Geographic Data Science

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

This course will enable you to develop a high level understanding of quantitative and computational geographical methods. This includes skills in GIS software and statistical programming languages, such as R or Python. Within an applied setting, you will develop skills in the visualisation, modelling and statistical analysis of conventional and novel sources of data, ranging from censuses and social surveys through to satellite imagery and social media using both web-based and traditional techniques.

Human activity is increasingly associated with the generation of large volumes of data. For example, transactional data collated by retailers for marketing and store location purposes, administrative data assembled to help with the efficient running of public services, data shadows created through social media use, and an increased prevalence of smart-card linked transport systems record our travel behaviours. Many grand human challenges concern problems of a geographical nature; be this how we can mitigate the human impact of climate change; ensure global food and water security; design energy systems that are resilient within the context of future population dynamics; or, how to design future cities where spatial inequities in health and wellbeing might be eradicated.

The growing volumes of big data about the form, function and dynamics of human activities are providing new opportunities to advance such debates within a framework of Geographic Data Science. We constantly review and develop our postgraduate programmes. This MSc is also available with the alternative title Data Science and Analytics for Society MSc for entry September 2026, and gives students the option to graduate with either of these two MSc titles.

This course is for you if you want to understand and analyse the role of geography in everyday life through geographical and computational reasoning.

Key highlights

Develops skills in GIS software and programming languages such as R or Python
Covers visualisation, modelling and statistical analysis of geographical data
Works with census, survey, satellite imagery and social media data
Applies big data to challenges like climate change and future cities
Option to graduate as Data Science and Analytics for Society MSc

Entry requirements

Degree: 2:2 — Postgraduate entry requirements: We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution.

Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships
E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies
The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.
Up to £5,000
Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary
The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Hodgson Law Scholarship
Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates
If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.
Up to £7,000
Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships
Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.
Up to £1,000
Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries
Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.
MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships
Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship
50% tuition fee discounts are available.
Up to 50% of fees
Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies
The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.
MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM
Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.
Up to £12,500
Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies
Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.
Up to £4,000
Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations
The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation
Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.
Up to £5,000
University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes
University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship
£5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.
Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

GIS analyst
Geospatial data scientist
Data analyst
Urban and transport planning analyst
Location intelligence analyst
Research analyst

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £14,000; Part-time: £7,000 | International: Full-time place, per year - £30,000; Part-time: £15,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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