Satellite Data Science MSc, PGDip
1-2 years, full- or part-time
Interested in playing a critical role at the interface of physical, computer and environmental science? Analysing satellite data is key to monitoring air quality, land use and deriving climate change indicators and has many commercial uses. This course teaches the principles and applications of remote sensing and data science techniques. As a trained 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
This interdisciplinary MSc in Satellite Data Science trains you in the development and use of satellite observations of the earth and its atmosphere for understanding the natural environment and how it is being impacted by human behaviour.
The course is accessible to students without a strong computing and mathematical background.
You will be taught the basic operational principles of different remote sensing/earth observation platforms and sensors, learn how to use a variety of data- and image-processing techniques and software, and gain practical experience of using satellite data and data products in a number of applied terrestrial and atmospheric contexts. The uptake, use, and commercialisation of satellite data has created a demand for expertise in Data Science and you will be trained in a broad range of data science techniques.
The course is structured so that transferable data science skills taught and developed within a strong disciplinary and vocational context. These skills are not limited to a career focused on satellite observations. You will gain experience in coding that will help you to process large amounts of data that are often needed for a number of data science methods (such as machine learning). 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.
Students taking the ‘with industry’ version of the degree can seek placements with a range of commercial organisations associated with Earth Observation and data science sectors of the economy. Students seeking placements are supported by two Placement modules, one taken in each semester.
NB. The PGDip in Satellite Data Studies has the same modules as the MSc in Satellite Data Science, but does not include a dissertation.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Students are required to have 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
- MSc with Industry: £10,950
- PGDip: £7,295
An additional fee of £3,520 will be charged if a placement is secured.
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
- MSc with Industry: £23,650
- PGDip: £15,750
An additional fee of £3,520 will be charged if a placement is secured.
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
This course will provide you with a broad-based education in data analytics techniques suitable for a career in data science in multiple sectors, not necessarily limited to a career focused on satellite observations: research, academia, industry, SMEs, start-ups, government, policy, NGOs, not-for-profits. You will gain practical experience using tools and software (R, Python) that increase your employability and contribute to addressing the shortage of qualified data scientists in the UK and abroad.
Career destinations of some past graduates of this course include:
- Marine Remote Sensing Consultant at Resilient Coasts
- Satellite Data Scientist at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd
- Technical R&D Analyst for GM AI Foundry
- Earth Observation Scientist at ARGANS
- employees of ITECH Global Services, Kinetic Hydro Ltd; and SkillVertex.
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.
Facilities
Facilities
All students will get full access to the Planet data archive which will be invaluable for projects and dissertations. Planet is a £10M investment in Space Park Leicester that offers unprecedented high resolution and high repeat frequency imaging across the whole of the Earth’s land surface.
Students will have access to teaching resources found within the Planet School Application Programming Interface. Training resources can be found by accessing Planet University resources. Students will also be able to access a dedicated geoprocessing platforms so that they can deploy their data science ideas on a cloud-based facility that supports stakeholder interaction. Other facilities include access to the Space Park Leicester drone lab, a 3D visualisation and a University High Performance Computing system.
Related courses
You may also be interested in:
- Environmental Data Science MSc
- Environmental Futures MSc
- Geographical Data Science MSc
- Geographical Information Science
Course structure
Core modules
Core modules
- Fundamentals of GIS
- Fundamentals of Data Science
- Remote sensing
- Earth observations of the atmosphere
- Satellite Data Analysis in Python
- Big Data and Predictive Analytics
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
Choose two option modules from:
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?
Leicester hosts the NERC National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO), invested £100 million in Space Park Leicester (SPL) in 2021 to create a centre for the analysis and commercialisation of space-enabled data and space mission development, and established the Institute for Space in 2022.
Students will benefit from links the University is able to establish with organizations with interests in data science and Artificial Intelligence though its membership of The Turing University Network.
Accessible to students without a strong computing or mathematical background.
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 and project supervision. 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.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Satellite Data Science | Qualification MSc | Duration 12 months, full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Satellite Data Science with Industry | Qualification MSc | Duration 18-24 months, full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Satellite Data Science | Qualification MSc | Duration 24 months, part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Satellite Data Studies | Qualification PGDip | Duration 1 year, full-time | Start Dates September 2024 | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Satellite Data Studies | Qualification PGDip | Duration 2 years, part-time | Start Dates September 2024 | Availability Apply Now |
