Course summary
Numerical models and satellite Earth observation are fundamental to understanding environmental systems and change. The MSc in Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis will provide you with the skills to pursue a career in this exciting area. You will learn how models of environmental processes are developed and applied across a range of areas including climate change, flooding, land use and glaciers. You will gain an appreciation of all aspects of environmental modelling, ranging from the philosophy of model development, focusing on links to observations and uncertainty analysis, AI and data science, through to more practical aspects such as numerical approximation and algorithm development and testing. We welcome a diverse array of students from different subject backgrounds interested in developing skills in Geographical Information Science, analysis of satellite remote sensing and data science techniques more widely. Training in these areas is complemented by hands-on learning aimed at developing your coding skills in scientific programming and high-performance computing, with access to Bristol's unique supercomputing facilities. The School of Geographical Sciences is ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and Environmental Studies' research (Times Higher Education analysis of REF 2021). The MSc is taught by world-leading researchers from the School's research groups in both physical geography and quantitative spatial science, which host seminars and workshops aimed at consolidating links between environmental modelling and data science. As a student on our MSc programmes, you’ll join a lively School and University community. We host invited speakers in weekly seminars organised by our School’s academic research groups. These friendly events are open to all students and offer you the opportunity to meet other students and leading specialists in a range of subjects. Research groups may also host social events, run specialist workshops and organise reading groups you are welcome to join. Our postgraduate social calendar is also busy, with social events and activities for members including cinema nights, writing retreats, field visits, and guided tours of cultural institutions. We also organise get-togethers for our students throughout the year to mark the major milestones in your programme and celebrate your success.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/msc-environmental-modelling-data-analysis.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in an Engineering, Mathematics or a Physical Science subject. Applicants with non-standard degree subjects are required to have achieved 60% (or international equivalent) in a module focussing on: Environmental, Climate, Hydrological or Urban Modelling Remote Sensing Earth Observation Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Geographic Data Science. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing: - Evidence of relevant work experience with minimum of 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time (internships also considered) in one of the relevant sectors: Environmental consultancy/management/monitoring with particular focus on numerical modelling, GIS, data science and/or satellite observations. - A relevant postgraduate qualification. Specific module requirements would still apply. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14800 | Year 1 |
| EU | £32600 | Year 1 |
| International | £32600 | 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
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU