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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 equips you with the skills and knowledge for a career at the forefront of the smart energy revolution. It focuses on integrating renewables, storage and smart control of demand to enable global decarbonisation, ensure resilience and security of supply and cut costs. 

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

Applications open

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

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of a 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 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


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. With significant global investment into smart energy, a new generation of experts are needed to drive the transition. 

UCL’s Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc equips you with an in-depth understanding of energy supply and demand, its smart, flexible operation, and the role of the built environment. Our cutting-edge content and multidisciplinary approach aims to enable students both with and without expertise in energy and buildings to learn and develop the key skills to work in this sector.

Course highlights include: 

  • An integrated approach – Learn smart energy fundamentals through physical, social and data-driven methodologies in one comprehensive programme 
  • Real-world application – Gain hands-on experience with actual case studies from across the world and industry-relevant challenges 
  • Technical skills development – Master Python programming, statistical analysis, and modelling 
  • Explore the key principles of generation (including renewables), transmission/distribution and energy demand, focusing on buildings 
  • Innovation in flexibility – Discover how demand response and storage enable decarbonisation while maintaining supply security 
  • Social science integration – Investigate behavioural and structural impacts on energy transition  
  • Community energy solutions – Model micro-grids and examine local energy projects, including case studies 
  • Flexible specialisation – Pursue interests through optional modules covering energy business models, urban building modelling, developing countries and data analytics 
  • Workplace skills – Develop skills that employers are looking for such as programming in Python and data analytics, writing and using Generative AI.

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 field, and students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Prior study of the sector is not required. Suitable academic backgrounds include (but are not limited to) physics and related physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, geography, psychology, social science, architecture, planning and economics. If you would like to find out more, we invite you to get in touch.  

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. Employers need people who understand the energy system, the role of emerging technologies and the needs of their customers and who can use modelling, statistics, programming and social sciences. They also need people with good workplace skills. These are precisely the skills and knowledge we teach. 

A research-led, world-class education 
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 Institute is part of The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources, within the world’s faculty for #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our faculty 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 is be complemented by a focus on applying knowledge to real cases. Working individually and in groups you address real problems and case studies, including data analysis, modelling and social issues. You 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
Making an impact
A photo of the front of 3 houses

Energy use under the microscope

Learn about our new collaborative longitudinal study that will help us understand energy use in real homes as technologies and generation change.

The foundation of your career

100% of Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc graduate were in work or further studies within 15 months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-23).  

The Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc graduates are now in careers in:

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

Employers of energy graduates from our School include AECOM, AMP Clean Energy, Arup, BCR Associates, Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative, E.ON, Environmental Economics, Greater London Authority and London boroughs, Hello Watt, Hoare Lea, Mace, Nesta, Ricardo, Scottish and Southern Elextricity networks, Stantec, Summit Solar, UK Department for Energy and Net Zero, Verco, among others (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-23, LinkedIn). Graduates from overseas have also started roles that use the skills and knowledge they developed on this MSc.

Learn more about careers in energy, including about Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc graduate Amna, who is using her degree to lead national infrastructure and sustainability initiatives in Bahrain.

The course has taught me to how to approach 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.

Photo of Chris Winters

Chris Winters

Smart Energy and the Built Environment MSc graduate, Senior Sustainability Officer at London Borough of Camden

Learn more about Chris' experience

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, using GenAI and social sciences. You are 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. 

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 experts from outside academia 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 becoming established, enabling graduates and current students to learn from each other, share job opportunities and has already demonstrated success. 

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 apply your new knowledge to case studies and problems in workshops and tutorials. You are 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. You also learn through discussion and peer review of group and independent work. 

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. You are also assessed on your supported research via a dissertation. 

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In Term 1 and Term 2 full-time students typically have between 10 and 14 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops, and tutorials. Students then use the remainder of their time (approximately 24 to 28 hours per week) for independent study, focusing on self-directed learning, preparatory reading and coursework.

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

As a full-time student you take eight taught modules across Term 1 and Term 2; four during Term 1 and four during Term 2. 

In Term 1, you 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. You build important skills and expertise by completing modules focussed on smart energy data, statistics and the Internet of Things (IoT), and modelling community energy solutions. 

In Term 2, you gain more specialised and advanced knowledge in distributed energy technologies and will have the opportunity to choose three specialised optional modules depending on your career aspirations. Optional modules cover a breadth of energy relevant subjects, from data analytics and business models to systems dynamics and urban energy modelling.  

In Term 3 and the summer, you will complete your dissertation, having had preparatory tutorials during the previous terms. 

Watch our videos sharing more about each module on YouTube

As a part-time student you take four taught modules in Year 1 and four taught modules and the dissertation in Year 2. 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 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 learn about smart distributed energy technologies and choose your first optional module that aligns to your interests and skills. You may choose from a pool of specialised optional modules and are 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 are introduced to smart energy data and statistics, and modelling community energy solutions. In Term 2, you build on your existing knowledge through your final two optional modules. You are encouraged to start your dissertation research at the start of Year 2, to submit it at the end of the year.  

Watch our videos sharing more about each module on YouTube

You 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 are 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.  

Watch our videos sharing more about each module on YouTube

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

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

Students sitting and talking together on the UCL quad

The UCL Energy Institute is part of The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, home to specialist sustainability-focused institutes. We deliver world-leading teaching, research and policy support on the challenges of climate change and energy security. Our undergraduate, Master’s and PhD degrees empower you to shape the future of sustainable energy systems.

Find out more

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

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

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

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

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

Additional costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 up to £100 over the year. 

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

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

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

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 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 courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

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

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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