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Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage (Data Science) MSc

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hackney Wick (Here East)

Data and digital technologies play a fundamental role in contemporary society – and cultural heritage is no exception. As a Data Science student on the Sustainable Heritage MSc, you develop interdisciplinary data science skills and apply them to real-world heritage contexts, including historic buildings and sites, landscapes, museums and collections. This accredited degree combines applied knowledge with research-led, hands-on learning and fieldwork. It prepares you to become a skilled data scientist, working through the dynamic lens of cultural heritage. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with degrees of a lower classification but with considerable senior-level professional experience may also be accepted. Please note that a special qualifying examination may be set. Details of this route can be obtained from the department at the email address at the bottom of this page.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The opportunities for using data science in different contexts are vast. Employers from increasingly diverse sectors now require people with skills in a range of state-of-the-art methods and technologies to understand, manage and exploit data. This degree pioneers a new way of teaching data science through application in the cross-disciplinary context of cultural heritage.  

You develop advanced data science skills, such as coding, crowd-sourced data science, machine learning and data visualisation. You also explore the complexities of acquisition, analysis and exploitation of the variety of data that is generated and used in heritage contexts, including data generated through analysis and measurement, imaging and surveying, citizen science, and digitally born data.

Data science underpins much of modern science. By examining the topic through the lens of cultural heritage, we emphasise the human side of data science. Studying and applying data science methods to heritage helps you develop a broader with the ability to consider the needs of users, the public and a broad range of stakeholders, alongside the more technical aspects of data science.

Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc offers three specialist routes: Data Science, Heritage Science and Heritage Management.

Who this course is for

Students from all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome to apply. The Data Science route is open to, but not limited to, applicants with a technical background such as statistics or data science, as well as applicants from other disciplines (e.g., conservation, curation, history) that want to develop data science skills. This degree route is suited both to recent graduates and early or mid-career professionals looking to retrain or up-skill. 

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Gain hands-on, applied data science experience for your future career 
Project and fieldwork embedded in the degree provide ample opportunities to apply the data science skills you gain in the classroom to real-world projects. Watch Instagram reels of Narmin’s experience completing fieldwork at Lamport Hall and Aki’s experience on a field trip at Villa Portelli in Malta. You develop techniques that can be used across a wide range of data science and heritage roles, including building proficiency in the statistical package “R”. 

Study at a world class university in London, and international hub 
UCL is world top 10 university (QS World University Rankings 2026) based in London, an international hub for both data science and heritage. As a global centre for innovation and research, it offers unparalleled opportunities to engage with cutting-edge data science while being immersed in a city rich in cultural heritage, historic architecture, and world-renowned museums—making it the ideal place to study the past and shape the future. London is also ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

Study with in a world-leading faculty, applying data science to heritage challenges 
You learn from academic experts in the UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage applying data science methods to research projects. Our faculty, The Bartlett, is where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken, including heritage research (REF 2021). We are also #1 in the world for built environment studies (QS World University Rankings 2025) 

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Data science is in high demand in many different industries. As a graduate of the Sustainable Heritage MSc (Data Science) route you will be ideally placed to gain employment as a data scientist, particularly in sectors that unite technology with humanities and social sciences, fostering transdisciplinarity. The MSc will equip you to succeed as a data scientist in diverse fields such as heritage science and technical roles in cultural institutions, data analytics, the built environment, digital technologies and media, and software engineering. The MSc could also be a foundation to pursue a career in academia.  

Past students have applied their skills in prestigious heritage organisations such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and in roles such as Data Science & Insights Lead at FindMyPast, Software Engineer at NatWest Group and Financial Modelling Graduate at KPMG UK (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2023 and alumni testimonials).  

Learn more about our graduates' experiences and career paths

Since graduating I have been using data science skills learnt from the MSc straight away in my role as Preventive Data Scientist at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in coding applications for the prevention of damage to museum objects from the climate, insects, light and other risks to the objects.

Photo of Bhavesh

Bhavesh Shah

Data Science for Cultural Heritage MSc (now known as Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc, Data Science route)

Learn more about Bhavesh's experience

Employability

This degree route has been developed with input from industry leaders from a diverse range of sectors, including architecture, heritage, social media and digital technologies. You will gain exposure to real data challenges from these industries to develop a skill set in data science that will be highly transferable across these and many other sectors. 

An applied focus and an emphasis on innovation, along with crossdisciplinarity, critical thinking, are the key qualities that will define the professional character of our graduates and will make you stand out from other data scientists. 

There is an opportunity to work closely with a heritage organisation or practice during the route which is facilitated through the professional networks of the academic staff, including our guest lecturers, many of whom come from prestigious heritage organisations. 

Students gain access to our extensive alumni network of professionals who are now leaders in the field. 

Networking

We offer many opportunities for networking. Invited speakers and external lecturers from leading heritage organisations teach in our modules and supervise student dissertations. We organise regular invited lectures, which are followed by networking opportunities. The course has been developed in close collaboration with leaders of the heritage sector, ensuring its relevance to employers. The MSc has many connections to industry, thanks to our privileged location at the heart of Bloomsbury, the wide network alumni, and long-standing research and teaching collaborations that span decades. 

Accreditation

The Sustainable Heritage MSc and all its routes are accredited by the Institute for Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Our IHBC accreditation allows students to accelerate their progress towards becoming a Full Member of the IHBC, its highest level of accreditation, reducing the length of the process from 5 to 2 years.

