The University of Reading is one of the top-ranking universities in the UK for teaching and research in the built environment. We are also The Times & The Sunday Times Sustainable University of the Year 2025.
Joint 6th highest ranking UK university for Architecture and Built Environment
(QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024, ranked 51-100 overall)
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)
100% of our research 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)
Discover our master's courses
All of our master's courses are accredited by at least one professional body. We have a strong track record of active engagement with professions permeating all our courses. You can be confident that your learning is professionally relevant and of a high standard.
Funding support for your studies
A variety of funding support is available to our master’s students. Find out more about the scholarships we offer.
Sustainable Energy, Environment and Engineering
Ideal location
Reading is in a prime location in the South East of England, just 23 minutes from London by fast train and with excellent transport connections to airports and transport hubs.
Reading is a global town: a centre of innovation, cultural diversity, creativity, and technology. It is in the top 10 UK cities for good economic growth (DEMOS-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index, May 2023 report) and is a major digital tech hub in the UK, providing a wealth of career opportunities for our students.
International organisations have long been located here and the University’s Thames Valley Science Park is home to big names in the arts, creative and heritage industries.
International community
The School of the Built Environment is a connected and inclusive global community. Since 2019, we have welcomed students from over 70 countries and our staff have also joined from around the world.
Our academics draw on their wide-ranging expertise and international experience to enrich their teaching and research activities and many are engaged in international research projects or working to influence policy around the globe.
Our community encompasses our extensive alumni network, our international partnerships with multinational firms, and the University of Reading’s Malaysia campus, creating a stimulating learning environment.
I really liked the fact that the MSc had a strong connection with the industry, which meant that we constantly used industrial reports in our learning and had lectures from professionals in the industry. I especially enjoyed going on site visits, where I got to see how the technologies I learned in the classroom were implemented on an industrial scale.
Tracy Tunge, MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability
