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    Urban Analytics
    Go to University of Glasgow
    University of Glasgow

    Urban Analytics

    University of Glasgow

    University of Glasgow

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    United Kingdom, Glasgow

    University RankQS Ranking
    78

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Master by Course Work

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Campuses

    Gilmorehill

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake Deadlines19-Sep-2026
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 12 month(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 27,720  / year
    Next Intake 19-Sep-2026

    Urban Analytics

    About

    Around the world, city governments are realising the growing importance of harnessing the power of urban big data. The Masters in Urban Analytics will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct appropriate analyses, and experience of working with cutting-edge datasets.

    Urban Analytics programme overview
  • The programme will provide you with a critical appreciation of the potential for big data and urban analytics to inform urban planning and policy making, as well as an understanding of practical and ethical limitations.
  • It offers hands-on experience of a range of statistical and GIS software, and of the use of programming tools to capture, process and analyse data.
  • You will be exposed to a range of cutting-edge datasets typically encountered by urban analysts and the various challenges they present.
  • The programme will develop your ability to convey the results of complex data analyses in ways which have impact on policy makers and public debates.
  • You will benefit from the programme’s strong connection with the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), Glasgow’s world-leading urban analytics centre of expertise.
  • A wide range of optional courses will provide you with the opportunity to pursue personal interests, enhancing particular skills or domain-specific knowledge such as transport studies or urban design.
  • We work closely with the Data Lab, an internationally leading research and innovation centre in data science. You will benefit from a wide range of learning and networking events that connect leading organisations seeking urban analytical skilled students who are looking for exciting opportunities in this field.
  • You may have opportunities to visit Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland under a funded academic exchange programme through the UK Turing Scheme. The number of students that can visit Finland is dependent on the yearly funding success.
  • Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Geography, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Public Health and Economics.

    We may also accept degrees in related social science subjects including Data Science, Statistics, GIS, Spatial Analytics, Information Science, and Engineering.

    Work experience may be considered.

    You are required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why you want to undertake this programme at Glasgow. See link below

    English Program Requirements

    For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

    • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
    • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

    TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

    • 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

    Pearsons PTE Academic

    • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

    • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Oxford English Test

    • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    LanguageCert Academic SELT

    • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Password Skills Plus

    • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    Trinity College Tests

    • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

    University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

    • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

    Alternatives to English Language qualification

    • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
      • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
    • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
      • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

    For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

    Pre-sessional courses

    The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

    • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
    • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
    • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

    For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

    We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

    • Heriot Watt
    • Kingston Upon Thames
    • Middlesex University
    • Manchester University
    • Reading University
    • Edinburgh University
    • ST Andrews University
    • UCL
    • Durham.

    For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

    Career

    This programme teaches globally relevant practical knowledge and hands-on skills and creates graduates who are confident in harnessing the power of urban big data. Career opportunities and pathways Graduates are equipped with unique advantages in the global job market, with knowledge about emerging forms of urban big data, and valued analytical skills which are transferable across industries. Career opportunities for our graduates include positions in:

  • government agencies
  • urban planning organisations
  • city governments
  • public health boards
  • retail businesses
  • real estate companies
  • transport
  • other private consulting firms.
  • Many past students use the data skill sets they have gained to fill a knowledge gap in their organisation. Alumni from this programme have also gone on to work in non-profit organisations. For students wishing to remain in academia, graduates have gone on to be accepted into highly competitive PhD programmes in the UK, Europe, USA, and China, ranging from government, universities and technology companies. Professional development The programme offers students frequent connection with industry. We have strong links with the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), a research centre and national data service based at the University of Glasgow. The UBDC promotes the use of big data and innovative research methods to improve social, economic and environmental well-being in cities. A vast majority of academic staff teaching on the MSc programme are involved with the centre. Through the UK Turing Scheme, students can apply for a part-funded study trip to Aalto University, near Helsinki, Finland (spaces are limited and this is application-based). Read more from students who visited Aalto University last year about their experience. Students are also regularly invited to join the CUSP London Data Dives, an opportunity to apply what you have learnt while under pressure in a fast-paced environment. This helps improve your understanding of how data science is applied in real-world situations and develop practical skills in formulating questions, analysing data and presenting results. As a student, you can also benefit from our partnership with The Data Lab, an organisation committed to harnessing the power of data and AI for a thriving, connected society. Scottish-based students can receive the competitive fully-funded MSc Scholarship and join the Data Lab Academy programme. All students are eligible for the Data Lab Academy and have access to the paid internships through the Data Lab. Career support from the University of Glasgow As a postgraduate student at the University of Glasgow you will have access to our Careers, Employability and Opportunity service. This service offers students the opportunity to network through organised events, help with finding employment, internships and work experience, and career development masterclasses. Learn more about Careers, Employability & Opportunity

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee

    GBP 27,720 

    Application Fee

    GBP  
    University of Glasgow

    Urban Analytics

    University of Glasgow

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    United Kingdom,

    Glasgow

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