Geographical Data Science MSc, PGDip

Program Overview

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Course Structure

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

Option Modules

• GIS in Environmental Health
• Research for Change: Skills and Challenges of Applied Environmental Research
• Field Data Capture
• Information Visualisation
• Modelling Data

'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
  on-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

Why Leicester?

The University of Leicester received a gold rating in Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. This means our student experience and student outcomes are typically outstanding.

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.

Program Outline

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Geographical Data Science MSc, PGDip - University of Leicester

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Degree Overview:

The MSc in Geographical Data Science is an interdisciplinary program that utilizes the unique characteristics of spatial data (location, distance, and spatial interactions) to understand where, when, and why things happen. The program aims to equip students with the skills to manipulate and analyze spatial data using data science techniques, spatial analysis, and geographical artificial intelligence. The program is designed for students from various backgrounds, including computer science, geography, urban planning, environmental studies, economics, and other disciplines.

• Statistics for Data Science: This module focuses on statistical methods and techniques relevant to data science, equipping students with the ability to analyze and interpret data effectively.
• Data Science for Actuaries: This module explores the application of data science principles and techniques in the field of actuarial science.
• Geographical Artificial Intelligence: This module introduces students to the concepts and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in geographical contexts, covering topics like machine learning, deep learning, and spatial AI.

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Option Modules:

• GIS in Environmental Health: This module explores the use of GIS in understanding and addressing environmental health issues.
• Research for Change: Skills and Challenges of Applied Environmental Research: This module focuses on the practical application of environmental research, equipping students with the skills to conduct impactful research.
• Field Data Capture: This module provides hands-on experience in collecting and managing field data using various techniques and technologies.

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'With Industry' Option:

The 'With Industry' variant of the degree offers students the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement as part of their Masters program. This placement provides real-world experience in a work-based setting, allowing students to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. Placements typically last between 3 and 12 months and are usually paid, full-time positions with a formal contract. They typically commence after the taught component of the course and before the dissertation. The University provides support in finding placement opportunities and offers guidance throughout the placement process.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Traditional assessments: Essays and examinations
• Authentic assessments: Problem-based tasks based on real-world scenarios and datasets
• Coursework: Oral presentations, policy briefs, scientific and technical reports
The emphasis is placed on coursework rather than end-of-module examinations, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding using a wide range of transferable skills.

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Teaching:

The program is taught using a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and concepts
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work
• Practical classes and workshops: Hands-on training and skill development
• Tutorials: Individualized guidance and support
• Project supervision: Guidance and feedback on research projects
• Fieldwork: Practical experience in collecting and analyzing data in real-world settings

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Careers:

The program equips graduates with the technical and transferable skills necessary for a successful career in various fields, including:

• Geographical Data Scientist/Analyst/Consultant: Working in businesses, consultancies, government departments, and research institutions that utilize geographical data to understand and manage the natural world, human societies, and their inter-relationships.
The program addresses the shortage of qualified data scientists in the UK and abroad, making graduates highly employable in a range of data science sectors.

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Other:

The program is taught by staff with international reputations as researchers and consultants to businesses and government agencies. They are actively engaged in tackling a wide range of globally important environmental problems and contribute to policy debates of national and international significance. The program is accessible to students without a strong computing or mathematical background, as transferable data science skills are explicitly taught and developed within strong disciplinary and vocational contexts.

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UK Students

Starting in September 2024 MSc: £10,700 PGDip: £7,125 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.

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International Students

Starting in September 2024 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. From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. Find out more about scholarships and funding.