University of Leicester

What you'll study

This MSc integrates data‑science fundamentals with geospatial techniques. You study programming and statistical methods for data analysis alongside specialised modules on geographic information systems (GIS), spatial statistics, remote sensing and large‑scale spatial data management.

• Core data‑science modules: programming for data science (Python and R), statistical modelling, machine learning and data visualisation tailored to real‑world datasets.
• Geospatial modules: spatial database design and management, applied GIS, spatial analysis and modelling, digital mapping and web mapping technologies.
• Remote sensing and image analysis: principles of satellite and aerial imagery, preprocessing, feature extraction and classification for environmental and urban applications.
• Big spatial data and cloud geocomputation: handling and processing large geospatial datasets, use of cloud platforms and parallel processing for scalable workflows.
• Professional and ethical practice: data governance, privacy in location data, reproducible research and project management.
• Dissertation or project: an independent research project or a substantial applied consultancy project that develops a geospatial data‑science solution to a real problem, supervised by academic staff with relevant expertise.

Teaching typically combines lectures, hands‑on lab sessions in dedicated GIS and data‑science facilities, seminars and group work. Assessment methods include practical coursework, project reports, coding assignments and the dissertation or professional project.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject such as geography, computer science, mathematics, engineering, environmental science or a related discipline. Candidates with a lower honours classification and substantial relevant work experience may also be considered.

Typical applicants should be comfortable with quantitative methods and have some prior programming experience (for example, Python, R or SQL); pre‑session preparatory materials are often provided for those who require a short introduction. International applicants will need to meet the University's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme enter a range of roles that combine spatial knowledge with data‑science skills. Common career paths include:

• Spatial data scientist or geospatial analyst in commercial technology firms, consultancies and start‑ups.
• GIS analyst or developer for local and national government, transport agencies and utilities.
• Remote sensing specialist or environmental modeller in environmental consultancies, research institutes and NGOs.
• Location intelligence and business analytics roles in retail, telecommunications and logistics.
• Further research: progression to PhD study in areas such as spatial statistics, urban analytics or remote sensing.

The programme emphasises employability through practical projects, exposure to industry‑standard tools and support from the University's careers and enterprise services to prepare for roles that require both technical and domain knowledge.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers interdisciplinary strengths across geography, computer science and environmental science, providing an environment well suited to geospatial data‑science training. Students benefit from hands‑on access to GIS and computing laboratories, specialised software, and teaching informed by active research in spatial analysis and remote sensing.

Leicester's academic staff bring expertise across applied geospatial science and data analytics, and the programme is designed to connect students with practical, real‑world problems through project work and industry engagement. The University's central UK location and established support services for postgraduate students help with networking, internships and career development after graduation.