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Urban Spatial Science MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Urban Spatial Science MSc programme 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 analytics, machine learning (ML), reproducible research, and remote sensing technologies. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£13,500
£6,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
£19,900
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 30 May 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of a lower 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 programme 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 MSc delves into the theoretical, social, and scientific underpinnings of the modern built environment through a geospatial, data-centric approach.

This programme emphasises a hands-on understanding of advanced technical and methodological practices in urban analytics and data-driven decision-making. Key skills 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.

The UCL Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) offers optional modules that align with three primary research themes: Smart Cities and Urban Policy; 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 programme is intentionally interdisciplinary, leveraging expertise from geography, planning, computer science, physics, and the arts and humanities.

Graduates of the Urban Spatial Science MSc gain proficiency in coding, data-informed urban analytics, and a critical understanding of the limits 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.  

Who this course is for

We are looking for students interested in cities, environment, spatial science and computational methods. There is no required academic background, but those students with architecture, planning or geography degrees would be suited to the programme. 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.  
 
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 number one for Research Power in the built environment.  
 
Top ranked education: For the second 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 2024). 
 
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 programme of lectures and social events. 
 
Accreditation: This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).

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

94% of Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2017-2021). 

Students have gone on to roles in government; transport planning, consultancy and operations; geospatial technology and services firms; property investment, development and management; engineering consultancy; management consultancy; and technology consultancy. 

Example employers:

  • CACI
  • Jacobs
  • Buro Happold
  • Atkins
  • Arup
  • Boston Consulting Group
  • Lendlease
  • Transport for London
  • Uber
  • Mapbox
  • Geolytix
  • Connected Places Catapult
  • IBM
  • Westminster Council
  • GLA
  • Newham Council
  • Zipcar
  • Ordnance Survey 

Employability

This programme 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 programme description and learning outcomes for specific skills). Since its original 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 programme.

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.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

Teaching and learning

The modules on the programme 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 programme. 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, written technical coursework reports, essays, workbooks, and a final research dissertation.

Across terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 13 and 16 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.

Outside of directed teaching, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

The degree consists of compulsory modules in term 1, pathways or recommended modules in terms 2 and 3, and a final dissertation due in term 3. The pathways serve as a guide to thematic areas of study, but students can access modules across different pathways according to their own interests.

Urban Spatial Science Compulsory modules

These modules must be taken by all students:

  • CASA0005 Geographic Information Systems and Science – term 1
  • CASA0007 Quantitative Methods – term 1
  • CASA0001 Urban Systems Theory – term 1
  • CASA0010 Urban Spatial Science Dissertation – term 3

Smart Cities and Urban Policy Pathway

We recommend the following modules for students interested in this topic:

  • CASA0008 Smart Cities: Context, Policy and Government – term 2
  • CASA0002 Urban Simulation – term 2
  • CASA0023 Remotely Sensing Cities and Environments – term 2

Data Visualisation Pathway

We recommend the following modules for students interested in this topic:

  • CASA0006 Data Science for Spatial Systems – term 2
  • CASA0003 Digital Visualisation: Group Mini Project – term 2

Urban Modelling and Simulation Pathway

We recommend the following modules for students interested in this topic:

  • CASA0006 Data Science for Spatial Systems – term 2
  • CASA0011 Agent Based Modelling for Spatial Systems – term 2
  • CASA0002 Urban Simulation – term 2

All pathways have 30 credits of additional optional modules. At least one of these should be taken from within the CASA module catalogue - both could be, but students will also have the option to take one elective outside their programme of study, departments at UCL with suitable relevant elective modules are listed below.

Optional Modules

In addition to the modules listed above CASA also offers:

  • CASA0013 Foundations of Spatial Data Science – term 1
  • CASA0024 PropTech: Introduction – term 2
  • CASA0025 Building Spatial Applications with Big Data – term 2

Students may also opt to take elective modules. Departments at UCL with suitable relevant modules include: 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 and the Bartlett School of Planning. 

Part-time study is over two years, with the following structure:

Year One

  • CASA0005 Geographical Information Systems & Science
  • CASA Optional Module
  • CASA Pathway module
  • CASA or UCL Elective Module

Year Two

  • CASA0007 Quantitative Methods
  • CASA0001 Urban Systems Theory
  • CASA Pathway module
  • CASA or UCL Elective Module
  • CASA0010 Urban Spatial Science Dissertation

NB: there is a study pattern to be aware of as a part-time student, i.e. understanding which modules need to be completed before others. This study pattern is outlined in the programme structure for Modular/Flexible study.

Modular/flexible students can take up to five years to complete the programme. 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 programme 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 Foundations of Spatial Data Science (CASA0013) to have been taken or the student to have equivalent programming experience: Urban Simulation (CASA0002), Group Mini Project: Digital Visualisation (CASA0003), Agent-based Modelling for Spatial Systems (CASA0011), and Building Spatial Applications with Big Data (CASA0025).
  • Data Science for Spatial Systems (CASA0006) requires Quantitative Methods (CASA0007) to be taken first.
  • Remotely Sensing Cities and Environments (CASA0023) requires Geographic Information Systems and Science (CASA0005) to be taken first.
  • Smart Cities: Context, Policy and Government (CASA0008) requires Urban Systems Theory (CASA0001) to be taken first.

NB: CASA0010 Dissertation is intended to be a final activity of the programme and should be left to the final year.
 

Compulsory modules






Optional modules








PropTech: Introduction



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 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

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £13,500 £6,750
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800 £19,900

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

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

A standard specification laptop is strongly advised.

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 £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. 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

Several external funding opportunities are available to applicants of this programme, including: ESRI Geospatial Scholarship Fund and the Chevening Scholarships. 
Scholarships worth £10,000 each are available for UK students on the Urban Spatial Science MSc and Connected Environments MSc. The CASA Urban Futures scholarships are part of the Office for Students’ (OfS) nationwide drive to expand access to the data science and AI industries.

Please note in your application if you have applied for any scholarship.

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: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)

Deadline: 12 December 2024
Value: Full fees, flights, stipend, and other allowances (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 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.

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 programmes (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: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis
Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis

casa-teaching@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.