Program Overview

Geographic Data Science

Overview

This program trains the next generation of geographic data and quantitative social scientists who are interested in understanding how to use data science and other quantitative methods to tackle pressing geospatial challenges in social and natural environments. Examples of geographic data-driven methods include but are not limited to statistical methods; machine learning; artificial intelligence; GIS; earth observation and social sensing; cartography and data visualization; data infrastructure and management; and causal inference. Geospatial challenges can be broadly interpreted as any problems that involve using geospatial data. Particularly, potential supervisors at the University of Bristol have expertise in policy, demography, social inequality, social geography, sustainability, human mobility, digital economy, cities, health, climate science, education, and so on.

In contrast to its sister programs, PhD in Human Geography and PhD in Physical Geography, this program emphasizes methodological innovation and application. It is aimed at those interested in advancing existing computational methods or applying state-of-the-art digital and data-driven techniques to any topics that are related to geography. We welcome applicants from any relevant background, such as geography, social science and policy, statistics, computer science, cognitive science, and environmental science.

Key Information

• Programme duration: Up to four years full-time; up to eight years part-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: The closing date for non-funded places is not fixed but early application is advised.
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: PhD

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

• An upper second-class degree (or equivalent qualification) with substantive (geographic) data science (at least 60 credits plus a (geographic) data science-focused dissertation).
• See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
• Admissions Statement: Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level D.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time: £4,850 per year
• Home: part-time (two years): £2,425 per year
• Overseas: full-time: £26,700 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.
• Funding and scholarships: ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP); University of Bristol Scholarships; or contact potential supervisor(s) for other opportunities.

Career Prospects

Our students go on to employment in a wide variety of areas - often where statistical analysis and data science skills are required. Students also continue within academic careers, going on to post-doctoral and lecturing positions.

At its core, the programme establishes a sound research training base, together with a set of bespoke training courses that provide students with the advanced (geographic) data science toolkit and research methods required for their PhD topic. It also provides a foundation for diverse types of employment, including research, policy and intervention implementation.

Meet Our Supervisors

• Dr Joseph Day: Lecturer in Historical Geography and Economic History, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Sean Fox: Associate Professor in Global Development, School of Geographical Sciences
• Professor Richard Harris: Professor of Quantitative Social Geography, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Caitlin Robinson: Senior Research Fellow, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Qiujie Shi: Lecturer, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Richard Timmerman: Lecturer, School of Geographical Sciences
• Professor Emmanouil Tranos: Professor of Quantitative Human Geography, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Winnie Wang: Senior Lecturer, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Levi Wolf: Associate Professor of Quantitative Human Geography, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Ce Zhang: Lecturer, School of Geographical Sciences
• Dr Rui Zhu: Senior Lecturer, School of Geographical Sciences

How to Apply

• Apply via our online application system.
• For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
• Application deadline: The closing date for non-funded places is not fixed but early application is advised.

Start Your Application

• Select your start date to begin your application for Geographic Data Science (PhD).
• Start date: September 2025 or January 2026

Contact

• Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering
• School: School of Geographical Sciences

Explore More

• Find out about the Bristol Doctoral College