Environmental Science and Data MSc

This module aims to equip you with the practical skills and conceptual understanding needed to work with geospatial data using Python - one of the most widely used programming languages in environmental science, data analytics, and spatial research. It provides an applied, project-based learning environment in which you are able to gain hands-on experience in geospatial data processing, analysis, and visualisation, all within the context of environmental change.



You will have time to learn to manipulate and analyse spatial data, automating workflows using open-source Python libraries. The module will progress through core Python and geospatial concepts through to real-world scenarios addressing environmental and socio-spatial issues. Teaching includes interactive lectures, coding sessions, and guided projects, with no prior programming experience required. The module aims to equip you with essential geospatial data science skills for environmental modelling and spatial decision-making tailored for future employability.

The Horizons in Environmental Change module explores latest research into environmental change, with a focus on contemporary research challenges. Focussing on cutting-edge environmental issues and research, the module examines a range of topics, innovative research approaches and methodologies.



You will be able to engage with current research on topics such as climate modelling, observations of glacier change, and environmental monitoring. This is achieved through attendance at a series of research presentations by experts in the appropriate fields, and discussion of background concepts through paper discussions. Through a series of expert seminars, and group discussions, you will be supported to critically review scientific literature, conduct data analysis, and explore case studies that highlight real-world applications of emerging research.

Monitoring Our Changing Environment aims to equip you with the practical skills needed to observe, measure, and analyse environmental change across a range of spatial and temporal scales, and ultimately understand the implications of monitoring outcomes. Drawing on laboratory techniques, field instrumentation, and remote sensing technologies, this module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the methods used to monitor key components of our environment.



Practical activities form a core part of the module. You will gain hands-on experience with environmental instrumentation in both field and laboratory settings, learning how to collect, process, and interpret physical and chemical data. Throughout the module, emphasis is placed on understanding the strengths and limitations of different monitoring techniques, as well as on integrating data from multiple sources to develop a comprehensive view of environmental systems.



Through a combination of lectures and practical sessions, you will be able to build your capacity to evaluate and apply monitoring strategies to real-world environmental questions. By the end of the module, you will be prepared to contribute to data-driven environmental research, assessment, and decision-making in both academic, industrial, policy and applied contexts.

The Designing Environmental Change Research module provides you with the opportunity to develop essential skills to design and plan research projects. It offers a thorough introduction to the research process, focussing on the core elements necessary for a successful dissertation.



The module will begin by exploring the origins of research problems and how individual topics contribute to broader scientific agendas. You will then be introduced to the principles of the 'scientific method', examining the roles of fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and modelling in research. The module aims to equip you with practical skills for planning a research project, including conducting literature reviews, performing data analysis, and presenting findings through written reports and graphical visualisations. It will also prepare you to develop a well-structured research proposal, providing a clear framework for your dissertation projects.



By the end of the module, you will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to design rigorous, impactful research that is aligned with current research priorities and methodologies.

Machine learning is a rapidly growing technique for data analysis across a wide range of applications. Indeed, with the development of widely available open-source software packages, and the rapidly increasing volume of datasets made possible by technological advancements, more and more scientists are utilising machine learning algorithms in their research. This module provides you with a fundamental understanding of some of the most common algorithms currently utilised for analysis of geoscientific data. It will show you how to apply these algorithms to real-world datasets, using the Python programming language and its suite of freely-available software packages.

You will be supported to develop a strong understanding of scientific computer programming (and Python specifically) and how machine learning may be utilised to help solve real-world research problems - extremely valuable skills for a range of careers in environmental change.

The Climate Change: Science and Impacts module offers you an in-depth understanding of the scientific foundations of climate change and its far-reaching impacts on the environment and society. This module explores the causes, processes, and consequences of climate change from a scientific perspective, while emphasizing the real-world implications for ecosystems, human societies, and global policy.



You will get to examine the key scientific principles underlying climate change, including the greenhouse effect, climate modelling, and changing global circulations with far-reaching impacts. You will be able to explore the latest research on the impacts of climate change, focusing on areas such as extreme weather events, sea level rise, changes to ecosystems, and climate-sensitive diseases. Special attention will be given to understanding the social, economic, and political dimensions of climate change, including adaptation strategies and global mitigation efforts.



The module combines lectures, seminars, and case studies to provide both theoretical and practical insights into the science of climate change. You will be supported to gain the skills to critically evaluate scientific data and reports, engage with current climate research, and understand how climate change affects different regions and communities around the world.

By the end of the module, you will have been able to develop a solid grounding in climate science and an understanding of the multidisciplinary approaches required to address climate-related challenges. This module prepares you to contribute meaningfully to discussions and actions aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change on a global scale.

This module introduces the application of spatial tools and data to the study of the environment. In doing so, the module explores a range of topics including the theory and applications of remote sensing, image analysis, terrain analysis, hydrology, ecological mapping, and green/blue infrastructure. The module is taught through a series of lectures, computer-based workshops and fieldwork where primary and secondary data are used to offer insights into environmental applications of GIS in practice. 

This module aims to provide you with a strong understanding of the social and physical science of climate change with relevance to international development. This understanding is then applied to consider the challenge of living with climate change in the Global South. The module is taught through seminars and lectures. Lectures introduce and impart factual knowledge while seminars allow discussion and an emphasis on applying key concepts to practical situations. Together these structure your learning, and provide an environment in which you can develop your skills in researching, presenting and debating arguments drawn from the wide ranging literature on climate change.

Food Security and Food Justice are areas of increasing importance at local, national, transnational and global scales. Political and non-political agents at multiple scales have recognised that Global Hunger and Food Security (of which Food Justice is a primary component) is a key challenge requiring urgent interdisciplinary investigation and problem solving. There remains limited agreement as to how best to approach these issues. This module provides you with a background to the problems encompassed within the food security/food justice nexus by drawing on academic and policy debates that focus on both the macro as well as the micro impacts. By looking across food systems, the module also critically evaluates different strategies for mitigating the impacts of food insecurity and injustice. In addition to academic, knowledge and critical thinking skills, the module will help you to develop the following attributes: Communication, Networking, Collaboration, Influencing, Inclusivity, Defining Purpose, and a Growth Mindset.

This module is aimed at students who already have a good degree of knowledge in GIS. 

This module aims to develop a high degree of competence in relation to advanced spatial analysis, understanding spatial approaches to problem solving, and the theories and precepts which underlie software applications in GIS. You are taught in a series of inter-related computer workshops focusing on real-world data and problem scenarios. The assessment focuses on employability skills related to a breadth of specialist knowledge and skills via a multiple choice exam, and depth of application via a 2,000 word advanced methods report, enabling you to demonstrate highly developed skills and knowledge sought by a range of potential employers.

Climate change is one of the most significant and urgent challenges of the 21st century. Cities generate over 70% of the world's CO2 and consume 60% of global energy, they therefore play an important part in mitigating the extent of climate change and in adapting to the effects of the climate crisis and its impacts on societies and the global environment. In this module you  will get to explore the drivers of climate change and their implications for urban systems, critically considering how urban professionals can respond to these challenges in ways that promote just and sustainable transitions.

This module offers you the opportunity to undertake a substantial, independent research project that reflects your academic interests and professional aspirations in the field of environmental change. The Advanced Research Project enables you to explore complex global issues—spanning climate change, natural hazards, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution and beyond.



You will design and carry out an original research project, supported by expert supervision and, where relevant, engagement with ongoing research projects. The project may involve independent work or collaboration as part of a larger institutional research programme, allowing you to experience the real-world dynamics of academic research while developing your own contribution to the field.





The module is structured to guide you through the full research cycle. Beginning with topic selection and proposal development, you will progress through methodological design, data collection and analysis, and the production of a high-quality dissertation. Projects will draw on a range of methods, integrating science, data analysis, and critical insight into the societal impacts of environmental change.





This module not only strengthens your academic and analytical capabilities, but also prepares you for future careers in research, policy or consultancy. For students looking to make an impact in addressing global environmental challenges, the Advanced Research Project provides you with a platform to apply knowledge, test ideas, and contribute meaningfully to one of the most urgent fields of our time.