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.