Built Environment — Environmental Design and Engineering

Built Environment — Environmental Design and Engineering at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education focused on the sustainable design, analysis, and operation of the built environment. This programme equips students with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills necessary to address complex challenges related to environmental systems within urban and architectural contexts. Students explore a diverse range of topics including energy and environmental systems, building performance simulation, renewable energy integration, ventilation and air quality, thermal comfort, and sustainable building design. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling learners to develop innovative solutions for creating healthier, more energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible buildings and urban spaces.

Throughout the course, students engage with cutting-edge research and industry practices, working on real-world projects that emphasize sustainability, resilience, and the integration of new technologies. The programme also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to work effectively alongside architects, engineers, planners, and policymakers. With a strong focus on environmental performance, students gain proficiency in computer-based modelling and simulation tools necessary for assessing building and urban environmental impacts. The programme also covers aspects of policy, management, and the economic considerations involved in implementing sustainable design strategies.

Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for careers in building design, consultancy, environmental consultancy, urban planning, and energy management. They possess the knowledge to design and optimize built environments that are environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient, and aligned with current standards and regulations. The programme benefits from UCL's leading research centres and strong links with industry partners, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and exposure to innovative technologies and current best practices in environmental design and engineering. Whether seeking to enhance existing buildings’ performance or develop new sustainable developments, students leave equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of built environment and environmental engineering.

The programme aims to develop students' knowledge and expertise in problem solving in the area of the built environment, and provide a framework for developing innovative thinking in the design and operation of buildings, placing associated environmental issues in a global, national and personal context.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a built environment dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered.

Core modules

• The Built Environment: The Energy Context
• Health, Comfort and Wellbeing in Buildings
• Building Solar Design
• Natural and Mechanical Ventilation of Buildings
• Efficient Building Service Systems
• Methods of Environmental Analysis

Optional modules

• Building Acoustics
• Advanced Building Simulation
• Light, Lighting and Vision in Buildings
• Energy Systems Modelling
• Industrial Symbiosis
• Low Energy Housing Retrofit
• Smart Energy Systems Implementation
• Post Occupancy Evaluation of Buildings
• Multi-objective Design Optimisation
• Introduction to System Dynamics Modelling
• Indoor Air Quality in Buildings

The availability of all optional modules is subject to demand.

Dissertation/report

All MSc students submit a 10,000-word report on a topic related to the main themes of the programme. The topic can be chosen to enhance career development or for its inherent interest.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of interactive seminars, individual and group tutorials, site visits and a residential field trip. Assessment is through unseen examination, coursework, and the built environment report. Joint coursework, including two major low-energy architectural design projects, is carried out by students in multi-disciplinary teams.

Fieldwork

Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips and site visits including a residential trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology in north Wales.

There are no additional cost to students for the field trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology.

The normal minimum qualifications are a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
For applicants without a first degree or full professional membership, but with relevant and substantial work experience in the field, a special qualifying examination may be set. Details of this route can be obtained from the Bartlett's Graduate Faculty Office.

The financing options for the Built Environment — Environmental Design and Engineering program at University College London include a range of supports designed to assist students financially throughout their studies. Prospective students can explore various funding sources, such as government-backed loans, scholarships, and bursaries. The UK government offers undergraduate students access to the Student Loan Company (SLC), which provides competitive loans for tuition fees and maintenance costs, repayable after graduation once earning above a certain threshold. UCL also offers several merit-based scholarships and fee reductions tailored to both domestic and international students, recognizing academic excellence and potential contribution to the university community. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and often do not require repayment. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities, including grants from industry partners, charitable foundations, and professional bodies related to engineering and environmental design sectors. Work placement programs integrated into some of the related courses may also provide part-time work opportunities, helping students meet living expenses while gaining practical experience. UCL's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on applying for these grants and loans, ensuring students are well-informed about their options. International students, in particular, should consider the availability of specific scholarships for overseas students, as well as eligibility for visa sponsorships that include financial support. Moreover, students are generally advised to budget carefully, considering costs such as accommodation, study materials, travel, and personal expenses. The university’s financial planning resources, including workshops and counseling, are available to support students in managing their budgets effectively during their studies. In summary, students admitted to the Built Environment — Environmental Design and Engineering program have access to a variety of financial support mechanisms, designed to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent talented individuals from pursuing their educational goals at UCL.

Built Environment — Environmental Design and Engineering at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and shaping the physical environments we live in. This program combines principles from engineering, architecture, and environmental science to address the challenges of sustainable development, urban resilience, and environmentally conscious design. Students learn to integrate technological solutions with ecological considerations, enabling them to design systems that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and promote healthier living spaces. The curriculum covers topics such as sustainable building design, environmental systems, urban infrastructure, and advanced modelling techniques. The program emphasizes practical problem-solving through laboratory work, computational simulations, and real-world projects, often in collaboration with industry partners. Students gain vital skills in environmental assessment, climate-responsive design, and resource management, preparing them for careers in consulting, engineering, city planning, or research. The program also benefits from UCL’s strong links with industry and research institutions, providing students with networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge developments in environmental engineering. Graduates of this course are equipped to contribute to the development of sustainable built environments worldwide, addressing pressing issues like climate change, urban pollution, and resource depletion. The course provides a rigorous academic foundation, fostering innovative thinking and technical expertise, essential for advancing sustainable solutions in the built environment sector. Overall, it aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to create environmentally responsible and technologically advanced urban spaces. The program is designed to be challenging and comprehensive, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications to prepare graduates for leadership roles in environmental design and engineering fields.