MSc Data Science for Environmental Science
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Governments, organisations, and industries worldwide are seeking professionals who can leverage data to make informed, sustainable decisions to help meet global challenges. This has resulted in a significant increase in demand for skilled data scientists with knowledge of the environmental sciences, a trend that is expected to continue.
Our cutting-edge MSc in Data Science for Environmental Science is designed to prepare you to become a highly qualified data scientist. This one-year Master’s course will equip you with proficiency in analysing environmental data, a skill applicable to a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as in research.
You’ll receive an excellent grounding in practical and theoretical aspects of data mining, Python, and statistics, with the opportunity to tailor your degree through modules in quantitative environmental sciences and modelling. Additionally, you’ll also have the flexibility to choose the focus of your dissertation.
At UEA, you’ll be part of the School of Environmental Sciences, which has made significant global contributions over the past 50 years and has been honoured with the Queen's Award. Our large, internationally recognised school is known for its holistic, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research aimed at addressing the environmental challenges of the 21st century and securing a sustainable future. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, we ranked 4th overall for research quality in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences in the UK, with 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or excellent.
Upon graduation, you’ll possess a wealth of knowledge, prestigious connections, and valuable research experience, giving you a competitive edge in your career or further studies. Our alumni have successfully secured positions with government organisations (e.g., Environment Agencies, national meteorological offices) and global consultancy firms, while others have chosen to pursue PhD research.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our MSc Data Science for Environmental Science course is a full-time, one-year taught programme, designed for advanced students and practitioners.
You’ll have an average of 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff, depending on your module choices. This will include lectures, seminars and lab classes. Lab and seminar classes are an opportunity to reinforce and expand on the lecture material and will provide you with practical experience of data science methods. The course has both theoretical and practical elements, so you’ll be given hands-on experience using data mining and statistical software.
Your individual study time (around 25 hours per week) will complement our formal teaching and will support the development of your skills and expertise in data analysis.
Your dissertation will also form a key part of your course. This is a research project which will involve extensive independent study using data science methods to explore an environmental science topic of your choice, supported by your supervisor.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Each week, you’ll have an average of 15 hours of contact time with teaching staff, depending on your module choices. This will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, and lab classes, where lab and seminar sessions reinforce and expand on the lecture material.
The course combines both theoretical and practical elements, providing you with practical experience in data mining and statistical software.
The time you spend on individual study, amounting to around 25 hours per week, will complement the formal teaching and evolve with your growing skills and expertise in data analysis.
A key component of the course is your dissertation, which involves extensive independent study on an environmental science topic of your choice, supported by your supervisor.
Assessment
You’ll have a mixture of individual and group assessments including written work, presentations, and exams. Assessments will combine theory with practical application to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options you choose.
A key feature of the MSc is the dissertation in which you’ll work closely with faculty to conceptualise, design and deliver an independent scientific research project.
Key to the project is the development of skills in applying data science techniques to real world questions. Your dissertation is assessed through a project proposal, dissertation report and presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2.
Degree Subject
Any science subject across physical and social sciences. Strong applicants from other backgrounds with experience relevant to Environmental Sciences or Data Science are also encouraged to apply.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any science subject across physical and social sciences. Strong applicants from other backgrounds with experience relevant to Environmental Sciences or Data Science are also encouraged to apply.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £11,775
-
International Students: £24,500
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate ready for a career in data analysis or data science with a focus on the Environmental Sciences – an area experiencing rapid growth.
Expect to earn a competitive salary, with the median annual wage for data scientists in the UK reported at £60,000.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Data miner
- Business intelligence analyst
Discover more on our Careers web pages.