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Geographic Data Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

On this postgraduate geographic data science course you will learn to apply data science, machine learning and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. This will enable you to gather, analyse and extract insights from geospatial data to uncover the underlying patterns driving various urban and natural environments. Why choose this course?

  • This course is ideal for developing your quantitative data analysis skills to answer questions on spatial, environmental and geographic social science topics.
  • It will equip you with the tools to analyse large datasets and make predictions based on machine learning algorithms.
  • It benefits from valuable insights from leading academics and encourages your independent thought on the nature of spatial data in society.
  • You will acquire practical skills to apply GIS in managing and analysing spatial data across several fields, from social to environmental sciences.
What you will learn Using cutting-edge tools and technologies, this course offers you technical and transferable skills for manipulating and analysing spatial data related to natural and human phenomena. You will explore several analytical techniques, approaches and case studies to learn how to effectively gather, manage, visualise and analyse large spatial datasets from various social, urban and environmental domains. You will also learn to use programming languages and specialised software to create spatial machine-learning models that address some of society's major challenges. How you will learn You will learn through lectures, practical sessions and online resource activities. This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening. We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. The Diploma and Certificate are aimed at professionals and researchers who work with, or wish to work with, geographically referenced data. They are ideal if you are interested in studying at postgraduate level for personal or professional reasons, but don't yet want to commit to a full MSc. Highlights
  • This course equips you with geospatial skills that are in high demand according to the UK government.
  • We offer the only research-led MSc in geographic data science with classes in the evening after 6pm, to help you fit your studies in around work, family and other commitments.
  • Birkbeck is a pioneer in geographic information science (GIScience) and we have been teaching it at postgraduate level for over 30 years. Our international teaching team possesses unique expertise in specialised areas of geographic data science, including Big Data analytics, remote sensing, spatial analysis and urban simulation.
  • The learning resources for this course include free access to: hundreds of LinkedIn Learning courses related to data science, GIS, programming and machine learning; educational licences for industry-standard commercial software, such as Esri ArcGIS; online access to relevant scientific journals.
Careers and employability On graduating successfully from this geographic data science course you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • evaluating and assessing different types of digital information
  • working with big datasets
  • an awareness of different machine learning concepts and how to apply them
  • proficiency in Python
  • knowledge in R.
Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions, including:
  • public policy
  • environmental agencies
  • remote-sensing applications
  • software development.
Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at government agencies such as TfL, private sector companies such as Esri, and major retail chains such as John Lewis.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework only.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in geography, computer science or a cognate discipline. In some instances we will consider professional experience in place of a degree. Some experience of Geographic Information Systems is desirable, but is not a requirement. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £3900 Year 1
Northern Ireland £3900 Year 1
Scotland £3900 Year 1
Wales £3900 Year 1
International £6780 Year 1

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

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Geographic Data Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS