Course overview
Urban data science and analytics are critical to helping cities evolve, providing invaluable insight into urban processes, dynamics within cities, and highlighting local and global issues. This is why specialists in this field are highly sought after within the public and private sectors to help address these issues and contribute to solutions in future planning.
Our Urban Data Science and Analytics MSc offers you the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the methods and approaches of data science and learn how to apply them in understanding cities and setting urban policy.
The course will combine technical training in the latest data science techniques – from data wrangling to machine learning, visualisation, and beyond – with the critical thinking needed to interrogate and understand complex urban and mobility challenges.
At the heart of this course will be a commitment to tackling the real-world challenges facing cities. Researchers at the University of Leeds are finding novel data-driven solutions to tackle challenges such as traffic congestion, social and economic equality, healthy cities, and competition for resources.
This means, once you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the experience, technical skills, and knowledge needed to pursue a career in this area, with roles in everything from data science to software development or urban planning.
Why study at Leeds:
- Learn the latest innovations in critical areas of urban analytics with exposure to our impactful research ongoing across the university from the School of Geography, the Institute for Transport Studies, the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and the Alan Turing Institute, the national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, which feeds directly into the course.
- Advance your skills and knowledge in key topics sought after in industry, including programming for data science, creative coding for urban problems and analytics for urban policy.
- Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a selection of optional modules in areas like geographic data visualisation, geodemographics and transport data science.
- Conduct your own project work which will enable you to develop transferable skills as a researcher, investigating a real-world issue that explores and develops your interests.
- Access specialist facilities which will complement your learning including research-grade laboratories in the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, as well as an excellent GIS computer cluster with industry-standard software.
- Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team of academics who are actively engaged in ground-breaking research and part of the Institute for Spatial Data Science research group, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and the Alan Turing Institute.
- Build your industry connections through working with external organisations and stakeholders, co-developing creative solutions to urban problems.
- Put theory into practice with exciting fieldwork opportunities in an urban context, allowing you to observe first-hand how data science can be used to create and shape urban policy and how policies in turn impact urban systems and processes.
Related course
Environmental Data Science and Analytics MSc
This Masters degree is a great fit for students interested in environmental processes and using data-driven solutions to provide insights into the future of our planet at multiple scales. Like our Urban Data Science and Analytics MSc, you’ll build skills in data wrangling, machine learning, data analysis, visualisation and creative coding – but with a broader perspective on the environment as a whole, using a variety of data from multiple ecosystems.
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Course details and modules
The course combines technical training in data science with a rich exploration of urban systems and policy, enabling you to create novel data analyses that are informed by a contextual understanding of cities.
Semester 1
In the first term, the course will introduce you to the theory and application of urban data science through two complementary modules: Data Science for Practical Applications and Cities as Complex Systems. The first of these will provide a foundation in data science training, combining real-world data sets, analytics, and applications across a diverse range of contemporary urban contexts.
Cities as Complex Systems will focus on understanding and analysing cities from a complex system perspective using an interdisciplinary approach, to consider how we plan, organise, and evaluate cities, and address future challenges. You'll also be given an introduction to programming (currently using Python) in the Programming for Spatial Data Science module.
Semester 2
The second term will build and expand upon this knowledge. The Analytics for Urban Policy module will explore the key considerations in using data science across a range of urban policy areas and address how these policies result in tangible change. Field trips will enable you to observe the impact of different urban policies within diverse environments and contexts.
The Creative Coding for Real-World Problems module takes an exciting and unique ‘hackathon’ approach to deliver creative solutions to real-world challenges. Working in groups and with Industry experts, you'll gain first-hand experience of applying critical and innovative thinking to evaluate and explore a range of different urban domains.
Optional modules incorporate deeper training in spatial analysis or transport training, enabling an expansion of disciplinary expertise. These modules will make you more familiar with the types of datasets and problems involved in geographic (e.g. demographics, crime, health) and transport data analyses.
Course Structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Compulsory modules
Programming for Spatial Data Science (15 credits)
Develop a strong foundation in programming to enhance your data science skill set. This module is designed to give those with little or no programming experience a firm foundation in programming for data analysis and AI systems, recognising a diversity of backgrounds. The module will also fully stretch those with substantial prior programming experience (e.g., computer scientists) to extend their programming and system-building knowledge through self-learning supported by online courseware.
Data Science for Practical Applications (15 credits)
Gain experience and acquire foundational knowledge in data science. From being introduced to concepts in data handling, exploratory data analysis, to machine learning and visualisation. You'll have opportunities to work with a variety of spatial and spatiotemporal datasets relating to practical problems in the real world, including multiple environments.
Creative Coding for Real-World Problems (15 credits)
This will be your chance to enhance your creativity and develop your technical skills in relation to a variety of mixed environments. Supported by visiting academics and industry partners, you’ll work in groups to derive solutions that are novel and insightful through application of programming skills.
Cities as Complex Systems (15 credits)
You’ll explore urban systems and urban policy, primarily focusing on concepts of urban complexity (along themes such as mobility, housing, environment, health, etc). The module will encourage critical reflection on urban systems, and how their design and policies promote different outcomes.
Analytics for Urban Policy (30 credits)
This module will expose you to the latest uses of data science for understanding cities and setting urban policy, explore technical, procedural and ethical challenges in using data science in urban policymaking, and address how urban policy results in tangible change in real-world cities. You'll be taught through a mix of lectures, workshops, and fieldwork, which will expose you to the impact of different urban policies within diverse environments.
Urban Data Science Project (60 credits)
Over the summer months, you'll work on a 60-credit dissertation-style research project, which brings together learning from each module, requiring you to produce a documented code workbook with a supporting 5000-word practical briefing, highlighting how data science methods can be used to inform policy interventions and decision-making.
The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests. You'll also have the opportunity to work with industry partners on this project.
Example dissertation themes for Urban Data Science and Analytics MSc include:
- Urban economics
- Cities and crime
- Urban inequalities
- Transport and mobility
- Housing and real estate
- Health and wellbeing
- Smart cities
- Pollution
- Vulnerable populations
- Geodemographics
- Fieldwork.
Optional modules
Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.
Geographic Data Visualisation & Analysis (15 credits)
Develop core visualisation and spatial analysis and statistical skills required for the analysis of geographically referenced data. You are introduced to ‘traditional’ and ‘novel’ datasets at different spatial scales and granularities related to areas, individuals, households and neighbourhoods.
Geodemographics and Neighbourhood Analysis (15 credits)
You'll learn how area (neighbourhood) characteristics impact policy decisions in various organisations. You'll gain skills to construct and apply area measures for careers in academic, public, private, and third-sector settings. The module aims to help you analyse and utilise area characteristics to support decision-making in local planning, policy evaluation, and marketing.
Transport Data Collection and Analysis (15 credits)
Build skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of data collection and analysis in the context of transport. This module addresses the loop covering research questions, data requirements, data collection/generation, data analysis, and interpretation.
Transport Data Science (15 credits)
Develop an understanding of how your knowledge in data science can support sustainable transport policies using new techniques and datasets, ranging from openly available origin-destination datasets to huge datasets from global positioning systems (GPS). Not only does this module teach you data skills, but it also teaches you the importance of understanding how advanced data analysis, modelling and visualisation can support the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Fieldwork
Field courses provide students with an opportunity to explore urban analytics ‘on the ground’ in inspiring urban environments. Students will consider cities from different perspectives and observe urban systems evolve across traditional policy areas. There will be a chance to get involved in collecting data, making observations and assessments, and exploring cities in ways you have never done before.
Learning and teaching
The course will incorporate a range of innovative modes of delivery, with a general focus on maximising time for practical, problem-based learning. For example, the ‘Creative Coding’ module will incorporate minimal lecture-style teaching and instead focus on problem-based learning, where you'll work with other students in teams to tackle problems and datasets provided by external stakeholders. Within this module, you'll be coached by teaching staff to identify novel and compelling ways to tackle the challenges and be required to present your work.
Face-to-face learning in workshops, small groups, drop-ins, laboratories, lectures, and seminars will be combined with teaching and learning delivered using interactive digital platforms that build up your skills using relevant technologies and enable effective delivery of key materials.
Active research environment
You'll be taught by an experienced team of academics and researchers who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and part of the Institute for Spatial Data Science research group, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, and the Alan Turing Institute.
Specialist facilities
You'll have access to laboratories in the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, as well as excellent teaching facilities within the School of Geography, including a GIS computer cluster with industry-standard software.
Programme team
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
The primary mode of assessment will be through the production of code and critical analysis for the exploration of urban phenomena and problems. Some modules will focus more on qualitative analysis of urban systems, while others will incorporate aspects of team-based assessment.
Code and analyses through a personal (protected) GitHub repository will be documented, which will act as a portfolio of work for future employers on completion of the course.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject, along with evidence of quantitative or computing skills.
We welcome ambitious graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds who are interested in using data and technology to understand and improve cities and urban life.
We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons), relevant work experience or professional qualifications. We take a flexible and inclusive approach and consider every application on its individual merits.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Please visit our How to Apply page for full details of the application process and the supporting documents required as part of your application.
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.
Application deadlines
- International applicants: Friday 30 July 2027
- UK applicants: Friday 10 September 2027
To apply, click the button below to access the University’s online application system.
International applicants can find further information on visas, immigration requirements and student support on our International students pages. We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing before your programme starts.
If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
School of Geography
School of Computer Science
Institute for Transport Studies
Contact us
School of Geography Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: geo-tpg-enq@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £14,700 (Total)
International: £33,500 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
Standard travel, subsistence and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing and footwear.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
Data science and analytics have become crucial to many industries worldwide, meaning demand for qualified specialists in this field has grown exponentially in recent years, with no signs of slowing down.
This course will teach you the in-depth technical knowledge and skills in data science, along with training in workflow practice, teamwork, and ‘hacking’ that’s highly sought after by employers and will prepare you for an exciting career in industry. You'll also build an online portfolio of work developed throughout the course, which will demonstrate your skills to prospective employers.
On completion of this course, you'll have the technical knowledge to secure employment in local government, companies handling spatial data (e.g. supermarkets, retail), start-ups, transportation authorities and operators, urban planners and consultancies (e.g. Arup, Mott MacDonald) in roles such as a data scientist, data analyst or software developer.
Here’s a snapshot of positions some of our previous students on this course have secured:
- Data Analytics, Amey
- Graduate Scheme, Ernst & Young
- Data Science Internships, LIDA.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go wel beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Work placements and industry experience
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
- Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.
- Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.