Skip navigation
Urban Analytics at University of Glasgow - UCAS

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Around the world, city governments are realising the growing importance of harnessing the power of urban big data. The Masters in Urban Analytics will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct appropriate analyses, and experience of working with cutting-edge datasets. WHY THIS PROGRAMME

  • The programme will provide you with a critical appreciation of the potential for big data and urban analytics to inform urban planning and policy making, as well as an understanding of practical and ethical limitations.
  • It offers hands-on experience of a range of statistical and GIS software, and of the use of programming tools to capture, process and analyse data.
  • You will be exposed to a range of cutting-edge datasets typically encountered by urban analysts and the various challenges they present.
  • The programme will develop your ability to convey the results of complex data analyses in ways which have impact on policy makers and public debates.
  • You will benefit from the programme’s strong connection with the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), Glasgow’s world-leading urban analytics centre of expertise.
  • A wide range of optional courses will provide you with the opportunity to pursue personal interests, enhancing particular skills or domain-specific knowledge such as transport studies or urban design.
  • We work closely with the Data Lab, an internationally leading research and innovation centre in data science. You will benefit from a wide range of learning and networking events that connect leading organisations seeking urban analytical skilled students who are looking for exciting opportunities in this field.
  • You may have opportunities to visit Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland under a funded academic exchange programme through the UK Turing Scheme. The number of students that can visit Finland is dependent on the yearly funding success.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE You will take five core and two to four optional courses, as well as submit a research-based dissertation. Knowledge-focused courses introduce you to the context for urban planning and policy making. Skills-focused courses on statistical methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and programming will give the opportunity to use a variety of real world datasets. Courses are delivered via a mix of lectures, tutorials, supervised computing lab sessions and small group work. Core courses Sustainable Urban Futures (10) Big Data and Urban Analytics Quantitative Data Analysis (Semester 1) Principles and Applications of GIS Programming Tools for Urban Analytics Optional courses Transport Studies Urban Analytics Group Project Urban Design Policy And Practice Transport Planning Lab Transport Planning Methods Regenerating Cities Web and Mobile Mapping Quantitative Data Analysis 2 Summer Dissertation: Urban Studies


How to apply

International applicants

International applicant information can be found via gla.ac.uk by searching for 'international'.

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Geography, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Public Health and Economics. We may also accept degrees in related social science subjects including Data Science, Statistics, GIS, Spatial Analytics, Information Science, and Engineering. Work experience may be considered. You are required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why you want to undertake this programme at Glasgow.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5No sub-test less than 6.0. Or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

All fees are published on the University of Glasgow website. https://www.gla.ac.uk/postgraduate/feesandfunding/

Sponsorship information

Sponsorship and funding information can be found via gla.ac.uk by searching for 'scholarships'.

Urban Analytics at University of Glasgow - UCAS