Program Overview

MSc Geographic Data Science

The MSc Geographic Data Science programme is aimed at those who wish to develop their skills in the analysis of quantitative data to answer research questions on spatial and geographic social science topics. The programme will suit you if you're interested in research for academic or policy purposes, have a background in economics or other quantitative social science and are interested in developing your technical skills in analysis of spatial data.

Introduction

The programme combines courses in the Department of Geography and Environment, with options in data science and programming from the Department of Statistics and Department of Methodology. Skills in obtaining, managing, visualising and analysing data (data science) are in high demand and the programme combines a training in the application of these methods and the use of geographical information systems (GIS), with the chance to study topics in urban economics, economic geography, environmental economics or planning. The culmination of the programme is a dissertation in which you investigate your own research topic using the data science and GIS methods you have studied on the course.

Key Information

• Study mode: Home full-time students (12 months) Open, Overseas full-time students (12 months) Open
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines

Overview

The MSc Geographic Data Science programme is concerned with the application of data science methods to social science research questions. It's not focussed purely on the technical aspects of programming for data science. However, in response to student feedback, you'll be able to take an additional half unit course in data science out of the total four course units (ie, up to one and a half units of data science courses from the Departments of Statistics and Methodology).

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent with background in economics or another quantitative social science, and good analytical, quantitative and technical skills.
• English language requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Standard.

Programme Content

• Year 1: You'll take courses to the value of four full units in total, made up of compulsory and optional courses.
  • GY460: Half unit, Techniques of Spatial Economic Analysis
  • GY476: Half unit, Applied Geographical Information Systems
  • GY485: One unit, Dissertation - MSc Geographic Data Science and MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance
  • Courses to the value of one unit from a range of data science and econometrics options
  • Courses to the value of one unit from a range of economic geography, planning, urban and environmental economics options

Why Study with Us

• Our department is highly regarded both nationally and internationally – ranked second for Geography in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Many of our academics are internationally renowned in their fields.
• You'll find a good balance of experienced and younger academics in the department.

Your Application

• We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form.
• You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £28,900
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £30,400
• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Contact hours and independent study: Within your programme you'll take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses.
• Teaching methods: LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status.
• Academic support: You'll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work.

Graduate Destinations

• Many graduates from this programme go on to do PhD degrees, while others enter a wide variety of employment including consultancy, the public sector and education.
• Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating: £36,000
• Top 5 sectors our students work in:
  • Government, Public Sector and Policy
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • Real Estate, Environment and Energy
  • NGOs and Charities
  • Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities

Related Programmes

• MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies
• MSc Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research)
• MSc City Design and Social Science
• MSc Sociology
• Master of Public Administration
• MSc Applied Social Data Science
• MSc Data Science