Program Overview

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Net Zero Building Services Engineering MSc

The Net Zero Building Services Engineering MSc programme at Loughborough University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to design, consult on, and commission energy-efficient buildings using the latest technology. The programme covers a broad range of topics, including low-energy building design, digital twins, HVAC systems, and more.

Qualification(s) available: MSc

• Fees: Dependent on start date.
• Scholarships available
• Entry requirements: 2:2 (55%)
• Full-time: 1 year or 2 years with placement
• Part-time: Not available
• Location: Loughborough
• Start date: October 2025 or October 2026
• Department: Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering

Programme Overview

This programme explores different processes of tackling climate change through sustainable and low-energy heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) design. The programme aims to create a new generation of building services engineers who can use their knowledge of new technologies to improve the energy performance of buildings and the wellbeing of occupants.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Grow fundamental skills: Develop confidence in communication, information technology, creative problem-solving, numeracy, mathematics, critical appraisal, teamwork, and managing workloads.
• Learn from experts: As an integrated school, the university provides decades of experience and strong industry connections, ensuring a top-quality education.
• Gain practical skills: Build hands-on knowledge in low-energy building design, digital twins, HVAC systems, and more. Explore innovative programming and coding skills using software such as IES, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Python.
• Create effective networking skills: Connect with professionals from leading companies and organisations in the UK or overseas, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

What You'll Study

The programme includes the following modules:

• Semester 1:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Wellbeing and Indoor Environment (15 credits)
    • Building Thermal Loads and Systems (15 credits)
    • Thermal Modelling and 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) (15 credits)
    • Research Methods (15 credits)
    • Work-Based Research Project
• Semester 2:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Electrical Systems: Buildings and Renewable Energy (15 credits)
    • Building Energy Supply Systems and District Energy Networks (15 credits)
    • Net Zero Building Design (15 credits)
    • Work-Based Research Project
  • Optional module (choose one):
    • Control and Commissioning for Low Energy Buildings (15 credits)
    • Design Management (15 credits)
    • Federated Building Information Modelling (15 credits)
• Summer:
  • Compulsory modules:
    • Work-Based Research Project

How You'll Be Assessed

As you study, you will be required to undertake assignments. There are normally two or three assessments to undertake for each module, parts of which may be practical-based and/or groupwork-based. The weighting of marks differs for each assessment.

How You'll Study

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Group work
• Workshops
• Laboratory work
• Practical sessions

Where You'll Study

The university has recently invested £6 million in building expansion and development, which includes new dedicated study areas and computer resources. You will benefit from access to excellent facilities, including a 3,000 square-metre laboratory and one of the fastest high-performance computing clusters in the UK.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 (55%) honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a subject related to the built environment.
• Membership of a professional institution may be considered in lieu of a degree.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and Funding

• Fees for the 2025 academic year:
  • UK fee: £12,500 Full-time degree per annum
  • International fee: £25,500 Full-time degree per annum
• Fees for the 2026 academic year:
  • UK fee: £12,900 Full-time degree per annum
  • International fee: £26,300 Full-time degree per annum
• The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. There is no fee for the placement year if that option is chosen.
• Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Scholarships and Bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

• 10% off tuition fees: Loughborough University Alumni Bursary
• Up to 20% off tuition fees: Excellence Scholarship
• Master's degree funding

Your Development

The Net Zero Building Services Engineering MSc will equip you with the skills to revolutionise the built environment. You'll learn to design energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings, and develop the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle real-world challenges.

Your Future Career

Explore the breadth of career opportunities available with an Net Zero Building Services Engineering MSc degree. The programme focuses on energy efficiency, sustainability, and related areas, providing you with a strong foundation for successful careers.

• High earning potential: Engineers enjoy top starting salaries, and Chartered Engineers (CEng) earn even more.
• Excellent job prospects: Strong industry connections lead to great employment rates. Previous students embarked on careers with Arup, Atkins, Cundall, Foster & Partners, Hoare Lea, and Pick Everard, to name a few.
• Career including placement support: The university’s award-winning Careers Network offers workshops, advice, and talks to help you succeed.
• Networking opportunities: Attend the School's Careers Fair in the first semester to connect with industry partners and explore diverse roles - the largest built environment careers fair in any UK university!
• Extensive research opportunities: Continue your studies by pursuing PhD research in net zero and smart buildings.
• Prize opportunities: Achieve industry prizes for best overall student and through design and research projects from various industry partners such as AECOM, Vexo International, and ASHRAE UK.

Related Master's Degrees

• Civil Engineering MSc
• Construction Management MSc
• Construction Project Management MSc
• Construction Project Management with Building Information Modelling MSc
• Sustainable Water and Climate Resilience MSc

Our Academics

The programme is led by a team of experienced academics, including:

• Dr David Allinson, Reader in Building Physics
• Professor Malcolm Cook, Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Building Performance Analysis
• Professor Mahroo Eftekhari, Programme Director
• Dr Steven Firth, Reader in Building Performance Modelling
• Professor Richard Buswell, Professor of Building Energy Systems
• Professor Jonathan Wright, Professor of Building Optimisation

Professional Recognition

The Net Zero Building Services Engineering MSc programme is professionally recognised by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and The Energy Institute, allowing graduates to accelerate their career path and become Chartered Engineers (CEng).