Geographic Data Science (Postgraduate Diploma)

This postgraduate diploma in Geographic Data Science will equip you with the skills and knowledge to analyze, interpret, and visualize complex geographic data. You'll learn how to work with large datasets, design and implement spatial models, and communicate insights effectively. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned to pursue careers in fields such as urban planning, environmental sustainability, transportation planning, and more.

Additional Information

Our program is designed for professionals looking to enhance their analytical skills and expand their knowledge of geographic data science. With a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and project-based learning, you'll have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems and develop your problem-solving abilities.

Join one of the world's leading institutions for geography and data science education.

Birkbeck University of London is a world-renowned institution for research and education in geography and related fields. Our faculty are experts in their respective fields, and our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support your learning. With a strong emphasis on practical application, you'll have the opportunity to make valuable connections within the field and enhance your employability after graduation.

Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Data Science will provide you with advanced scientific and technical training in capturing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial information. Thanks to increases in computing power and the availability of GPS, we can record and store an unprecedented amount of information about the world. Geographic information plays an increasingly crucial role in our society, transforming sectors as diverse as transportation, insurance, banking, telecommunications, logistics, energy, retail, agriculture, healthcare, urban planning, and scientific research. In this program, you will learn how to analyze and extract insights from geospatial data, uncovering hidden patterns that can help address the big challenges that we face in the twenty-first century. You will work with real-world data on a number of domains and problems, such as simulating the dynamics of change in the natural and built environment, spotting good locations for renewable energy plants, predicting crime hot-spots, and producing effective maps to visualize natural and human phenomena. The emphasis throughout this course is on enabling you to develop new skills that have real-world applications for your work and career. You will acquire key data science skills that are in high demand in industry and important tools for research in the field: geographic information systems, such as ArcGIS and QGIS; scientific programming in Python; geostatistical and modeling in R; map-making and cartography; big data management with spatial databases, such as SQL and NoSQL; web mapping and development; remote sensing and analysis of satellite imagery; simulation and agent-based modeling.

At least a second-class honors degree (2:2) or equivalent in geography, computer science, or a cognate discipline; we will consider the professional experience in place of a degree. Some experience in Geographic Information Systems is desirable but is not a requirement.