Loughborough University

What you'll study

This programme blends engineering fundamentals with specialist modules focused on achieving net zero for buildings. Core themes include thermofluid systems, low‑carbon heating and cooling, renewable technologies, building fabric performance, energy systems integration and whole‑building energy and carbon modelling. You will study both the theory and practical application of building services — from component selection and control strategies to system commissioning, performance verification and lifecycle carbon accounting.

Typical taught modules cover topics such as:

• Low‑Carbon Heating, Cooling and Ventilation — principles and design of heat pumps, low‑temperature distribution, demand‑controlled ventilation and hybrid systems.
• Building Energy Modelling and Simulation — dynamic thermal simulation, energy forecasting, daylighting and indoor environmental quality modelling using industry tools.
• Renewable and Decentralised Energy Systems — integration of photovoltaics, solar thermal, biomass and energy storage at building and district scales.
• Controls, Automation and Smart Buildings — control strategies, BMS integration, sensors, data analytics and fault detection for optimising performance.
• Fabric First Design and Building Physics — insulation, airtightness, thermal bridging, moisture risk and retrofit approaches for existing stock.
• Whole‑Life Carbon and Sustainability Assessment — embodied carbon assessment, operational carbon reduction strategies, standards and reporting frameworks.
• Professional Practice and Project Management — procurement, delivery routes, regulatory compliance and multidisciplinary collaboration.

The programme typically includes laboratory sessions, computer‑based simulation workshops, and a substantial individual research or design project that allows you to apply techniques to real building case studies or industry challenges.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree in engineering, building services, mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a degree in environmental science, physics or architecture who can demonstrate strong numerical and technical ability, and relevant professional experience, are also considered.

Typical entry will require evidence of a sound grounding in thermofluids, heat transfer, and basic building services principles. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University’s standard English language requirement. Professional experience in industry, internships or project work is advantageous and can be taken into account during assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates from this MSc go on to roles across consulting engineering practices, building services design teams, energy consultancies, facilities management and sustainable construction companies. Common job titles include Building Services Engineer, Energy Modeller, Low‑Carbon Systems Engineer, Commissioning Engineer, Retrofit Coordinator and Building Performance Analyst.

Alumni also work in policy and regulation, advising local authorities or national bodies on building decarbonisation pathways, or join manufacturers and technology providers developing heat pumps, controls and energy‑saving products. The combination of technical design skills and whole‑life carbon understanding equips graduates for both technical lead roles and multidisciplinary project leadership focused on net zero outcomes.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough has a strong engineering heritage and an applied research culture with close links to industry, which benefits students through industry‑led projects, guest lectures and placement opportunities. The University offers well‑equipped laboratories and specialist facilities for thermo‑fluid testing, HVAC systems and controls, alongside access to building performance and energy simulation resources.

Students on this programme benefit from teaching delivered by academics active in research on sustainable buildings and building services, and from collaborations with external partners across construction, energy and consultancy sectors. The department’s emphasis on practical, industry‑relevant training helps prepare graduates to deliver measurable carbon reductions in real buildings and to meet the evolving technical and regulatory challenges of net zero construction and retrofit.