Loughborough University

Scalable Grey-Box Modelling For Adaptive Control Of Existing Housing

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Help shape the future of sustainable housing by developing scalable grey-box models for adaptive control of existing homes. Your research will focus on improving energy performance and thermal comfort, addressing one of the most pressing global challenges. Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Improving the performance of existing housing is critical to meeting net-zero targets and enhancing occupant well-being. This project harnesses digital transformation, applying data-driven modelling through machine learning to create advanced grey-box models and adaptive control strategies, driving impactful improvements in energy efficiency and thermal comfort. You will join Loughborough University’s internationally recognised research community, working under the supervision of Dr Vanda Dimitriou, whose expertise spans data-driven thermal modelling, building energy performance, and smart building technologies.

Our team offers a collaborative and supportive environment, offering access to cutting-edge facilities and strong partnerships with industry to ensure your research has real-world impact. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Develop scalable grey-box models for adaptive control of existing homes
  • Apply machine learning to data-driven building thermal modelling
  • Research targets energy efficiency, thermal comfort and net-zero housing
  • Supervision by an expert in smart building technologies
  • Access to cutting-edge facilities and strong industry partnerships
  • 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees
  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000
  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000
  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Building energy research scientist
  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Building performance engineer
  • Smart building controls engineer
  • Energy data scientist
  • Sustainability consultant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a October 2026 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide