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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:F9UZ
Department of Geography and Environment

MSc Geographic Data Science

Develop your skills in the analysis of quantitative data to answer research questions on spatial and geographic social science topics.
Find out what it's like to study Geography at LSE from our master's students.

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.

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:

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.

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.

152
Applications
14
Intake
11:1
2023 Ratio

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.

Home

£28,900

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

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:

£36,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Financial and Professional Services
Education, Teaching and Research
Real Estate, Environment and Energy
Consultancy
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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