Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ

program detail

Home > Study in UK > Birmingham City University - City Centre Campus > Masters by Research in Built Environment (MRes)

Masters by Research in Built Environment (MRes) Birmingham City University - City Centre Campus Birmingham City University - City Centre Campus, UK

Application icon

GBP 18600

Annual Tuition Fee

!
*Subject to change and other fees
Application icon

 Free

Application Fee

Duration icon

12 months

Duration

Duration icon

6.5

IELTS

Duration icon

88

TOEFL

Duration icon

55%

Min GPA

Program 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.

Throughout the course, you will engage in advanced research methods, from developing initial research ideas and proposals to applying contemporary research philosophies and methodologies. This process is designed to prepare you for further doctoral-level study, publishing your research, or demonstrating the skills required for a career in the built environment sector. You will also have the opportunity to specialise in a chosen area within the built environment, benefiting from the multidisciplinary expertise of our research team.

The MRes in Built Environment course is structured to provide a balance of independent research and taught elements, ensuring a rigorous research-focused experience. Central to the course is a major research thesis, where you will undertake a substantial independent research project within a specific area of the built environment. This thesis is subject to examination by an external examiner, maintaining the high academic standards expected of research degrees. In addition to the thesis, you will engage in taught elements that provide essential research training, with the opportunity to specialise in areas aligned with your research topic. These taught modules are designed to support the development of your research skills and are tailored to the specialism you choose to pursue in your thesis. The course is ideal for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds, including architecture, construction management, surveying, planning, real estate, engineering, and other built environment disciplines.

Key areas of focus include advanced research methodology, data analysis, and the development of independent research skills within a specific area of the built environment. The majority of the course is dedicated to conducting original research under the guidance of experienced supervisors, allowing you to focus deeply on a specialised topic. While some structured learning on research methods is included, the emphasis is on autonomous research, enabling you to engage critically with your chosen field. You will also develop essential skills in presenting your findings through professional outputs such as conference papers, grant proposals, and peer-reviewed journal articles. This approach ensures that you gain expertise in both your subject area and the research process, preparing you for successful careers in academia, research, or industry.

With a growing demand for skilled researchers in the built environment, this MRes course prepares you to make meaningful contributions to the sector, while also supporting your professional development and employability. You will have access to the College’s extensive industry networks and research groups, providing valuable opportunities to work with external partners and enhance your future career prospects.

What's covered in this course?

  • 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.
  • Application of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies using industry-relevant tools and analytical techniques.
  • Two specialist taught modules aligned with your research focus—examples include sustainable design, innovation in construction, BIM process and practice, or project management methods.
  • Access to the Colleges strong research groups and their networks to enhance industry collaboration.
Read more

Additional Information

Program Level Master by Research

College/University Processing Time 56 Days

Program Format Full-Time

Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) work permit

Program Intake

Open

Sep 2026

Closed

Jan 2026

General Admission Requirement

    Academic Requirement

    • Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted for this program, students must have a Bachelor's Degree.

    6.5 IELTS Score
    88 TOEFL Score Minimum Overall Score
    64 PTE Score Minimum Overall Score
    55% CGPA Minimum Overall Score

    Similar Programs

    Tuition Fee

    The values given below are estimated figures, excluding extra charges like material fee, student activity fees, athletic fees, health care, etc., for courses. To know more, please visit the page.

    Average Tuition Fee Per Year

    18600

    Tuition Fee
    (GBP)

     Free

    Application Fee
    (GBP)

    10224 Per year

    Average Cost of Living
    (GBP)

    info icon

    The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

    for more information about funding options.

    Scholarships

    Undergraduate Scholarships 2026

    BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in January or September 2026.

    The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount of £3,000 in year one and £2,000 in year two. 

    There are no extra forms to fill in – just make your application to study at BCU and leave the rest to us.? 

    To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you will need to: 

    1. Be confirmed as a self-funded international fee payer 
    2. Successfully secure a place on a full-time undergraduate degree course in January or September 2026. 
    3. Enrol at BCU and begin your studies in January or September 2026. 

    Eligible

    The scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate degree courses.

    The following courses are excluded:  

    • Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Acting and Music courses (see details of our )
    • Sub-degree courses, such as foundation year entry, foundation degrees (FdA/FdSc) and HNC/HND
    • Courses delivered by BCU partners () 
    • Fast-track/accelerated degrees
    • Part-time course
    • Professional Practice/CPD courses
    • Short courses (credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing)
    • Apprenticeships
    • Study abroad or exchange programmes
    • Pre-sessional English courses

    Postgraduate Scholarships for January 2026

    BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree

    The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount. 

    There are no extra forms to fill in – just make your application to study at BCU and leave the rest to us.? 

    To be eligible for one of these scholarships, you will need to: 

    1. Be confirmed as a self-funded international fee payer 
    2. Successfully secure a place on a full-time postgraduate degree course

    Eligible

    The scholarship is available for full-time postgraduate degree courses admitting students in January 2026.

    The following courses are excluded:

    • Programmes below Master’s level, e.g., PgDip, PgCert, GradDip
    • Postgraduate research programmes (e.g., MRes, PhD, EdD, DHealth, DSport)
    • MSc Accounting and Finance (Master’s stage top-up)
    • PGCE
    • Courses delivered by BCU partners
    • Part-time courses
    • Professional Practice/CPD courses
    • Short courses (credit-bearing and non-credit-bearing)
    • Distance learning/online courses
    • Study abroad or exchange programmes
    • Pre-sessional English courses

    Not sure what you are looking for?

    Don’t worry, we are here to help.

    Let's Talk

    World class education waiting for you.

    Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

    Province wise Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

    Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

    Study in UK Blogs & Articles

    chat question
    chat question

    Hi there

    How can we help?