This course aims to provide a broad basis of advanced understanding in the technological areas of building services and energy engineering, with particular emphasis on those areas that are relevant to the interaction between the built and natural environments, modern industry, and the analysis of developing technologies.

The course is based in what was formerly the National College for Heating Ventilation and Refrigeration Engineering and the Centre for Energy Studies, and maintains extremely strong links with all areas of the associated industries. Many of the leaders in energy and building services engineering fields are former LSBU students and lend much support in guidance and industrial collaboration, placement and employment.

The course provides a practitioner perspective with which we analyse building energy requirements in terms of the external environment and internal space, and the effect on energy resources. We consider the principles and analyse associated building engineering systems to understand control, simulation and modelling techniques. As well as the core engineering skills, appropriate areas of management and research methods are studied to provide a balance foundation for the specialist units. The MSc dissertation provides an opportunity to develop further research skills by application to problems that require in-depth and innovative thinking. 

The course is delivered through a dedicated website (www.mscbse.co.uk) that provides access to learning materials 24/7 worldwide, and supports a variety of methods of communication and social interaction. These include discussion forums, chat rooms, video-conferencing, group wikis and personal blogs. Our aim is to create a supportive, online learning community. 

Course modules

An indicative list of topics covered on this course are:

• Thermal environment, acoustics and lighting
• Heating and energy in buildings
• Energy resource and use analysis
• Electrical power
• Sustainable refrigeration
• Ventilation and air conditioning
• Energy engineering project

Employability and academic progression

Employment prospects are excellent as in the UK, Europe and worldwide the demand for building services engineers continues to outstrip supply. Successful students enter various roles including building services design, management of construction projects, and operation of complex installations.

This course is approved by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) as further learning to meet the academic requirements of becoming a Chartered Engineer (with a suitable first degree).

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• mentoring and work shadowing schemes.