What if your studies could shape the world around you and the lives within it? For instance, you could help transform the Resus Unit at Manchester Royal Infirmary hospital or teach the next generation of architects at the Architectural Institute in Mumbai. These are just two of the many possibilities that open up when you begin a built environment degree with the University of Salford’s School of Science, Engineering and Environment.
Salford makes this possible by fusing world-class teaching and facilities with industry collaborations. You’ll be learning with experts and peers from all over the world, with diverse experiences that will broaden your perspective.
Located in Manchester — the UK’s largest property and construction market outside London —you’ll be perfectly positioned to turn learning into lasting impact.
What’s on campus is just as enriching. Through the Energy House Labs and UPRISE, Salford’s immersive, idea-rich environment, has equipped many students to shape the future of this dynamic field.
Inside the award-winning facilities shaping cities and homes
Salford is at the forefront of global innovation in the built environment, where cutting-edge research meets real-world impact. At the heart of this is Energy House 2.0, a truly world-first facility that is transforming how we live. Imagine stepping into two full-sized, early 20th-century terraced houses with climate chambers where you can summon snowstorms, tropical heatwaves, or torrential rain at the push of a button. From testing electrical heating systems to building net-zero homes, the discoveries made here are already reshaping the way we build and power UK homes, making them greener, smarter, and more sustainable.
Another example of Salford’s pioneering research is the Centre for Urban Processing, Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Built Environment (UPRISE). This multidisciplinary research centre is driving progress in how we design, build, and experience our cities on a local and global level. Core research areas include Building Information Modelling (BIM), simulation technologies, and smart and connected homes and energy systems. Researchers here are already making a difference globally; for example, they have helped communities in Sri Lanka better prepare for natural disasters.
Salford gives you a real advantage by investing in facilities that match what you will use in the built environment industry. From collaborative architecture studios that promote creativity, to the Morson Maker Space and advanced civil engineering laboratories for heavy structures and hydraulics research, you’ll have hands-on access to the same tools used in the industry.
All of this happens inside the SEE Building, a £65 million hub for teaching, research, and collaboration. Opened in 2022, the building embodies sustainability and innovation — qualities that have earned Salford six consecutive Green Flag Awards for biodiversity and environmental management across the wider university campus.
Salford’s programmes include practical work and placements, so you can amass experience and feel confident about your future career. Source: University of Salford
Programmes built for big impact
Salford’s advanced facilities are just one reason why it is a global leader in built environment education and research.
Its industry-focused programmes that enhance your employability from day one is another. The MSc Project Management in Construction is accredited by three organisations: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Association of Project Management (APM). In this programme, you’ll learn to manage contracts, handle procurement, lead cultural change, and apply BIM and lean principles. Courses are shaped by input from industry experts and feature guest speakers and site visits too.
If you start in September, you will have the option to include a nine-month placement as part of your studies. Graduate Akinwale Bello completed his at VINCI Construction in Manchester. “This hands-on experience gave me insight into real-world construction projects and helped me understand the dynamics of managing teams, timelines, and budgets,” he says. “It strengthened my CV and gave me practical examples to discuss during interviews, which helped me secure my graduate role.”
Salford has another triple accredited programme: the MSc Construction Management. The programme teaches you to navigate complex construction projects, from diagnosing business problems to leading teams and handling finances, risk, and procurement.
The MSc Quantity Surveying, accredited by RICS, is another popular option. Taught by experienced professionals, this programme focuses on procurement, risk management, contracts and commercial management, BIM and lean strategies.
If you’re interested in improving how buildings are planned and managed, Salford is a leader in BIM and digital built environments. Aside from learning about BIM, lean techniques, and integrated design and project delivery approaches in the MSc BIM and Digital Built Environments, you can also join the BIM Summer School. It is packed with practical workshops and sessions from top industry speakers.
This industry-focused approach was what attracted graduate Arjun Nichani from India. He had considered three criteria in the search for his ideal master’s degree: modules offered, expert teaching staff, and location. “My research directed me to the University of Salford, highlighting that it is the best university for the MSc BIM and Digital Built Environments,” he says. “The tutors were the pioneers in the subject whose papers I had been reading. It was also more affordable than the other universities that I applied to. Lastly, Salford is situated next to the vibrant, student-friendly city that is Manchester.”
After graduating, he returned home to India to take up a position at the prestigious Architectural Institute in Mumbai.
Beyond these programmes, the School of Science, Engineering and Environment has many more programmes to offer. Whichever programme you choose, you’ll join a community that’s improving lives and redefining the future of cities around the world.
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