Light and Lighting

This MSc is Europe's long-standing specialist graduate lighting programme. It provides a holistic approach to lighting design considering the human response to light and lighting, the science and technology of the subject, together with the design of lighting, as an integrated component of architecture and the built environment.

Students develop an understanding of a wide range of topics associated with the design of the lit environment including lamp and luminaire technologies, the impact of light on architectural form and the human reaction to light. The programme provides a holistic approach to light and lighting so that graduates have both the vision to design beautiful lit environments and the skills necessary to ensure that they are successfully engineered.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (75 credits), one optional module (15 credits), and a light and lighting dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

• Lighting Fundamentals
• Lighting Applied Calculations
• Lighting Research
• Advanced Lighting Design

Optional modules

• Lighting Practice or another appropriate module from any UCL Bartlett MSc programme

Dissertation/research project

All MSc students submit a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic associated with light and lighting in the built environment.

Teaching and learning

The programme has formal elements of lectures and tutorials that are complemented with project work and site visits to study lighting. There are also other visits to laboratories and other facilities associated with the subject. Assessment is through coursework (essays and design projects), written examination and a 15,000-word dissertation.

The normal minimum qualifications are a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. 
A second acceptable qualification is a degree of lower than second-class Bachelor's standard, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in a subject appropriate to the programme, plus extensive background and experience in the field. The latter implies considerable experience as a professional at a senior level. 
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 UCL Bartlett's Graduate Faculty Office.