MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

173

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 31,650 / year

Next Intake September-2026

MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments

About

Build or progress your career in sustainable building design and management with our MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments degree.

This master’s programme is suitable for people from a range of different backgrounds who want to move into the field. It's also ideal for professionals working in the built environment sector who wish to develop their understanding of interdisciplinary design and leadership skills.

Why study MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments at the University of Reading?

Energy underpins our current standard of living and economic development. The environmental impact of energy use and the transition to a lower carbon economy presents significant challenges. Optimum building energy systems are critical to reducing energy consumption. Through this master’s course you will learn how to assess the environmental impact of buildings. You'll also understand how an integrated approach to design, development and management of buildings is critical to a sustainable, resilient built environment.

You’ll explore the fundamental subjects related to environmental design, operation, and management, and learn about the latest theories and research in the field. You will also broaden your knowledge in:

environmental engineering
building design
energy efficiency
management
the application of digital technology
indoor environmental quality and wellbeing.

You’ll acquire key practical skills of analysis and simulation in technical issues in environmental design, engineering and management. You’ll also gain transferable skills through analytical and parametric modelling, using industry applied software tools to address complex issues of real-life events, adaptation and climate change effects.

Accreditation

Our MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments degree is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute. Successful completion of this programme satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Choose the University of Reading

The School of Construction Management and Engineering has a wide-ranging and diverse research agenda that seeks to understand the built environment across the scales, from buildings to neighbourhoods and cities, in a way that addresses societal aspirations relating to the built environment.

Lecturers are involved in research and scholarship, all of which feeds into the teaching you will receive. We also have strong links with industry and we will help you to build your network of contacts during your studies.

The University of Reading is one of the UK’s top-ranking institutions for Building. We’re ranked 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 5th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
96% of our master’s students said they are satisfied with the overall quality of their course (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024, responders from our School of Construction Management and Engineering).
Overall, 92% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 93% are in graduate-level roles (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).
100% of our research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning). 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).
We are ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning. (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

Flexible study options

Our MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments degree is offered as a one-year full-time programme, and as a flexible modular programme that can be taken over two years from September, or over three years from February. It is delivered through intensive residential weeks at our Whiteknights campus in Reading and supported by a professional online learning environment.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (good second class or above). If you have other qualifications and a number of years’ relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

English Program Requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

Career

Careers for MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments graduates

Overall, 92% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 93% are in graduate-level roles (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).

Our MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments degree will enable you to pursue a variety of careers in professional roles, such as urban planning, architectural design, environmental engineering, facilities management, energy assessment, green building assessment and energy policy.

Graduates of our sustainable energy and environmental engineering master's programmes work in firms across the globe, including:

Black & Veach
BWB Consulting Ltd
Cushman and Wakefield
EMO-D
Ignite Energy
Infinite Solutions UK
IRENA
Max Fordham LLP
PowerChina International Group Ltd
Ricardo
Ridge and Partners LLP
Williams Solar Ltd.

This list is derived from Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017/18- 2021/22, MSc Design & Management of Sustainable Built Environment and MSc Renewable Energy: Technology & Sustainability responders © HESA 2020-2024.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 31,650

Application Fee

GBP

How to Apply

1. Check our entry requirements

Please see our postgraduate subject finder for minimum entry requirements for the programme you are interested in; entry requirements can vary from one programme to another. International students can consult our country-specific pages for information and guidance on alternative qualification equivalencies for master’s study.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet our English language requirements. You can find the IELTS requirements on each course page. We also accept a range of alternative English language qualifications.

If your English ability is not at the required standard, you can choose to apply for one of our Pre-sessional English programmes. The programmes will equip you with the study skills and preparation needed for academic study in English. The length of your Pre-sessional English programme is determined by your current level of English against the English language requirements of your chosen master’s programme.

2. Application and funding deadlines

Although most master’s programmes do not formally close for applications, some programmes do have application deadlines; if your programme has a deadline it will be specified on the course page under the ‘Entry requirements’ section. For programmes that do not have a specific application deadline, places may be limited and programmes may become full. We recommend that you apply as early as possible (particularly if you are an international student) to allow time not only for us to process your application, but for you to ensure that you can meet any offer conditions, arrange your accommodation and, importantly, funding for your studies. For admission in September, we do recommend that you apply by 1 August (if you are a UK applicant) and 1 July (if you are an international applicant requiring a visa to come to the UK) however, we are happy to still consider applications after these dates.

International applicants should also see our advice and guidance on visas and immigration.

Funding deadlines

We require an offer of study for many of our master’s scholarships and bursaries. You should check deadlines for applications carefully, and each scholarship or bursary will have specific application instructions. We may add scholarships throughout the year, so it is a good idea to re-visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

3. Submit your application

You can apply for master’s programmes directly through our online application system, RISIS. For our PGCE/Teacher Training programmes, applications must be made via the Department of Education's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training portal. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation.

Various documents are needed to make your application. You should electronically upload:

full transcripts of all degree programmes taken. If these are not in English, a certified translation into English is required. Please do not mail original copies; we only require PDF copies via electronic upload,
an English language certificate (for example IELTS or TOEFL), if English is not your first language (this can also be provided after you submit your application),
contact details for two academic/professional references. Your references will automatically be invited via email to upload their reference directly once you have submitted your application. Please remind your references to check their junk/spam filters for the email and let them know that the link to the form is only valid for 20 days,
statement of purpose. Your personal statement should outline your academic performance, interest in applying to master’s study, any relevant work experience and skills gained,
a copy of your passport (for international students).

Application fee

We do not charge an application fee to apply for our master’s programmes.

4. Track your application

You can track the progress of your application using our applicant portal, Me@Reading, a personalised resource including information about your programme of study, student stories and what's happening here at Reading. It has everything you need to know, all in one place. When we have made a decision on your application, we will contact you via email. If we are able to make you an offer for a place to study, your offer will contain information about what to do next, including how to accept your offer, pay a deposit (if applicable), and any conditions you must meet to study with us.