Environmental Data Science with Machine Learning MSc

Tackle complex global environmental challenges using data science and machine learning methods.

Today’s biggest environmental challenges, such as climate change, sustainability and clean energy, increasingly rely on data-driven solutions. At the same time, employers are looking for people who can combine environmental understanding with strong data and analytical skills.

As the environmental technology sector continues to grow, employers worldwide face a shortfall of skilled professionals. Although machine learning adoption is widespread, many organisations struggle to move models from development into practical application.

Our Environmental Data Science with Machine Learning MSc is designed to address this shortfall by developing graduates who can combine deep environmental insight with the computational rigour needed not only to build predictive models but also to successfully deploy them effectively in real-world settings.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop a broad understanding of environmental issues and how data-driven analysis can help address them. The programme gives you an in-depth understanding of data and what effective interpretation and insight generation mean across diverse environmental contexts.

You’ll build the skills needed to analyse, understand, interpret, and visualise complex datasets. Moving beyond standard data visualisation, you will apply techniques from data science, including environmental modelling, machine learning, geospatial analytics, and data curation, with a strong focus on analysis through programming (such as Python).

Here at Leeds, you’ll learn from leading researchers, with teaching expertise from the School of Geography, the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), a national institute for data science and AI.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the specialist knowledge and computational skills that are in demand across multiple industries. You’ll be able to develop creative, data-driven solutions that address real-world environmental challenges and the needs of society.

### Why study at Leeds:

* Learn from data and AI experts: Your curriculum is directly influenced by the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, whose active research grant portfolio comprises 155 projects supported by £120 million in external funding, and benefits from the University's partnership with the Alan Turing Institute. This means you will learn machine learning where leading research happens every day.

* Graduate with a real-world project: We’ve replaced the traditional academic dissertation with an applied, Environmental Data Science Project, meaning you’ll graduate with a practical notebook-style analysis that directly mirrors modern commercial workflows, alongside a report component.

* Guaranteed Industry Experience: Our two-week Global Industry Programme gives you experience of working on projects for UK and international organisations through a virtual consultancy experience. As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.

* No coding experience required: Over the course, you'll progress from foundational Python programming to advanced machine learning, developing the skills to apply data science with confidence.

* Develop in demand skills for future careers: You’ll build expertise in areas such as data science programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence and analysing large and complex datasets.