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7 Best Built Environment Universities in the United Kingdom

University of Cambridge tops our list of 7 Built Environment universities in the United Kingdom at #6 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by University of Manchester (QS World #35) and University of Huddersfield (QS World #501). The universities on this list offer 18 matching courses between them.

7 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
2Top pick
MA University of Manchester logo
QS World #35 #8 in United Kingdom Manchester, England, United Kingdom

University of Manchester

Public University · 11 courses in Built Environment

All 11 courses →
GBP 23,000 – GBP 31,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1824Founded
46,000Students
15,000International
Admissions open
#35 QS World University Rankings 2026
#8 in United Kingdom

How these universities are ranked

4 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #6 (University of Cambridge) to #561 (University of Plymouth); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. University of Cambridge has the largest research record in this group, with 56,887,152 citations and an h-index of 1,890.

Public, private and where they are

The split is 7 public to 0 private institutions. By location, England (2) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is University of Cambridge, founded in 1209. University of Manchester is the largest, with 46,000 students.

Levels, lengths and start dates

By level: 13 master's and 4 bachelor's. The usual length is 3 years and 1–2 years. 83% are full-time and 1 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (50% of courses with a stated intake). University of Manchester offers the widest choice, with 11 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 2 of these universities. University of Manchester is the least expensive at USD 34,000 a year and University of Cambridge the most at USD 43,000; the middle of the range is about USD 43,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in the United Kingdom for Built Environment?

University of Cambridge (QS World #6), University of Manchester (QS World #35) and University of Huddersfield (QS World #501) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Built Environment in the United Kingdom?

Of those with published fees, University of Manchester is the least expensive at about USD 34,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Built Environment in the United Kingdom?

7 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Built Environment course take in the United Kingdom?

Most listed courses run 3 years, with 1–2 years the next most common.

When do Built Environment courses start in the United Kingdom?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Can I study Built Environment online with a university in the United Kingdom?

1 of these courses are listed as online.

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