Course summary

The interdisciplinary MSc in Geographical Data Science uses the unique characteristics of spatial data (location, distance and spatial interactions) to understand where, when and why things happen. The places we live are becoming increasingly entangled with data, from an expanding ecosystem of open access data to official statistics, from internet content to smart city initiatives. The insights derived from the spatial dimension of information open a myriad of opportunities. Whether you come from computer science, geography, urban planning, environmental studies, economics, or any other discipline, our MSc in Geographical Data Science offers a gateway to leverage the spatial nature of data and harness these opportunities. Using a wide range of data types and sources students are taught how to collate, curate, manage, analyse and visualise geographical data using data science programming languages such as R and Python as well as specialised software such as ArcGIS to better understand the place-based contexts of a wide range of social, economic and environmental phenomena. The uptake, use, and commercialisation of geographical data has created a demand for expertise in Data Science and you will be trained in a broad range of data science techniques. These skills are not limited to a career focused on applications of geographical data analyses. They address the shortage of qualified data scientists in the UK and abroad and will place you in a strong position for a career in a range of data science sectors. NB. The PGDip in Geographical Data Studies has the same modules as the MSc in Geographical Data Science, but does not include a dissertation.