Explore Social and Geographic Data Science at UCL
This UCL Geography course uniquely prepares the next generation of data scientists in social and geographic fields, with expertise in social science, spatial data science and computing.
About this degree
The degree combines rigorous training in spatial analysis, data science, and the politics of data with optional modules that let you focus on your interests. Topics may include:
- Urban analytics and cartography
- Remote sensing and citizen science
- Machine learning and data mining
- Urban studies and policy
You’ll benefit from UCL’s world-class research centres, including the Consumer Data Research Centre and the Q-Step Centre, and learn from experts pioneering new methods in spatial and social data analysis.
Graduates go on to work in data science, urban analytics, policy, and research or pursue further doctoral study.
Who is this course for?
Ideal for
Social science graduates
Graduates in social sciences with quantitative training looking to develop advanced data skills.
Interdisciplinary students
Students from urban planning, computing, arts, or humanities backgrounds with quantitative skills.
Experienced professionals
Professionals in data science, GIS, smart cities, or social research seeking advanced training.
Not the best fit for
Candidates without quantitative skills
This course isn’t right if you have no experience with quantitative or computational methods.
Those interested in purely theoretical study
The MSc combines theory and practice. It won’t suit those wanting only a theoretical
Students in unrelated disciplines without prep
If your background has no quantitative or analytical component, this course may be challenging without extra preparation.
Events and opportunities
MSc Open Event
Hear Dr Stephen Law introduce the course.
Academic Staff
Course Convenor
Dr Stephen Law joined the UCL Geography Department after completing a research fellowship at the Alan Turing Institute. His research interests including the use of machine learning, image analysis, and street network analysis to tackle urban planning and design challenges.
James is the Director of the UCL Q-Step Centre and Deputy Director of the ESRC Consumer Data Research Centre. His research interest includes the analysis and visualisation of spatially-referenced population datasets. His co-authored, best-selling books London: The Information Capital and Where the Animals Go were published in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
Since joining UCL in 2000, Paul supervised over 50 PhD students and co-authored four editions of Geographic Information Science and Systems (with translations in Czech, Korean, Mandarin, Polish and Portuguese). He is the Director of the UCL Consumer Data Research Centre, taking the lead in its development of geo-temporal demographics.
Rory joined the UCL Geography Department after completing an ESRC Future Research Leaders project on the rates of homeownership among young people. His research uses longitudinal datasets to analyse the different types of homes and neighbourhoods people move to throughout their lives.
Anwar joined the UCL Department of Geography after completing UKRI-NERC project on mosquito-borne arboviruses and infestation burden in the Global South at the UCL Institute of Risk and Disaster Reduction. His research interests focus on the application of statistical modelling, geospatial analysis, and data science mainly to areas of infectious disease epidemiology and medical entomology.
Justin joined UCL in January 2018 as a postdoctoral researcher in the Geospatial Analytics and Computing Research Group. His research interests include Big Data applications in scarce data environments, urban transport and human mobility, and data linkage of large dataset.
News from MSc Social and Geographic Data Science
Maia Watson-Hearne wins RGS Dissertation Prize for innovative Ethiopia food security study
UCL Geography congratulates Maia Watson-Hearne on winning the 2025 RGS Dissertation Prize for her machine-learning analysis of food security in Ethiopia.
06 Feb 2026
Everyday Urban Governance: Varvara’s PhD Insights on Bucharest’s City Development
Congratulations to Dr Varvara Karipidou on passing her viva! Her research shows how Bucharest’s urban development is shaped by informal networks, everyday negotiations, and city governance.
08 Dec 2025
BSc Geography Insights: New perspectives on housing?
In this UCL Geography research mini-series, we highlight work shaping what students explore on the BSc Geography course, starting with Dr Rory Coulter’s fresh insights into housing and urban change.
03 Dec 2025
Got questions? Get in touch.
Contact us if you have any questions about studying Geography at UCL
