Engineering for International Development

There is an international need for professionals who can provide sustainable and resilient infrastructure to help alleviate poverty in low- to middle-income countries. This programme will create future engineers who can work in a global context and with the skills and understanding to address the challenges of poverty worldwide.

Students gain understanding of infrastructure design and delivery processes in resource-limited settings, and learn how to mobilise technical expertise to develop solutions with local stakeholders in a global context. The wide range of taught modules also provides opportunity to critically engage with the complexities and ethical dilemmas of working as an engineer internationally.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), a collaborative project (30 credits). three optional modules (45 credits), and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), full-time nine months, part-time two years, flexible up to five years is offered

Core modules

• Appropriate Technologies in Practice
• Collaborative Project International Development
• Engineering and International Development
• Conflict, Humanitarianism and Disaster Risk Reduction

Optional modules

• Students choose a minimum of two* and a maximum of three optional modules from the following (subject to availability):
  Environmental GIS
• Environmental Modelling
• Environmental Systems Engineering
• GIS Principles and Technology
• Natural and Environmental Disasters
• Urban Flooding and Drainage
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• *Students who choose two optional modules may choose one elective module in addition from the following:
  Critical Urbanism Studio I – Learning from Informality: Case Studies and Alternatives
• Critical Urbanism Studio II – Learning from Informality: Investigative Design
• Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities
• Food and the City
• Post Disaster Recovery: Policies, Practicies and Alternatives
• Sustainable Infrastructure and Services in Development
• Urban Water and Sanitation, Planning and Politics
• Clean Energy and Development
• Water and Development in Africa
• Housing as Urbanism
• Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

This programme will be delivered by a selection of taught modules, collaborative project with overseas clients and practical activities, including a site visit to the Centre for Alternative Technologies in Wales. While most of the field trip costs are met by the department, students are required to pay £300 towards the trip which contributes to accommodation and food. Assessment will range from group project presentations, coursework, and examinations to essays and a compulsory dissertation over the last term.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (such as engineering, architecture, geography, urban planning, mathematics) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Normally, however, only candidates with either a first- or upper second-class degree will be accepted, although applicants with a lower second-class degree supported by extensive relevant work experience will also be considered.

The Engineering for International Development program at University College London offers a diverse range of financing options to support prospective students throughout their studies. ICL provides a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages aimed at assisting both domestic and international students in managing the costs associated with their education. The university's scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to development work. For international students, there are specific scholarships such as the Global Excellence Scholarship and the Chevening Scholarship, which provide substantial financial support to help offset tuition fees and living expenses. Additionally, UCL offers partial bursaries and fee waivers for students demonstrating financial need or exceptional promise in the field of engineering and development.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government-sponsored grants, development agency scholarships, and private foundations that support international development education. The university also provides guidance and resources to help applicants identify suitable funding opportunities and prepare compelling scholarship applications. For those who require financial assistance during their studies, UCL offers access to various loan schemes and part-time work opportunities, allowing students to supplement their income while gaining valuable experience. The university’s Career Services and Student Support teams are dedicated to assisting students in financial planning and management throughout their academic journey.

It is important for prospective students to check the specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each funding option, as these can vary annually. The program’s cost structure, including tuition fees, estimated living expenses, and additional costs for fieldwork or research activities, is detailed on the university’s official website. Early planning and application for available funding opportunities are strongly recommended to secure the necessary financial support. Overall, UCL strives to make the Engineering for International Development program accessible to students from diverse backgrounds by providing comprehensive financial aid packages and fostering partnerships with funding bodies dedicated to supporting education in development engineering.

The MSc Engineering for International Development at University College London (UCL) is a interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address challenges faced by developing countries. This program focuses on sustainable engineering solutions, emphasizing social impact, environmental considerations, and economic development. It aims to prepare graduates who can work effectively in diverse international contexts, contributing to the design, implementation, and management of engineering projects that foster development, resilience, and social equity. The curriculum typically covers core engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, but tailored toward applications in infrastructure, renewable energy, water supply, sanitation, and urban development in emerging economies. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, often collaborating with industry partners and development organizations to gain practical experience. The program encourages critical thinking about the social, cultural, and political factors influencing engineering projects in developing regions. Graduates are expected to pursue careers in international development agencies, NGOs, consultancy firms, or government bodies involved in infrastructure projects, working towards improving quality of life and supporting sustainable growth. The program combines lectures, seminars, project work, and field visits, promoting an active learning environment. Entry requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree, proficiency in English, and relevant work or research experience. UCL’s location in London provides access to a global hub of engineering research, international organizations, and development agencies, enhancing opportunities for networking and collaboration. Overall, the MSc Engineering for International Development prepares students to become innovative and socially responsible engineering professionals committed to making a positive impact in developing countries worldwide.