MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Earth and Environmental Analytics)
Year of entry: 2027
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Duration
- TBA
- Entry requirements
-
High 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent)
See application and selection tab.
In your application, you should demonstrate aptitude, knowledge and/or interest in three areas:
- data analytics and/or statistics;
- computational subjects; and
- pathway specific requirements.
These can be demonstrated by course units taken at undergraduate level and high school level, or professional experience.
For this Pathway we would expect applicants to evidence an interest and/or experience in topics related to environmental analysis. Examples are:
- Working experience in environment-themed topics (e.g. environment, climate, natural ecosystems, human social and economic systems, and health)
- Experience in working in data science, GIS or environmental based data analysis
Evidence of training in environment-themed methods or topics
- How to apply
TBA
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | N | N | N | N |
Course overview
Apply data science to environmental challenges, climate questions and decision-making.
Develop analytical, computational and environmental data skills for careers across policy, business, research, environmental sectors, and more.
Study within a uniquely interdisciplinary department that develops and applies data-driven insights to the fields of environment, climate, ecosystems, society and health.
Work with real-life data using methodologies and generative AI models, including R, Python and Excel, with options in GIS, remote sensing, pollution and environmental modelling.
Study Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at a university ranked Top 10 in the UK for Computer Science (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Our students. Real experiences. Visit the Students Stories page to hear from our students as they share what it’s really like to study here.
Open days
The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master's Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.
We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.
For more details on how you can meet us, visit our events page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/meet-us/
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.
Learn more about - student finance options for UK students.
Learn more about - fees and finance for international students.
Graduates of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
High 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent)
See application and selection tab.
In your application, you should demonstrate aptitude, knowledge and/or interest in three areas:
- data analytics and/or statistics;
- computational subjects; and
- pathway specific requirements.
These can be demonstrated by course units taken at undergraduate level and high school level, or professional experience.
For this Pathway we would expect applicants to evidence an interest and/or experience in topics related to environmental analysis. Examples are:
- Working experience in environment-themed topics (e.g. environment, climate, natural ecosystems, human social and economic systems, and health)
- Experience in working in data science, GIS or environmental based data analysis
Evidence of training in environment-themed methods or topics
English language
Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall with no component score below 6.5
- TOEFL IBT 100 with no score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757. From 2026: 5 overall, with no subskill below 4.5
Pre-Sessional English Courses
We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.
To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:
6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each sub-skill
10 Week Pre-sessional Course: IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 in three sub-skills, and 5.5 in no more than one sub-skill
If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate to ensure that you are eligible for a separate visa for the English language course.
English language test validity
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students, the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our country-specific information page for guidance on the academic and English language qualifications which may be accepted from your country.
Application and selection
How to apply
TBA
Staged admissions
Staged Admissions
As there is a high demand for our courses, we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year. Due to the competition for places and high quality of applications that we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.
Please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application to avoid a delay in processing.
Applications for 2027 entry:
Stage 1:Application received by6th December 2026; Application update by19th February 2027
Stage 2:Application received by1st March 2027; Application update by2nd May 2027
Stage 3:Application received by4th May 2027; Application update by18th June 2027
Stage 4:Application received by4th July 2027; Application update by30th July 2027
Whilst we aim to give you a decision on your application by the deadline date, in some instances due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date.
Applications received after our final selection deadline will be considered at our discretion if places are still available.
Please note:All places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity or be closed to further applications. We, therefore, recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.
Course details
Course description
From climate change to environmental degradation, tackling global challenges depends on understanding complex data. Our MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Earth and Environmental Analytics pathway) uses data science methodologies and generative AI models to analyse environmental challenges, assess risk and generate insights that support a more sustainable future.
Throughout your studies, you will develop valuable data science skills while exploring environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity and conservation, natural hazards, and environment and health.
You will build skills in data analysis, project design, computational methods, managing agentic AI, data stewardship, and more.
You will receive rigorous training in statistics and machine learning, databases, data environments and applying data science to solve problems. Your focus will largely be on the data techniques and uses that are most relevant to environmental intelligence and environmental management, with optional course units exploring themes such as pollution control, environmental monitoring and modelling, geocomputing and subsurface geoscience.
You will be taught by an interdisciplinary team through lectures, computer-based practicals, e-learning, meetings with industry partners, workshops, group work and individual research.
We welcome applicants from a range of STEM, business and humanities backgrounds, allowing us to create a diverse cohort and enrich discussions around the uses and potential of data.
By the end of your studies, you will have developed a highly valued skillset, enhancing your employability across countless sectors such as policy, business, research and more.
Aims
This course will:
- Provide an opportunity for graduates from a broad range of disciplines to develop data science skills.
- Prepare you to understand and respond to the complex interactions between the environment, climate, natural ecosystems, human social and economic systems, and health.
- Train you to ask important research questions, evaluate the quality of available evidence, select appropriate methods and use analytical skills to visualise, interpret and provide strategic advice and insight.
- Enable you to develop into an agile, skilled data scientist adept at working in a variety of settings, able to meet the challenges and rewards of interdisciplinary teamwork.
- Prepare you for new and exciting training across cutting edge data science and environmental science technologies to integrate multiple complex data sources and create tools that enable informed decision making for future environmental systems.
Special features
Interdisciplinary approach
Gain a comprehensive understanding of data analytics through studying varied aspects and applications of data science from Statistics, Demography, Social Networks, Data Science, Economics, Politics, Criminology, Health, Sociology, and other fields.
Hands-on
Make theory come alive with hands on experience analysing real-world data using a variety of statistical software such as R, Python, Excel and more.
Teaching and learning
This course is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:
- lectures;
- computer based practicals;
- e-learning;
- meetings with industry partners;
- workshops;
- group work;
- individual research.
Coursework and assessment
Course units are assessed in a variety of ways, including:
- exams;
- essays;
- reports;
- online tests;
- video and in person presentations;
- presenting code files;
- group work;
- practical skills assessments.
Course unit details
A master’s degree is formed of 180 credits.
On the MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Earth and Environmental Analytics pathway), there are six mandatory course units, including an extended research project worth 60 credits. This project is a compulsory research component and would include either a technical report or an academic paper on your project, its methods, and outcomes. You would present the aims and results of your project with either a video or a slide deck.
You will also choose three optional course units, which range from statistical foundations to environmental-based data analysis and GIS, preparing you with a varied and strong foundation in data and environmental analytics.
The availability of individual optional course units may be subject to change. Information that is sent to you in August about registration onto the course will clearly state the course units that are available in the academic year ahead.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).
Our MSc in Data Science gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in:
- banking and financial services;
- the Civil Service;
- the IT and tech sector;
- high-performance sports analysis;
- large retail chains;
- the pharmaceutical industry.
You will acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, academic writing, and communication and teamwork. You could also progress to a PhD in Social Statistics at Manchester or another university.
Careers support
At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University’s dedicated Careers Service . As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.