel I have a realistic view of the challenges of widespread deployment of technologies key to making the energy transition happen.” - Chris Winters, Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc graduate, Senior Sustainability Officer at London Borough of Camden  

Read more about careers in energy via Chris’ experience as a student ►

Employability

This energy master’s has been developed with employability as a key priority, focusing on skills relevant in the sector. We address both technical and transferable skills, including statistics and data analysis, modelling, communication skills, critical thinking and social sciences. You will be encouraged to develop your own solutions to energy problems through both individual assignments and group work, collaborating with peers. Our research-based curriculum also teaches you how to undertake independent research, identify research questions and design a research programme to answer them, but also how to gather, organise and analyse evidence effectively, strengthening both your critical and your creative thinking skills.

In addition to the core UCL Careers provision, as a student at The Bartlett you will have access to a mix of faculty-wide and department-specific support and activities to bolster your career development. Open across the Faculty, this includes a programme of lively industry panel discussions and interactive workshops, spotlighting the key sectors graduates typically venture into such as construction, consultancy, commercial property and urban planning and development.

Additionally, The Bartlett’s Building a Better Future Consultancy Project will give you a unique opportunity to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to tackle a real world challenge the built environment is grappling with, equipping you with the in-demand skills sought after by employers. Featured organisations in this programme include global consultancies such as BuroHappold, Hoare Lea, AtkinsRealis to burgeoning start-ups and SMEs as well as local councils and not-for-profit organisations such as C40 Cities, Greater London Authority and London authorities.

On a departmental level, you will receive a bespoke provision of practical workshops led by experienced Career Consultants that cover crucial topics of your career planning such as developing your networking skills and how to successfully navigate the job search.

Industry views on the skills offered by this course
Dave Worthington, Managing Director of Verco said: 
“The success of Verco’s mission to provide the solutions that our clients need to transition to net zero emissions within the next decade is largely reliant on the recruitment and development of team members with an exceptional mix of skills and knowledge. This includes a deep understanding of the interrelated nature of buildings and infrastructure and the role of regulatory, technological and behavioural solutions, which aligns well with the scope of this MSc. With many residual challenges to be overcome on the route to net zero, we are looking for individuals with firm foundations on the technical and commercial practicalities of smart energy systems in the built environment which they can then adapt and rapidly evolve in a dynamic market.”

Sonny Masero, Chief Strategy Officer at Evora said: 
"At EVORA Global, the real estate investors and asset managers that we work with see the transition to net zero carbon as their No. 1 environmental, social and governance priority. The pathway to net zero carbon and climate resilience lies in our smarter use of energy so these technical skills in the built environment are something we actively seek out. They enable our clients to have a positive impact with their capital allocations." 

Networking

The Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc aims to help you develop a successful career in the emerging smart energy sector through developing your skills, knowledge and network. We run a careers-oriented seminar series where industry experts speak about their work in consultancies, NGOs, and government agencies. This grounds your learning in real-world applications as well as keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the field. Our growing alumni network is establishing itself to provide an opportunity to learn from previous graduates and seek opportunities. 

Teaching and learning

The course material is connected to the latest developments in research and industry, enabling you to relate and apply your learning to real problems. Lectures, seminars and online content are complemented by an emphasis on learning by doing. You will apply your new knowledge to case studies and problems in workshops and tutorials. You will be familiarised with leading software tools (including Python) through supervised computer lab sessions, and develop detailed insights from case study analysis of the social and societal impacts of smart energy technologies and services. 

The course assessment is designed to help you develop skills and experiences to complement your future career, with assessed presentations, exams and written reports in the styles of academic papers, writing for the public and consultancy reports. Your learning is enhanced by assessment that will not count towards your final grade but will enable you to build skills and receive feedback from your tutors and peers. 

In Terms 1 and 2, you will typically attend eight hours of lectures per teaching week. Most modules also include eight to 10 hours of tutorials, timed to fit in with the most appropriate lecture content. You will also complete assignments to support your studies, undertake assessed coursework and revise for exams. In total you are expected to complete around 120 hours of self-guided study over the duration of each module.

The dissertation module runs in the third term, and you will primarily work independently on this project. You will be supported by a research supervisor, with whom you will typically meet one-to-one, plus benefit from workshops to help you develop key aspects of your work. These hours will be split over Terms 2 and 3.

A Postgraduate Diploma, five compulsory modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits). Full time (nine months), Part-time (two years) and flexible (up to five years) study is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate, four modules (60 credits), Part-time (one year) and flexible (up to two years) study 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 the fundamentals of smart energy, building system performance, society and the energy system, data and statistics and community energy solutions. 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 distributed energy technologies and will have the opportunity to choose three out of ten specialised optional modules depending on your career aspirations, covering a breadth of energy relevant subjects, from data analytics and business models to systems dynamics and urban energy modelling. 

You will take four taught modules in Year 1 and four taught modules and the dissertation in year two. The split of modules across the two years is designed to ensure the course builds upon knowledge and skills in subsequent terms.

In Term 1 of your first year, you will learn about the fundamentals of smart energy, including the performance of buildings, and society and the energy system. The modules provide the foundations for later courses to build upon. In Term 2, you will learn about smart distributed energy technologies and choose your first optional module that aligns to your interests and skills. You may choose from 10 specialised optional modules and will be encouraged to do so in a manner that best supports your studies over the full two years. Available modules cover a breadth of energy relevant subjects, from data analytics and business models to systems dynamics and urban energy modelling.

In Term 1 of your second year, you will be introduced to smart energy data and statistics, and modelling community energy solutions. In Term 2, you will build on your existing knowledge through your final two optional modules. 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 five compulsory modules, three 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 ‘Fundamentals of Smart Energy and the Built Environment’ and ‘Society and the Energy System’ 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.

Your dissertation must be completed after all other modules, but we understand that completing the dissertation can be challenging around work, so will support you in developing ideas and reading the literature early to help manage the work. 

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 Energy and the Built Environment. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Smart Energy and the Built Environment. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Smart Energy and the Built Environment.

Fieldwork

The core module ‘Fundamentals of Smart Energy and the Built Environment’ includes a site visit to help you to put your learnings into the context of a real situation. This will be to either a relevant low-energy development, a retrofit project or laboratory within a day-trip distance of UCL.

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.

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Graduate Open Events: The Bartlett Postgraduate In-Person Open Evening

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Join us for an open evening at The Bartlett. Explore our graduate courses, discuss your options with academic staff, learn about scholarship opportunities and hear from our current students and alumni.

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.

As a student on the Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc you will need to provide your own laptop. A high specification laptop is not required. More information on UCL computing requirements can be accessed here, but do note that we recommend considering a slightly higher specification machine than the UCL minimum recommendation in order to speed up any data analysis you undertake. Laptops are currently available from £200 that meet this specification. No specialist software will need to be purchased.

There is a field trip as a part of the ‘Fundamentals of Smart Energy and the Built Environment’ module and additionally, opportunities may arise to undertake visits to local organisations or attend events. Students will need to pay for travel for all such trips, which is expected to be low cost via local rail. The exact cost of the field trip will depend on the location and the price of travel. It is estimated that as a student you would need to contribute between £50 and £100.

If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment etc on this course, please get in touch with the BSEER Programme Administration team via email (bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk). 

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.

The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in The Bartlett to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK 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: 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

Next steps

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 Smart Energy and the Built Environment  
  • Why you want to study Smart Energy and the Built Environment at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to this course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this 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 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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