Overview
Introduction
The MSc Geographic Data Science programme is aimed at those who wish to develop their skills in the analysis of quantitative data to answer research questions on spatial and geographic social science topics. The programme will suit you if you're interested in research for academic or policy purposes, have a background in economics or other quantitative social science and are interested in developing your technical skills in analysis of spatial data.
The programme combines courses in the Department of Geography and Environment, with options in data science and programming from the Department of Statistics and Department of Methodology.
Skills in obtaining, managing, visualising and analysing data (data science) are in high demand and the programme combines a training in the application of these methods and the use of geographical information systems (GIS), with the chance to study topics in urban economics, economic geography, environmental economics or planning. The culmination of the programme is a dissertation in which you investigate your own research topic using the data science and GIS methods you have studied on the course.
Data science topics covered include programming (in R, Python and Stata), machine learning, visualisation, spatial quantitative analysis and econometrics (depending on your interests and previous experience). There is an emphasis on the use of these methods to understand causes, inform policy and address critical, policy-relevant questions in human geography, economic geography, planning, environment and development.
This programme will:
- Train you in the use of data science methods appropriate for working with geographic data, with an emphasis on answering causal research questions
- provide you with the opportunity to study Masters level courses in economic geography, environmental economics or planning
- provide you with an opportunity to apply data science skills through an extended dissertation on a geographical topic
- develop a set of transferable skills in independent thought, writing, data analysis, independent research, presentation and debate that are pre-requisites for future careers.
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent with background in economics or another quantitative social science, and good analytical, quantitative and technical skills.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.
Programme content
This programme is concerned with the application of data science methods to social science research questions. It's not focussed purely on the technical aspects of programming for data science. However, in response to student feedback, you'll be able to take an additional half unit course in data science out of the total four course units (ie, up to one and a half units of data science courses from the Departments of Statistics and Methodology). Additional options to those listed on the programme regulations will also be available under Paper 3: Data for Data Science and Artifical Intelligence and Deep Learning.
Year 1
You'll take courses to the value of four full units in total, made up of compulsory and optional courses.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
Our department is highly regarded both nationally and internationally – ranked second for Geography in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Here at LSE, we offer a unique opportunity to study geography in a university with a worldwide reputation in the social sciences. We specialise in economic, urban and development geography, environmental social science and climate change, all with a strong emphasis on real-world applications.
Many of our academics are internationally renowned in their fields. You’ll find a good balance of experienced and younger academics in the department. Within the team, we’ve had three holders of the highly prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize Fellowships for researchers under the age of 36.
Our research is interdisciplinary and international in its scope and we work closely with academics from several other departments at LSE. Teaching staff are active within the following research centres:
- Cañada Blanch Centre for Contemporary Spanish Studies
- Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy
- Centre for Economic Performance
- Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
- LSE London
- Middle East Centre
- Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre
- Transition Pathway Initiative Centre
- What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth
Based in the heart of London opposite Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the department offers a lively, welcoming and supportive community for students and staff.
Learn more about our undergraduate, postgraduate
and PhD study opportunities,
as well as our research.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 20251st in London for the 13th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20256th In the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
This programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one year research training master's linked to a PhD programme and is designed for students who haven't already completed an ESRC recognised programme of research training. An application must be submitted for the relevant master’s programme, including a research proposal for the PhD aspect of the pathway. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for the 1+3 pathway within their personal statement.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
How you're assessed
All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Many graduates from this programme go on to do PhD degrees, while others enter a wide variety of employment including consultancy, the public sector and education.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.