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Urban Spatial Science MRes

London, Bloomsbury

The Urban Spatial Science MRes course equips students with a multi-disciplinary and critical perspective on approaches to understanding, monitoring and improving global urban resilience and sustainability through the use of data and spatial analysis.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£14,200
£7,100
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 closed

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

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this course is: Level 1

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 Urban Spatial Science MRes delves into the theoretical, social, and scientific underpinnings of the modern built environment through a geospatial, data-centric approach.

Delivered by The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA), this postgraduate research course emphasises a hands-on understanding of advanced technical and methodological practices in urban analytics and data-driven decision-making. Key skills developed include mathematical, statistical, and simulation modelling; computer programming; spatial analysis; and data visualisation. These practical skills are reinforced by broad theoretical perspectives covering demographics, economics, urban form and function, network interactions and complexity, governance and policy, planning, and urban science.

Optional modules are offered that align with four primary research themes: Smart Cities and Urban Policy; Big Data; Modelling and Simulation; and Data Visualisation. Core concepts applicable to all research themes establish a strong foundation in urban spatial science, while the research themes enable specialised exploration. The course is intentionally interdisciplinary, leveraging expertise from geography, planning, computer science, physics, and the arts and humanities.

Graduates of the Urban Spatial Science MRes gain proficiency in coding, data-informed urban analytics, and a critical understanding of the limitations of technology-driven ‘solutionism’. This equips them to be both technically skilled and critically reflective – able to look past the hype around smart cities, urban data science and urban science, and discern real insights.  

Two distinct Urban Spatial Science postgraduate courses are available: the MRes and the MSc.  The MRes is research-oriented, designed for students aiming to pursue a PhD or a research career, with greater emphasis on independent research and theoretical foundations. In contrast, the MSc is a taught course aimed at preparing students for professional roles in urban planning, policy, and data analysis, with an emphasis on technical and practical skills.

You can apply to the MSc version of this course here. 

Who this course is for

We are looking for students interested in cities, data science, the environment, spatial science, visualisation and computational methods. There is no required academic background, but students with architecture, planning or geography degrees would be suited to the course. We welcome applicants from any stage of their career. 

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

What this course will give you

In-demand skills: Through our influential research and extensive collaboration with industry, we have developed a curriculum that will provide you with highly sought after skills and knowledge. Students will learn to perform reproducible and data-informed urban analytics using code (R, Python, SQL, Google Earth Engine, Git, GitHub and Docker) and new GenAI tools, underpinned by broad-based and critical theoretical perspectives on planning and urban science.  

Innovative teaching: We employ a wide mix of teaching and assessment formats, allowing students to develop and demonstrate learning beyond the lecture and essay.  

Access to a ‘World leading’ research environment: The UCL Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is a renowned research centre in the science of cities; generating new knowledge and insights for use in city planning, policy and design; and drawing on the latest geospatial methods and ideas in computer-based visualisation and modelling. It is part of UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, where 91% of research was deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The Bartlett was also ranked #1 for Research Power in the built environment.  

Top ranked education: For the third year in a row, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment was ranked #1 in the world for ‘Architecture and Built Environment’ (QS World University Subject Rankings 2025) 

Career support: Studying at CASA provides students with access to a range of career services including networking events, career workshops, and internship opportunities. Our graduates go on to a range of highly skilled jobs in industry, government, and the Third sector. Destinations for graduates include Foster and Partners, Huawei Technologies, Siemens, Urban Redevelopment Authority (Singapore), and Transport for London. 
 

Social and networking opportunities: the department supports students in networking with staff, graduates, and fellow students through an active course of lectures and social events. 

Find out more about the benefits of studying at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis. 

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

The foundation of your career

97.2% of The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017-22).

Top industry sectors for The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis graduates in work are IT, technology and telecommunications (24.1% of graduates); construction, built environment and property (13.9%); manufacturing (8.9%); accountancy and financial services (7.6%); and academic research and HE (7.6%)

The Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis graduates are working in 17 countries around the world.

Example employers include:

  • ARUP
  • Ordnance Survey
  • CACI
  • Geolytix
  • Uber
  • Accenture plc
  • WSP Group
  • 3D Repo 

Employability

This course provides students with the skills and knowledge base to embark on a professional or academic path through the highly interdisciplinary field of urban spatial science and the wider urban planning and policy fields (see the summary course description and learning outcomes for specific skills).

Since our course’s inception in 2013, graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers in local government, urban planning, software development and academic research. This is indicative of the breadth of knowledge and opportunities afforded by our course. 

Networking

A regular series of seminars given by guest lecturers provides students with an opportunity to learn form, and network with, academics and professionals from UCL and other prestigious organisations.

Additionally, students gain access to our extensive alumni network of professionals via our careers and alumni events. 

