Geographic Data Science,PG Dip

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom, London

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408

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Home/United Kingdom/London /Birkbeck, University of London/Geographic Data Science,PG Dip

Birkbeck, University of London

United Kingdom , London

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Central London

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesOctober-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 22,230 / year

Next Intake October-2026

Geographic Data Science,PG Dip

About

Course Overview

On this postgraduate geographic data science course you will learn to apply data science, machine learning and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. This will enable you to gather, analyse and extract insights from geospatial data to uncover the underlying patterns driving various urban and natural environments.

Why choose this course?

This course is ideal for developing your quantitative data analysis skills to answer questions on spatial, environmental and geographic social science topics.
It will equip you with the tools to analyse large datasets and make predictions based on machine learning algorithms.
It benefits from valuable insights from leading academics and encourages your independent thought on the nature of spatial data in society.
You will acquire practical skills to apply GIS in managing and analysing spatial data across several fields, from social to environmental sciences.

What you will learn

Using cutting-edge tools and technologies, this course offers you technical and transferable skills for manipulating and analysing spatial data related to natural and human phenomena.

You will explore several analytical techniques, approaches and case studies to learn how to effectively gather, manage, visualise and analyse large spatial datasets from various social, urban and environmental domains.

You will also learn to use programming languages and specialised software to create spatial machine-learning models that address some of society's major challenges.

How you will learn

You will learn through lectures, practical sessions and online resource activities. This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes taking place in the evening.

We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. The Diploma and Certificate are aimed at professionals and researchers who work with, or wish to work with, geographically referenced data. They are ideal if you are interested in studying at postgraduate level for personal or professional reasons, but don't yet want to commit to a full MSc.

Discover the career opportunities available by taking Geographic Data Science (MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

At least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in geography, computer science or a cognate discipline. In some instances we will consider professional experience in place of a degree.

Some experience of geographic information systems is desirable, but is not a requirement.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

English Program Requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

Career

On graduating successfully from this geographic data science course you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

evaluating and assessing different types of digital information
working with big datasets
an awareness of different machine learning concepts and how to apply them
proficiency in Python
knowledge in R.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions, including:

public policy
environmental agencies
remote-sensing applications
software development.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at government agencies such as TfL, private sector companies such as Esri, and major retail chains such as John Lewis.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.