Health Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings

The MSc in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at University College London (UCL) is a pioneering postgraduate programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, wellbeing, and sustainability in the built environment. This interdisciplinary course combines principles from architecture, environmental design, public health, and sustainability to prepare graduates for careers that impact the quality of indoor and outdoor spaces in various settings. Throughout the programme, students explore the relationship between building design and human health, investigating how sustainable practices can improve wellbeing while reducing environmental impact. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including sustainable building materials, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, urban design, and public health policies. Students benefit from engaging in both theoretical studies and practical projects, collaborating with industry professionals and research groups to develop innovative solutions. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and hands-on experience, enabling graduates to contribute effectively to the development of healthier, more sustainable environments. Whether aiming to work in architecture, urban planning, environmental consultancy, or public health sectors, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the field. The institution’s strong links with industry and research excellence ensure that students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the sector. Graduates of this programme are equipped to influence policy, innovate in sustainable design, and lead initiatives that promote health and wellbeing in communities worldwide. This course reflects UCL’s commitment to advancing sustainable development and improving quality of life through intelligent design and environmental stewardship.

Students will focus on the role of the built environment in health and wellbeing within the context of the sustainability agenda; key design, engineering and public health principles; practical tools applicable in professional practice to sustainably support health and wellbeing in buildings; relevant benchmarking, modelling and monitoring methods; and approaches to creating a business case for healthy and productive buildings.

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 report (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered. The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits).

Core modules

• Health, Comfort and Wellbeing in the Built Environment
• Health and Wellbeing in Cities: Theory and Practice
• Indoor Air Quality in Buildings
• Integrated Building Design for Health, Comfort and Wellbeing
• Methods of Environmental Analysis
• Wellbeing in Buildings: Theory and Practice

Optional modules

Students choose two of the following:

• Building Acoustics
• Designing Inclusive Places
• Light, Lighting and Wellbeing in Buildings

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project culminating in a 10,000-word report.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, interactive workshops, tutorials and lab demos. Assessment is through coursework, design reports, written examinations and a dissertation.

Normally a second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. architecture, engineering, physics and other relevant disciplines such as built environment or public health) is required, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
For applicants without a first degree, but with relevant and substantial work experience in the field, a special qualifying examination may be set. Details may be obtained by contacting the Bartlett’s Graduate Faculty Office.

Funding options for the Health Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings postgraduate programmes at University College London (UCL) are diverse and designed to support students from various backgrounds. Prospective students can explore a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid opportunities to help finance their studies. UCL offers several merit-based scholarships for outstanding applicants, which typically do not require repayment. These include departmental awards, prestige scholarships, and access grants aimed at promoting diversity and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, many students finance their studies through government-funded student loans, which offer favorable repayment terms and are accessible to UK and EU students meeting residency criteria. International students may have access to specific scholarships or funding from their home countries; it is advisable to consult the UCL website for detailed information on available international funding options. Some students also consider external funding sources such as industry-sponsored scholarships, philanthropic foundations, or private bursaries dedicated to sustainability, health, and building sectors.

UCL has partnerships with various organizations that offer sponsorships or internships, providing financial support and practical experience. There are also occasional competitions and awards linked to sustainability and healthcare innovation, which can provide additional funding opportunities. It is recommended that students apply early and thoroughly research eligibility criteria and application deadlines for each funding source. Additionally, students may choose to finance their studies through part-time work or assistantship roles, which can offer practical experience alongside financial support, subject to visa regulations for international students. The university’s financial aid office and program-specific administrators can provide tailored guidance on application procedures and eligibility requirements. Overall, students are encouraged to explore a combination of scholarships, loans, external funding, and personal savings to effectively cover tuition fees and living costs associated with the Health Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings programme.

The MSc in Health, Wellbeing and Sustainable Buildings at University College London is an innovative postgraduate programme designed to address the intersection of health, environmental sustainability, and architectural design. This programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how built environments influence human health and wellbeing, as well as their role in fostering sustainable development. Students explore a multidisciplinary approach, integrating principles from architecture, environmental science, public health, and urban planning. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based design strategies that promote healthier indoor and outdoor environments, reducing the environmental footprint of buildings, and enhancing overall quality of life.

Throughout the programme, students engage in rigorous coursework covering topics such as sustainable building materials and technologies, indoor environmental quality, natural and green spaces in urban settings, health impact assessments, and policy frameworks supporting sustainable development. Practical skills are developed through design studios, case studies, and collaborative projects with industry partners. The programme also encourages research and innovation in the development of smart, energy-efficient, and health-promoting built environments. Graduates will be prepared to work in multidisciplinary teams across sectors such as architecture, urban planning, public health, environmental consulting, and policy making.

The programme benefits from UCL’s strong focus on research-led teaching, collaborating with leading experts in health sciences, engineering, and urban design. Furthermore, students can access a range of labs, workshops, and digital fabrication facilities to support their practical work. The duration of the course is typically one year full-time or two years part-time, allowing flexibility for working professionals. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree and proficiency in English. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to contribute to creating sustainable, healthy, and resilient built environments worldwide, supporting global efforts toward healthier populations and sustainable urban development.