Exciting changes are afoot.  Our MRes Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation programme is being improved to reflect the data-oriented and research-focussed nature of the course, and with that comes a number of changes, including a new name:  MRes Spatial Data Science and Visualisation which is due to take effect from September 2015.

There are also a number of changes to the course diet including a brand new Spatial Data Science module which will replace Spatial Modelling and Simulation. The new module teaches skills and theory around working with spatial data through databases, analysis and exploratory statistics.

We are also offering Introduction for Programming for Architecture and Design and Quantitative Methods as core modules in the programme. These modules cover introductory methods and theory in programming and mathematics in term one, and will prepare all our students for the research modules in term two. This means that students from a wider range of backgrounds will get the training they need to carry on to advanced topics later in the year.

The assessment of the dissertation is also being changed:  it will be assessed via a 10,000-word dissertation and a 5,000-word research paper. This new assessment mechanism enables students to structure their work into a research publication, opening up the possibility of rapid conversion of dissertation work into conference or journal papers. This creates a faster route to getting published for students who want to continue research, or want to demonstrate independent investigation and thought leadership within their industry.

If you hold an offer for the MRes Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation programme, you will be contacted very shortly and it will be converted automatically to an offer for the new MRes in Spatial Data Science and Visualisation. 

Online applications for the new MRes Spatial Data Science and Visualisation programme should be available in April.  If you would like to apply before then, you would need to apply for the existing MRes Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation programme in the first instance. 

Further details are available on this website: http://spatialdatascience.org

And if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our Teaching and Learning Administrator: Lisa Cooper (lisa.cooper@ucl.ac.uk)