Discover the future of sustainability with a PhD at the world’s #1 university for Built Environment studies

Globally, we need to rise to the challenges of the climate crisis and create a more sustainable, equitable world.

At the Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, University College London (UCL), we believe a better future is possible.

Located in London, we are home to four leading research institutes with a mission to create sustainable solutions for people and planet across the built environment, energy, environmental design and engineering, sustainable resources and sustainable heritage.

We are ranked #1 in the world for Built Environment studies according to the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024. Within our faculty 91% of research has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ (REF 2021).

We bring together researchers from a range of academic backgrounds to address the complex global challenges of sustainability, and Our MPhil/PhD students work alongside our academic teams to create impactful research.

UCL Energy Institute

Most energy problems are multidisciplinary in nature, spanning science, engineering and the social sciences. We bring together different perspectives in energy demand, energy supply, and energy systems research, transcending boundaries between academic disciplines to create world-leading research on the challenges of climate change, energy security, and social justice.

Find out more about our Energy MPhil/PhD

UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources

We provide interdisciplinary evidence, expertise and training to respond to climate change and support sustainable transitions for people and planet. Our strong links with industry, policymakers and other academic institutions provide an excellent foundation for PhD study. Our PhD students work on a range of research projects relating to the sustainable use of the world’s resources – including energy, food, minerals and ecosystems.

Find out more about our Sustainable Resources MPhil/PhD

UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering

We pursue a deeper understanding of the interactions between the built environment and human wellbeing, health, productivity, energy use and climate change. Our multidisciplinary research programme and strong industry links provide an excellent foundation for MPhil/PhD study.

Find out more about our Environmental Design and Engineering PhD

UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage

We study the management and conversation of heritage, and explore how heritage can be a catalyst for social, economic, and environmental sustainable development. These ideas have quickly gained recognition and value in the worlds of management, physical and natural sciences and the heritage sector. Our research delivers sustainable solutions to real-world problems concerning heritage, and we work with external partners on ground-breaking, cross-disciplinary research and innovative teaching for future heritage leaders.

Find out more about our Sustainable Heritage MPhil/PhD