The MSc Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering course at UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering guides students in designing buildings with digital software, including EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder.

The world is rapidly evolving, and so are our buildings. With advancements in digital tools for building performance analysis and technologies like the Internet of Things, we now have unparalleled data insights and tools to innovate how buildings are designed and operated.

This course provides a forward-looking perspective on the digital transformation of Building Services Engineering, emphasising sustainable building design and the creation of smarter, more efficient buildings that prioritise occupant wellbeing.

School: UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering
Course: Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc
Type: Postgraduate
Location: London, Bloomsbury
Course dates: start date September 2026
Application deadline: 26 June 2026 for applicants who require a visa, 28 August 2026 for applicants who do not require a visa

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Deploy machine learning techniques to enhance building operations and facilitate the low carbon transition
– Utilise Python to apply advanced analytical methods to support data-driven decision-making in building design and operation
– Apply modelling techniques to digitalise building systems and optimise their operation as part of an integrated system that includes the building fabric, interior spaces, occupants, services and controls
– Use industry-standard tools such as EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder, and become familiar with advanced modelling languages

What are the requirements?

A second-class or higher UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (such as engineering or physics), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, is required.

What facilities and resources are available?

– Specialist built environment library and state-of-the-art study spaces
– UCL Student Centre – an example of environmental design and engineering in action, with an "excellent" BREEAM sustainability rating
– Students can become members of CIBSE and participate in various activities, including career events, to enhance professional development
– Students also have the chance to join ASHRAE, a global professional organisation for heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning engineers, and participate in the ASHRAE UCL student branch

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

The digital transformation of our built environment is creating high demand globally for engineering graduates with the knowledge and skills acquired in this course.

With the Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc, you'll be an ideal candidate for specialist roles in digitally focused companies that provide engineering, design, planning and consulting services.

Potential job titles include building services engineer, smart building consultant, building energy analyst, sustainability consultant, building physics engineer, building energy performance modeller, building systems engineer, facility and operations manager, research analyst (in low carbon buildings), energy consultant, and digital buildings engineer.

Dezeen Courses

Dezeen Courses is a service from Dezeen that provides details of architecture, interiors and design courses around the world. Click here for more information.