Future Infrastructure and Built Environment at the University of Cambridge is a cutting-edge programme designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills necessary to address the complex challenges of modern infrastructure and urban development. This interdisciplinary course integrates principles of engineering, architecture, environmental science, and urban planning to prepare graduates for innovative solutions that promote sustainable, resilient, and smart urban spaces. Throughout the programme, students will explore topics such as sustainable construction practices, innovative materials, digital infrastructure, renewable energy integration, transportation systems, and smart city technologies. The curriculum emphasizes research-led learning, encouraging students to engage with current industry challenges through projects, collaborations with industry partners, and fieldwork. The course aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills, equipping graduates for careers in designing, managing, and enhancing infrastructure systems that serve society's evolving needs. Mastery of cutting-edge digital tools, simulation software, and data analytics will also be a core component, enabling students to analyze and optimize built environment projects efficiently. The programme fosters a multidisciplinary approach, drawing expertise from renowned faculty across engineering, architecture, and environmental sciences, and promotes collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. Offering a rigorous academic experience within Cambridge’s vibrant scholarly community, the programme prepares students for impactful careers in public and private sectors, research, or further academic pursuits. Graduates will be positioned to contribute to pioneering projects that shape sustainable, smart, and resilient urban environments worldwide, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

The MRes course is a mix of core and elective modules (some offered by other Departments), group activity, presentations, project reports and a MRes dissertation.  The taught and research training elements are aimed at providing research practice training at 1st year PhD level, and occur in the Michaelmas and Lent terms. Written examinations will take place at the start of the Easter Term, after which work on the MRes dissertation starts.

Students will also be given extensive transferable skills and professional development training, including professional panel sessions, multi-disciplinary masterclasses, and will participate in an Introduction to Entrepreneurship course.

Successful MRes students will then proceed to a three-year programme of supervised doctoral research, during which time they will continue to be supported by the CDT. They will maintain participation in CDT seminars, conferences and outreach activities, to attend the expert panel events, and to participate in the CDT industry forum.

The numbers given below reflect the MRes year only, unless otherwise specified.

Placements

With University permission, there may be an opportunity in the third year of the course (second year of the PhD programme) for students to undertake an industrial or academic placement.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive reports at least termly on the Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System. They will receive comments on items of coursework, and will have access to a University supervisor for their dissertation. All students will also have personal access to the Course Director and the other staff delivering the course.

Assessment

Thesis

A major part of the MRes assessment is a dissertation of up to 12,000 words. Students will be required to give a presentation on their research after submission.

At the end of the second year of the degree (the first year of the PhD programme), students will be required to submit a report of 10,000 to 15,000.

The doctoral dissertation must be submitted by the end of the fourth year (the third year of the PhD programme) and must not exceed 65,000 words. A compulsory viva voce examination will follow thesis submission.

Essays

During the MRes year, all students will be required to complete a concise desktop study of 2,000 words, to engage in a group project which will be assessed through the writing of a report, and to complete an individual mini-project of up to 5,000 words. Additionally, some of the taught modules will be assessed through coursework, and others through a combination of coursework and written examination.

Written examination

Some of the taught MRes modules will be assessed through written examination, and others by a combination of coursework and written examination.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• CV/Resumé
• Personal Reference

The financing options for the Master's degree in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment at the University of Cambridge are designed to support students through various funding sources. Tuition fees are applicable for all enrolled students and vary depending on the student's residence status; international students generally pay higher fees than UK residents. The exact fee amounts are published annually on the university's official website and cover access to lectures, seminars, and research facilities.

Students are encouraged to explore scholarships and bursaries offered by the university, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. The Cambridge Trust provides a range of funding opportunities for graduate students, including competitive scholarships that are awarded based on academic excellence and potential contribution to the field of infrastructure and environmental studies. Additionally, there are department-specific scholarships and awards that are available to ensure financial support for deserving students.

Apart from university-specific funding, students can also consider external funding options. Many governments and private organizations offer grants, fellowships, and loans for international students pursuing postgraduate degrees at prestigious institutions like Cambridge. Prospective students should research these options early in their application process to ensure eligibility and to meet application deadlines.

The university also provides guidance on financial planning and management through dedicated student support services. These services include information on part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus, which can provide supplementary income during the course duration. International students are often permitted to work a limited number of hours per week under visa regulations, offering additional financial flexibility.

Loan schemes are available in some countries for students studying abroad, and students are advised to consult their local educational authorities or financial institutions for details on borrowing options. Cambridge's postgraduate finance team is available to assist students in navigating these options, helping them create a feasible financial plan and access available resources.

In conclusion, financing the Master’s programme in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment involves a combination of university tuition fees, scholarships, external funding sources, and potential part-time work opportunities. Early planning and applying for multiple funding sources can greatly ease the financial burden and allow students to focus on their academic and professional development.

The MSc in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment at the University of Cambridge is a multidisciplinary programme designed to prepare students for the evolving challenges of designing, constructing, and managing the urban and rural built environment in the context of technological, environmental, and societal change. This innovative course combines principles from engineering, architecture, urban planning, and environmental science to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems. Emphasizing cutting-edge research and practical application, the programme aims to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for advancing future infrastructure development.

Students learn about sustainable construction practices, smart infrastructure technologies, climate resilience, and the integration of new materials and digital tools into infrastructure projects. The curriculum often includes modules on urban sustainability, transport systems, energy efficiency, digital infrastructure, and policy frameworks. Collaborative projects and internships form an integral part of the course, providing hands-on experience and fostering teamwork with industry stakeholders.

The programme attracts graduates from diverse backgrounds including engineering, planning, architecture, environmental science, and computer science, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to complex infrastructure issues. Faculty members are leading experts in their fields, involved in pioneering research that informs teaching and policy recommendations. The course prepares students for careers in consultancy, government agencies, infrastructure development firms, research institutions, and academia, contributing to shaping resilient, sustainable, and innovative infrastructure solutions that meet the demands of the 21st century and beyond. The university’s strong network of industry partnerships and its emphasis on research-led teaching make it a compelling choice for individuals committed to advancing future infrastructure and built environment projects worldwide.