MSc Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis
Overview
Numerical models and satellite observation are fundamental to understanding environmental systems and change. The MSc in Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis will provide you with the skills to go on to a career in this exciting area. You will learn how models of environmental processes are developed and applied across a range of areas including climate change, flooding, biogeochemistry and glaciers. You will gain an appreciation of all aspects of environmental modelling, ranging from the philosophy of model development, focusing on links to observations and uncertainty analysis, through to more practical aspects such as numerical approximation and algorithm development and testing.
The programme has close links to MSc in Geographical Data Science and Spatial Analytics, and both programmes enable students to develop skills in Geographical Information Systems, analysis of satellite observations and data science techniques more widely. Training in these areas will be complemented by hands-on learning aimed at developing your coding skills in scientific programming and high-performance computing (with access to Bristol's unique supercomputing facilities).
The School of Geographical Sciences is ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021). The MSc is taught by world-leading researchers from the School's research groups in both physical geography and quantitative spatial science. It is closely linked to the School's research strand in Modelling and Geocomputation, which hosts seminars and workshops aimed at consolidating links between environmental modelling and data science.
Key Information
- Programme duration: One year full-time; Two years part-time.
- Start date: September 2025
- Application deadline: Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025. Home applicants: 8 August 2025.
- Delivery method: On-Campus
- Location: Clifton
- Awards available: MSc
Programme Structure
You will take the following compulsory units:
- Environmental Modelling Applications
- Earth Systems Modelling
- Introduction to Scientific Computing
- Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R Introduction to Geographical Information Systems/Remote Sensing.
You will choose a further two units from the list of postgraduate units offered by the School of Geographical Sciences. For example:
- Data Science and Machine Learning in Geography
- Climate Change: Science and impacts
- Quantifying Climate Risk
- Urban Analytics and City Science.
A key component of the programme is the dissertation. The bulk of the dissertation work will take place during summer months. The dissertation provides students with practical experience of formulating, designing, and undertaking a substantive and original piece of research in environmental modelling and/or satellite observation. Students are introduced to key principles of research design and research ethics through intensive training in this unit.
World-leading Research
- The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
- 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Entry Requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in an Engineering, Mathematics or a Physical Science subject. Applicants with non-standard degree subjects are required to have achieved 60% (or international equivalent) in a module focussing on:
- Environmental, Climate, Hydrological or Urban Modelling
- Remote Sensing
- Earth Observation
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Geographic Data Science
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- a relevant postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Mathematics or Physical Sciences.
- evidence of relevant work experience with minimum of 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time (internships also considered) in one of the relevant sectors: Environmental consultancy/management/monitoring with particular focus on numerical modelling, GIS, data science and/or satellite observations.
Specific module requirements would still apply.
Fees and Funding
- Home: full-time £14,400 per year
- Home: part-time (two years) £7,200 per year
- Overseas: full-time £31,700 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
Alumni Discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and Scholarships
Students from developing Commonwealth countries may be eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, and the School of Geographical Sciences Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries.
Career Prospects
This MSc provides you with the skills needed for successful careers in environmental consultancy and engineering companies, as well as environmental work in governmental and third sector organisations and agencies. The programme also provides ideal training for those considering a career in research where modelling and data analysis skills are important.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis equips graduates with the skills necessary for careers in environmental consultancy and engineering, as well as environmental work in governmental and third sector organizations and agencies. The program also provides ideal training for those considering a career in research where modeling and data analysis skills are important.
Outline:
The program consists of the following compulsory units:
- Environmental Modelling Applications
- Earth Systems Modelling
- Introduction to Scientific Computing
- Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R or Introduction to Geographical Information Systems/Remote Sensing Students will also choose two 20-credit units from the list of postgraduate units offered by the School of Geographical Sciences. Some examples include:
- Data Science and Machine Learning in Geography
- Climate Change: Science and impacts
- Quantifying Climate Risk
- Urban Analytics and City Science
Teaching:
The program is taught by world-leading researchers from the School's Hydrology, Glaciology, and Earth Systems research groups. It is closely linked to the School's Geocomputation research strand, which hosts seminars and workshops aimed at consolidating links between environmental modelling and Data Science.
Careers:
Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in environmental consultancy and engineering companies, as well as environmental work in governmental and third sector organizations and agencies. The program also provides ideal training for those considering a career in research where modeling and data analysis skills are important.
Other:
- The program has close links to its twin MSc in Geographical Data Science and Spatial Analytics, which allows students to develop skills in Geographical Information Systems, analysis of satellite observations, and Data Science techniques more widely.
- The program is complemented by hands-on teaching aimed at developing students' coding skills in scientific programming and high-performance computing (with access to Bristol's unique supercomputing facilities).
- The School of Geographical Sciences is ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
UK: full-time £13,100 per year UK: part-time (two years) £6,550 per year Overseas: full-time £28,800 per year
University of Bristol Summary
Overview:
The University of Bristol is a renowned public research university located in Bristol, England. It is known for its high academic standards, strong research output, and vibrant campus life. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, consistently attracting top students and researchers.
Services Offered:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:
A diverse selection of academic programs across various disciplines.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Students' Union:
A dedicated student organization providing support, activities, and representation.Library:
Extensive library resources and facilities for research and study.Sport, Exercise, and Health:
Opportunities for participation in sports and fitness activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bristol enjoy a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, fostering a strong sense of community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Academic Standards:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, offering high-quality education.Strong Research Output:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community.Location in a Dynamic City:
Bristol is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture.Excellent Career Prospects:
Graduates from the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers.Academic Programs:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, and more.Science:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.Engineering:
Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and more.Medicine and Dentistry:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Politics, Sociology, and more.Law:
Law, Criminology, and more.Entry Requirements:
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in an engineering, mathematics or a physical science subject. Applicants with non-standard degree subjects are required to have achieved 60% or international equivalent in a module focussing on environmental, climate or hydrological modelling as evidenced by their transcript. We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. Specific module requirements may still apply. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following: evidence of significant, relevant work experience; a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