Teaching and learning

The modules on the course are delivered through a combination of diverse teaching and learning activities in traditional and ‘flipped’ formats. Lectures feature widely, as do computer-based practical classes, tutorials alongside both student and teacher led discussion groups. Self-study is expected throughout the course.

In addition to formal teaching, students can learn directly from experts in the built environment and spatial analysis through the weekly term time CASA seminar series. 

Assessment is undertaken via a variety of means, including practical projects, group presentations, exams, portfolios, visualisations, written technical coursework reports, essays, and a final research dissertation. 

Across Terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 12 and 14 contact hours per teaching week. This is made up of a mixture of lectures, seminars, and practical workshops. In Term 3, students’ time will be dedicated to writing and preparing their dissertation and contact time will take the form of one-to-one tutorials with a Dissertation Tutor. Please note that these hours are an estimate and actual contact hours can vary depending on each student’s individual module choices.

In addition to scheduled teaching, full-time students typically dedicate the equivalent of a full-time job to their studies, spending around 23–25 hours per week on self-directed learning and coursework.

Modules

The degree consists of compulsory modules in Term 1, optional/elective modules in Terms 2 and 3, alongside a final dissertation in Term 3.

Urban Spatial Science MRes

Compulsory Taught Modules – (45 credits)

  • CASA0001 Urban Systems theory (15 credits)
  • CASA0005 Geographic Information Systems and Science (15 credits)
  • CASA0007 Quantitative Methods (15 credits)

Compulsory Research Modules –  (90 credits)

  • CASA0004 Dissertation (90 credits)

CASA Optional Modules – (30 credits)

  • CASA0013 Foundations of Spatial Data Science (15 credits) NB: Students with little programming experience must choose this module
  • CASA0002 Urban Simulation (15 credits)
  • CASA0006 Data Science for Spatial Systems (15 credits)
  • CASA0008 Smart Cities: Context, Policy and Government (15 credits)
  • CASA0011 Agent Based Modelling for Spatial Systems (15 credits)
  • CASA0023 Remotely Sensing Cities and Environments (15 credits)
  • CASA0025 Building Spatial Applications with Big Data (15 credits)
  • CASA0028 Designing Spatial Data Stories
  • CASA0029 Urban Data Visualisation

Elective Modules - (15 credits)

The Elective Module may be chosen from any of the CASA Optional Modules or from the UCL module catalogue

Students choosing from the UCL Module Catalogue should look to choose from UCL departments with suitable relevant elective modules, for example:

  • Geography; Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy;
  • Civil Environmental & Geomatic Engineering; Information Studies;
  • Computer Science;
  • Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources;
  • Bartlett School of Architecture;
  • Bartlett School of Planning 

For students aiming to complete the course in two years. Students are advised to make contact with the course Director to discuss their plans for part-time study.

Students on this mode of study should aim to follow the study pattern below:

Part-time Year 1:

  • CASA0005 (15 credits)
  • CASA Optional module - CASA0013 is suggested for students with little programming experience (15 credits)
  • CASA Optional module (15 credits)

Part-time Year Two:

  • CASA0001 (15 credits)
  • CASA0007 (15 credits)
  • CASA Elective module (15 credits) (this could be a module from CASA Optional Modules or from UCL Module Catalogue)
  • CASA0004 Dissertation (90 credits) 

Modular/flexible students can take up to five years to complete the course. The student registers at the start of every academic year and chooses which modules to study in that academic year. The action of making a module choice generates an invoice from the Fees Office.

It is possible for a modular/flexible student to enrol onto the course at the start of the academic year but decide not to take any modules in that year and defer study to another year. They will pay no fees for that year, but will remain an enrolled, registered student of UCL.

Study Pattern: Several Optional modules require particular core modules to be taken first – see study order below:

The following modules require CASA0013 to have been taken or the student to have equivalent programming experience: CASA0002, CASA0029, CASA0011 and CASA0025.

CASA0006 requires CASA0007 to be taken first.

CASA0023 requires CASA0005 to be taken first.

CASA0008 requires CASA0001 to be taken first.

NB: CASA0004 Dissertation is intended to be a final activity of the course and should be left to the final year. 

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 MRes in Urban Spatial Science.

Placement

As part of the dissertation module students may have opportunities to collaboratively work with external organisations on dissertation projects. This usually involves meeting in the partner’s office (the academic supervisor is typically present as well), but on occasion students may be allocated a workspace.

However, this is not a requirement of any dissertation project or the module and is on a case-by-case basis. 

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.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: The Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis

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.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

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.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £14,200 £7,100
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

A standard specification laptop is strongly advised.

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

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

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

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 25 June 2026
Value: Tuition fees plus £17,096 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

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.

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 Urban Spatial Science at graduate level
  • why you want to study Urban Spatial Science at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this 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

Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis
Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis

casa-teaching@ucl.ac.uk

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