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There is ever-growing national and international demand for qualified professionals and scientists who have expertise in social and geographic data science. UCL's Social and Geographic Data Science MSc provides rigorous scientific and vocational training for the next generation of data scientists, with a unique expertise at the interface of social sciences, machine learning, computing and statistics.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Entry requirements
Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
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. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
About this degree
The programme provides a rigorous introduction to social and geographic data science. Optional modules provide the opportunity to develop expertise in advanced methods for a variety of application domains including data mining, cartography and citizen science. There is also the possibility of taking modules in subjects related to data analysis and urban policies.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four compulsory modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months, part-time two years) is offered.
A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks, part-time one year) is offered.
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Social and Geographic Data Science. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Social and Geographic Data Science. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Social and Geographic Data Science.
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 is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Geographic Information Systems and Science
- Principles of Spatial Analysis
- Introduction to Social Data Science
- Data, Politics and Society
Optional modules
- Advanced Topics in Social Data Science
- Mining Social and Geographic Datasets
- Introduction to Citizen Science and Scientific Crowdsourcing
- Cartography and Data Visualisation
- Urban Policy
- Remotely Sensing Cities and Environments
- 1 x 15 credit module may be taken from other Geography MSc programmes or from outside Geography, subject to availability and approval from the MSc programme convenor
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words and a poster presentation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory and computer-based practical classes. Assessment is through independent project work, practical-based and written coursework, and the dissertation.
Additional costs
Students produce a poster for the final dissertation presentation. (additional costs: approximately £20)
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
There is a national and international need for scientists with skills in data science based analysis and decision support complemented by a deep knowledge of domain-specific models and analytical methods. The MSc also provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for prospective employment within research organisations, consultancies, government departments and a wide range of industries.
Employability
There is an increasing demand for data scientists and, in particular, for candidates that are able to combine technical understanding and in-depth understanding of socio-economic issues. This degree will provide the students with a competitive advantage given its unique inter-disciplinary structure.
Why study this degree at UCL?
The Social and Geographic Data Science MSc is run by UCL Geography, which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching. This is a research-led and innovative degree - the academics involved in the delivery of the modules are active researchers in the respective relevant subjects.
Students enter a vibrant, enthusiastic, and international research environment in which collaboration and free-ranging debate are strongly encouraged. UCL's location, in central London, provides easy access to many key intellectual venues and resources, such as the British Library and the Alan Turing Institute.
Department: Geography
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
The programme is particularly suitable for students with an undergraduate degree that has a quantitative component. Applicants with relevant professional experience in data science, geographic information science or computing will also be considered.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 27 May 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Social and Geographic Data Science
- why you want to study Social and Geographic Data Science at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to this programme
- how your academic and/or professional background meets the demands of a challenging academic environment
- 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.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 28 August 2021
