MRes Built Environment at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

The Master of Research (MRes) in Built Environment is a flexible and comprehensive research training course designed to provide graduates with the skills and expertise necessary for a career in research, academia, or industry within the built environment sector. This course offers high-quality postgraduate training in research methods and practice, along with the development of transferable skills that will advance your knowledge in areas such as urban design, project management, sustainability, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment | Department: Construction and the Built Environment | Duration: 12 months full-time; 18 months part-time | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: September 2027, January 2028 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Supervised 120-credit MRes thesis, enabling in-depth, original research in a specialist area such as sustainability, urban development, or digital construction. Industry-linked research opportunities and case studies, with potential collaboration across multiple industry sectors. Advanced research methods training, forming a strong foundation for rigorous, independent inquiry within the built environment. Modules include Masters by Research (MRes) Thesis, Integrated Project Delivery, Advanced Quantification, Cost Management, Sustainable Construction, Project Management Methods, Business Management, Commercial Inspection and Reporting.

Career pathways

The MRes in Built Environment is designed not only to advance academic knowledge but also to equip students with the professional competencies highly valued across the built environment sector. Through a focus on independent research, problem-solving, and evidence-based thinking, students develop key transferable skills that enhance their employability in a wide range of roles within industry, consultancy, government, and academia.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:2 UK degree or international equivalent in architecture, architecture technology and planning, or any other construction subject. You are also required to provide a written personal statement and a project proposal. The project proposal should be no more than one side of A4 and outline what you want to explore in your research project and why; please see guidance below for further details. Please note: we are unable to consider any applications submitted without a personal statement and project proposal. Professional Placement option*. The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,400 a year (2026/27). full-time, 12 months; annual tuition for the first year of study; 2027/28 fee to be confirmed, figure is for 2026/27 entry Source

Intake: September 2027, January 2028

Duration: 12 months full-time; 18 months part-time

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