The built environment shapes how we all live, work and move, and building the markets of the future will require those within the sector to rethink current ways of working. The SLBE programmes are designed to build capacity and leadership for change within mid to senior managers and are ideally suited to those who: 

1. Recognise the role the built environment plays as a foundation for society, significantly contributing to both the challenges and solutions in addressing sustainability.  
2. Want to embed an innovative mindset in how they approach their role within the sector, bringing together disciplines to create action for a better system.   
3. Want to enhance their ability to respond to sustainability challenges and are looking to further their own personal and professional development in the field. 

The University of Cambridge is renowned for its educational excellence and part of that excellence comes from the diversity of thought we bring into our cohorts. CISL’s programmes are designed for working professionals with business experience, and that attracts students from varied backgrounds, including those from unconventional academic backgrounds or who have not studied for many years. Dedicated sessions during the programme provide skills develop students’ academic writing and referencing skills.  

We encourage all those looking to be bold in creating change for a better future to apply or to contact the team to discuss their suitability.  

Who are the built environment programmes for? 

Our Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment programmes are for all those involved in the commissioning, design, construction and management of projects in the built environment.

The course attracts students from a range of professions from across the sector including, but not limited to architects, engineers, surveyors, planners, landscape architects, project managers, facility managers, surveyors, urban designers, asset managers, property developers and contractors, who wish to develop their understanding of and responses to the global challenges and opportunities facing the built environment.

“Although the course is entrenched in sustainability principles, there is an equal emphasis on interdisciplinarity evidenced through the range of knowledge taught alongside strategies for collaboration and design management.”

Gloria Wong, Senior Civil and Structural Engineer at Arup

Applicants from outside the UK

The part-time courses have been designed to be accessible for students based throughout the world. The content is internationally relevant though it should be noted that the programme is developed and delivered predominantly by a Cambridge based team. There are no restrictions on citizenship, country of residence or fee status of students. International students are eligible for the same fee as home students. 

Read testimonials from previous built environment students

Our students explain how the unique opportunities provided by the programme have helped them to collaborate, learn from industry and academic experts, and bring about change in their organisations. Their sustainability studies will be applied to real challenges and opportunities in the private, public and NGO sectors. Read testimonials from previous SLBE students 

Learn more about employer benefits and support as well as the Cambridge approach to learning.