Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments

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.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

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, as well as for professionals such as:

• urban planners
• architects
• building services engineers
• facilities managers
• performance assessors.

Study MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environment at the University of Reading

• 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 6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
• 95% of Construction Management and Engineering master's students are satisfied with their experience overall. (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2023).
• Overall, 89% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, of those in full-time employment, 97% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, 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) and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).
• 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).

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.

Interdisciplinary skills

You’ll explore the fundamental subjects related to environmental design, operation, and management, and gain an understanding of the latest theories and research in the field.

You will also broaden your knowledge in environmental engineering, building design, energy efficiency, and management, along with the application of digital technology and indoor environmental quality and wellbeing.

Flexible study options

Our MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments degree is offered as a one-year full-time programme, or as a flexible modular programme. It is delivered through intensive residential weeks at our Whiteknights campus in Reading campus and supported by a professional online learning environment.

You can study over two years alongside your work commitments, or fast-track your studies with a one-year programme from September. You can also choose to start your studies in February and spread your coursework out over three years.

Choose Reading

We are one of the UK's top-ranking universities for teaching and research in the built environment. We're ranked:

• 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide, 2025
• 6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024.

Information for international students

IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

• Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding