Geographical Data Science MSc, PGDip
1-2 years, full- or part-time
Where, when, and why do things happen? Modelling, analysing and interpreting social, economic and environmental phenomena is the core of this course, and it equips you to manipulate such data by applying the techniques of data science, spatial analysis and geographical artificial intelligence. As a trained geographical data scientist many careers are open to you.
Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £23,650
Taught by School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Course description
Course description
The interdisciplinary MSc in Geographical Data Science uses the unique characteristics of spatial data (location, distance and spatial interactions) to understand where, when and why things happen. The places we live are becoming increasingly entangled with data, from an expanding ecosystem of open access data to official statistics, from internet content to smart city initiatives.
The insights derived from the spatial dimension of information open a myriad of opportunities. Whether you come from computer science, geography, urban planning, environmental studies, economics, or any other discipline, our MSc in Geographical Data Science offers a gateway to leverage the spatial nature of data and harness these opportunities.
Using a wide range of data types and sources students are taught how to collate, curate, manage, analyse and visualise geographical data using data science programming languages such as R and Python as well as specialised software such as ArcGIS to better understand the place-based contexts of a wide range of social, economic and environmental phenomena.
The uptake, use, and commercialisation of geographical data has created a demand for expertise in Data Science and you will be trained in a broad range of data science techniques. These skills are not limited to a career focused on applications of geographical data analyses. They address the shortage of qualified data scientists in the UK and abroad and will place you in a strong position for a career in a range of data science sectors.
NB. The PGDip in Geographical Data Studies has the same modules as the MSc in Geographical Data Science, but does not include a dissertation.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Students are required to have at least a second-class honours degree in any subject. Students with nonstandard qualifications are encouraged to apply. We also give due consideration to prior professional experience gained by mature students in relevant areas of work. In such cases, applicants would be expected to provide full details to enable its full evaluation by admissions staff.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- MSc: £10,950
- PGDip: £7,295
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MSc: £23,650
- PGDip: £15,750
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
The programme will furnish you with the technical and ‘soft’ transferable skills that will allow you to pursue your career aspirations. In addition to becoming a technically proficient Geographical Data Scientist, you will be better-able to: learn new things and to adapt to new situations; assess situations, ideas, and arrive at decisions; develop innovative ideas and solutions to problems; deal with people and express yourself clearly and effectively; understand what others are saying and discuss options and courses of action.
There is a shortage of qualified data scientists in the UK and abroad (Demand for geospatial skills: Report for the Geographical Commission). As a successful graduate, you will be highly employable as a Geographical Data Scientist/Analyst/Consultant in a range of businesses, consultancies, government departments and research institutions that use geographical data to better understand and manage the natural world, human societies and their inter-relationships and interactions.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
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Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- Fundamentals of GIS
- Overview of Data Science Practice
- Statistics for Data Science
- Fundamentals of Data Science
- Geospatial Data Analytics
- Geographical Artificial Intelligence
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Option modules
Option modules
- GIS in Environmental Health
- Research for Change: Skills and Challenges of Applied Environmental Research
- Field Data Capture
- Information Visualisation
- Modelling Data
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
'With Industry' option
'With Industry' option
The 'With Industry' variant of this degree gives you the opportunity to take an Industrial Placement as part of your Masters. This is a work placement with an employer where you develop your skills in a 'real world' setting.
Placements last between 3 and 12 months and are normally paid, full-time posts with a formal contract between you and the placement provider. They usually commence at the end of the taught component of the course (from July) but before your dissertation which is completed at the end of the placement.
Whilst we cannot guarantee a placement, you will be fully supported in your search for a placement opportunity. The University’s Careers and Employability Service publicises placement opportunities, and provides advice on job hunting strategies and on recruitment and selection processes including writing CVs and covering letters, completing application forms, and preparing for interviews and assessment centres. A dedicated School Placements Officer will offer guidance and support during your placement and encourage you to reflect on the work-based skills, learning and achievements you have gained as you prepare for graduation.
By studying a ‘With Industry’ degree you will:
- Gain an understanding of working in a work-based setting (industrial/commercial/non-commercial)
- Experience real-world scenarios in a company
- Develop hands-on experience of project management and working to deadlines
- Improve your employment opportunities through gaining essential transferable skills and experience
- Gain a clearer understanding of the career you wish to pursue.
Recent placements include:
- Data Analyst/Application Developer with Odeva, Leicester Start-up, grocery delivery market
- Earth Observation Analyst for OilX Ltd, Oil Industry Market Analyst
- Machine Learning Research Engineer for Open Climate Fix, Business Energy Consultancy
- Environmental Data Analyst for CSX Carbon, a Biodiversty Net Gain (BNG) and Carbon Offsetting Broker
- GIS Analyst for PyroGenesys Ltd, bio-energy technology start-up providing access to renewable energy across Sub-Saharan Africa
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Accessible to students without a strong computing or mathematical background.
Transferable data science skills are explicitly taught and developed within strong disciplinary and vocational contexts.
Taught by staff who have international reputations as researchers and consultants to businesses and government agencies, who are actively engaged in tackling a wide range of globally important environmental problems and who contribute to policy debates of national and international significance.
Students taking the ‘with industry’ version of the degree can seek placements with a range of commercial organisations associated with environmental and data science sectors of the economy.
Teaching and learning
The programme is taught using a range of methods including lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, tutorials, project supervision and fieldwork. The programme includes a blend of assessment including traditional (essays and examinations) and authentic (e.g. problem based tasks based on real-world scenarios/data sets) assessment types. Much more emphasis is placed on coursework rather than end of module examination since this allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding using a wide range of transferable skills (e.g. in the form of oral presentations and different styles of writing including policy briefs and scientific and technical reports). The precise balance of teaching and assessment methods depends on the modules chosen.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Geographical Data Science | Qualification MSc | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September 2025 | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Geographical Data Science | Qualification MSc | Duration 2 years, part-time | Start Dates September 2025 | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Geographical Data Science with Industry | Qualification MSc | Duration 2 years, full-time | Start Dates September 2025 | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Geographical Data Studies | Qualification PGDip | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September 2025 | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Geographical Data Studies | Qualification PGDip | Duration 2 years, part-time | Start Dates September 2025 | Availability Apply Now |
