The normal minimum qualifications are an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. If you do not meet this requirement then we will still consider your application if you have any qualification in an appropriate field, in addition to extensive relevant work experience. Please note that in very rare cases, a special qualifying examination may be set. This only applies if the applicant does not meet the 2:1 minimum entry threshold, and their work experience is limited and at a junior level. Details of this route can be obtained from the department at the email address at the bottom of this page.
UCL’s Light and Lighting MSc provides students with the knowledge, expertise, and vision to shape the next generation of daylighting and lighting specialists and research. Through a specialised curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the science, technology, and application of light and daylight, preparing you to become leaders in a rapidly evolving profession.
The course recognises light as a fundamental element of the built environment, influencing architectural quality, human experience, health and wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental performance. You will develop advanced expertise in lighting science, daylighting, visual perception and non-visual effect, lighting technologies, façade and shading systems, and the interaction between light and people in both naturally and artificially illuminated environments. Alongside this specialist knowledge, you will gain a holistic understanding of buildings and urban environments, exploring how light interacts with façade design, energy performance, biodiversity, and other indoor and outdoor environmental quality parameters to create healthier, more inclusive, resilient, and regenerative spaces that support both people and ecosystems.
Through research-led and lab-based teaching, practical applications, and engagement with industry and academic experts, you will learn to integrate scientific evidence with creative and technical approaches to lighting and daylight design. You will develop the skills required to evaluate, communicate, and advocate for the critical role of light and daylight across disciplines, bridging architecture, façade engineering, building physics, environmental design, health, and engineering.
You’ll develop the specialist knowledge and transferable skills valued across the lighting, architecture, engineering, and built environment sectors. The course combines technical expertise with critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making to prepare you for complex challenges. Our research-led curriculum develops your ability to undertake independent investigations, critically evaluate evidence, identify key questions, and translate findings into design solutions. You’ll gain experience with computational modelling, data-driven methods, human-centred design, and interdisciplinary approaches integrating environmental performance, wellbeing, and sustainability. Combining scientific understanding with creative practice, you’ll strengthen your ability to communicate across disciplines and deliver sustainable solutions. Graduates are prepared for careers in lighting design, daylighting, façade and environmental consultancy and research.
This course offers a forward-looking research-led academic foundation for the next generation of lighting professionals.
We have an extensive network of alumni who have been driving change in lighting design, technological development, and research for the past 36 years. Our graduates work in global engineering consultancies, lighting design practices, architectural offices, and luminaire manufacturers. Several have also used the MSc as a foundation for MPhil/PhD research.*