University of Bristol - Science and Engineering
MSc Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis
Bristol, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
GBP 31,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* home applicants | overseas applicants: 25 july 2025
** overseas full-time tuition
Key Summary
Numerical models and satellite observation are fundamental to understanding environmental systems and change. The MSc in Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis will provide you with the skills to go on to a career in this exciting area. You will learn how models of environmental processes are developed and applied across a range of areas including climate change, flooding, biogeochemistry and glaciers. You will gain an appreciation of all aspects of environmental modelling, ranging from the philosophy of model development, focusing on links to observations and uncertainty analysis, through to more practical aspects such as numerical approximation and algorithm development and testing.
The programme has close links to MSc in Geographical Data Science and Spatial Analytics, and both programmes enable students to develop skills in Geographical Information Systems, analysis of satellite observations and data science techniques more widely. Training in these areas will be complemented by hands-on learning aimed at developing your coding skills in scientific programming and high-performance computing (with access to Bristol's unique supercomputing facilities).
The School of Geographical Sciences is ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021). The MSc is taught by world-leading researchers from the School's research groups in both physical geography and quantitative spatial science. It is closely linked to the School's research strand in Modelling and Geocomputation, which hosts seminars and workshops aimed at consolidating links between environmental modelling and data science.
from 25th November 2024- 4th of December 2025
You will take the following compulsory units:
- Environmental Modelling Applications
- Earth Systems Modelling
- Introduction to Scientific Computing
- Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R or Introduction to Geographical Information Systems/Remote Sensing.
You will choose a further two units from the list of postgraduate units offered by the School of Geographical Sciences. For example:
- Data Science and Machine Learning in Geography
- Climate Change: Science and impacts
- Quantifying Climate Risk
- Urban Analytics and City Science.
A key component of the programme is the dissertation. The bulk of the dissertation work will take place during summer months. The dissertation provides students with practical experience of formulating, designing, and undertaking a substantive and original piece of research in environmental modelling and/or satellite observation. Students are introduced to key principles of research design and research ethics through intensive training in this unit.
Unit names
- Dissertation: MSc Environmental Modelling and Data Analysis
- Environmental Modelling Applications
- Earth System Modeling
- Data Science and Machine Learning in Geography
- Introduction to Scientific Computing
Select 40 credit points from:
- An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts
- Quantifying Climate Risks
- Mapping and Modelling Geographic Data in R
University of Bristol is ranked 8th in the UK and 51st in the world (QS World University rankings 2026)
This MSc provides you with the skills needed for successful careers in environmental consultancy and engineering companies, as well as environmental work in governmental and third sector organisations and agencies. The programme also provides ideal training for those considering a career in research where modelling and data analysis skills are important.