This degree is currently undergoing its regular reaccreditation process with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Taking a RICS accredited course is a step towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor which would give you international recognition of professional status. It also provides access to a global network of built environment professionals. 

Teaching and learning

The taught modules of the Data Science route are delivered through a combination of modules taught via weekly classes and other intensive 1-week block taught modules. For each module, you will need to complete pre-session reading and preparation using an online learning environment and traditional literature sources. 

The degree route is taught using a variety of methods including problem-based and case-based learning, discussion groups, project work, exercises, coursework and reports. Assessments include an exam, submissions of code, written individual and group assignments, practical studios and the 10,000-word dissertation. Other assessment methods will depend on the optional modules chosen. 

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In terms one and two full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 12 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. During block teaching modules the week’s contact hours are 35-40 hours. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, full-time students use their remaining time (approximately 22-29 hours) for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments. In term three and the summer period students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.

Modules

You will take a series of taught modules, followed by a research project leading to a dissertation. 

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2. Three of the core taught modules are shared with all Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc routes, giving you the opportunity to work with students studying sustainable heritage from different perspectives. These are:  

  • Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight 
  • Sustainable Heritage in Practice 
  • Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage 

In addition, students must complete three modules specific to their route, focussing on technical skills.  For the Data Science route, these are:   

  • Machine Learning for Heritage  
  • Heritage Mapping and Visualisation 

As well as one of the following: 

  • Statistics for Heritage Science 
  • Introduction to Statistical Data Science

There are several optional modules available, all in Term 2. Students can choose two optional modules, including at least one of those provided by the Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc. Students can also choose to take another module from elsewhere at UCL, pending approval from the Course Director. 

You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation throughout Term 3 and the summer. 

You will take a series of taught modules, followed by a research project leading to a dissertation, over two years.

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2 of both years. Three of the core taught modules are shared with all Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc routes, giving you the opportunity to work with students studying sustainable heritage from different perspectives.
  
For the shared taught modules, part-time students will start Year 1 with the module:

  • Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight

In Year 2 you will take:

  • Sustainable Heritage in Practice
  • Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage

In addition, students must complete three modules specific to their route, focussing on technical skills. In Year 1, part-time students on the Data Science route will take:

  • Heritage Mapping and Visualisation

Students will also choose one of the following compulsory Data Science modules:

  • Statistics for Heritage Science
  • Introduction to Statistical Data Science

In Year 2, part-time students should complete the following Data Science module:

  • Machine Learning for Heritage

There are several optional modules available, all in Term 2. Students can choose two optional modules, including at least one of those provided by the Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc. Students can also choose to take another module from elsewhere at UCL, pending approval from the Course Director. Students should take one optional module in Year 1 and one in Year 2.

You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation in Year 2 throughout Term 3 and the summer.

You will take a series of taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation over the course of five consecutive academic years.

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2 of each year. Three of the core taught modules are shared with all Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc routes, giving you the opportunity to work with students studying sustainable heritage from different perspectives. These are:  

  • Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight
  • Sustainable Heritage in Practice
  • Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage

In addition, students must complete three modules specific to their route, focussing on technical skills. For the Data Science route, these are:  

  • Machine Learning for Heritage  
  • Heritage Mapping and Visualisation
  • As well as one of the following:
  • Statistics for Heritage Science
  • Introduction to Statistical Data Science

There are several optional modules available, all in Term 2.  Students can choose two optional modules, including at least one of those provided by the Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc. Students can also choose to take another module from elsewhere at UCL, pending approval from the Programme Leader.

Students should also take the dissertation module either in the year in which they complete the final taught modules or the year after they have completed all taught modules, as long as this is not more than five consecutive years after they first enrolled.

In addition, flexible students will be recommended to consider the following:

  • Take the module Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight before completing any of the other taught modules.
  • Take at least one module in each academic year they are enrolled on the MSc.

Flexible students will be encouraged to discuss their plan for completing the master's with the Course Director. It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year.

Compulsory modules










Optional modules




Foresight for Heritage 1

Design Futures for Heritage




Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage (Data Science).

Fieldwork

The teaching of one of the core modules, Sustainable Heritage in Practice, shared among all routes, takes place over a week-long piece of fieldwork.

Several fieldwork options are offered, and students can choose which one to attend. Fieldwork typically takes place during week-long residential, self-catered trips. Previous destinations have included historic properties in the UK and Malta, including historic houses, museums and archaeological sites. In this dynamic module, the destination and the heritage challenges tackled by students change year to year, as we identify sites of high interest that have not been studied before in our course.

A choice of field trips may be offered, with different destinations but identical learning objectives. Enrolment on the fieldwork is on a first come, first served basis. You will need to cover subsistence costs such as meals. 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two students looking into St Paul’s Catacombs in Malta, gathering fieldwork information

UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage is part of The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, home to four specialist sustainability-focussed institutes. We deliver sustainable solutions to real-world cultural heritage problems through ground-breaking, cross-disciplinary research and innovative teaching for future heritage leaders.

Find out more

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Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students are expected to cover the travel and subsistence costs of site visits within London. For the compulsory fieldwork, students are only expected to cover subsistence costs such as meals, which should be approximately £20-£30 per day for 5-7 days, depending on choice of field trip location.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

The Ecclesiastical Insurance Scholarship is available for study on the Sustainable Heritage MSc (Data Science). Additional funding available from our Institute and Faculty are advertised on the UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage scholarships page and The Bartlett's scholarships page.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Data Science applied to heritage at graduate level
  • why you want to study Sustainable Heritage at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen route
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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