Program Overview

Introduction to the Data Science (Geospatial) Program

The Data Science (Geospatial) MSc, PGDip is a 1-2 year, full-time program that equips students to manipulate and analyze social, economic, and environmental phenomena using data science, spatial analysis, and geographical artificial intelligence techniques.

Course Description

The interdisciplinary MSc in Data Science (Geospatial) trains students in data science with an emphasis on using the unique characteristics of spatial data to understand where, when, and why things happen. Students will learn how to leverage geospatial data using specialized methods and software, including R, Python, ArcGIS, and machine learning, to better understand the place-based contexts of social, economic, and environmental phenomena.

Entry Requirements

• Students should have at least a second-class honours degree in any subject.
• Students with non-standard qualifications are encouraged to apply.
• Prior professional experience gained by mature students in relevant areas of work will be considered.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• UK Students:
  • MSc: ｣12,400
  • PGDip: ｣8,260
  • MSc with Industry: ｣12,400
• International Students:
  • MSc: ｣24,250
  • PGDip: ｣15,150
  • MSc with Industry: ｣24,250
• An additional fee will be charged if a placement is secured.

Careers and Employability

The program will furnish students with technical and transferable skills, allowing them to pursue their career aspirations. As a successful graduate, students will be highly employable as a Geographical Data Scientist/Analyst/Consultant in a range of businesses, consultancies, government departments, and research institutions.

Course Structure

Modules

• Fundamentals of GIS
• Overview of Data Science Practice
• Statistics for Data Science
• Fundamentals of Data Science
• Geospatial Artificial Intelligence
• Modelling Data
• Information Visualisation
• Creative Problem Solving
• Dissertation (MSc and MSc with Industry only)

'With Industry' Option

The 'With Industry' variant of this degree gives students the opportunity to gain professional experience through an industrial placement as part of their Masters course. Placements last between nine and eleven months and are normally paid, full-time roles with a formal contract between the student and the employer.

Teaching and Learning

The course is taught using a range of methods, including lectures, seminars, practical classes, and workshops, tutorials, project supervision, and fieldwork. Assessment includes traditional and authentic types, with more emphasis on coursework rather than end-of-module exams.

Key Dates

• September 2026 start
• Application deadline: 4 September 2026
• Deposit payment deadline: 7 August 2026
• CAS request deadline: 4 September 2026
• 100% tuition payment deadline: 4 September 2026

Why Leicester?

The program is accessible to students without a strong computing or mathematical background, and transferable data science skills are explicitly taught and developed within strong disciplinary and vocational contexts. Students taking the 'with industry' version of the degree can seek placements with a range of commercial organizations associated with environmental and data science sectors of the economy.