MSc Applied Data Science (Environment and Sustainability)

at University of Exeter

The contemporary climate and environmental crises necessitate discipline-transcending solutions underpinned by understanding complex systems and models that draw from a data intensive world. Sustainable development is now a top priority in many industries and for many public and non-governmental organisations.
 

This programme is aimed at enhancing the students’ understanding of and confidence in using real-world data and mathematical models to address the big environmental, social and economic issues of our time.
 

• Term 1: students develop core skills through the fundamentals module in data science, and explore foundational concepts and transdisciplinary methods for sustainability science
   
• Term 2: students are exposed to state-of-the-art data science methods in the Trends in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence module, and put their data science and modelling skill into practices by completing the interdisciplinary module Tackling Sustainability Challenges using Data and Models
   
• Term 3: students undertake an advanced data science and modelling project
   

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Compulsory modules

• Fundamentals of Data Science    

• Trends in Data Science and AI    

• Data Science and Modelling Dissertation    

• Tackling Sustainability Challenges using Data and Models    

A good degree (normally a 2:2).
 

Successful applicants will usually have at least an A-level or equivalent in Mathematics and/or have received quantitative skills training as part of their undergraduate programme, or possess relevant professional experience.
 

Prior experience of coding is not necessary on this course.
 

English language requirements
 

• IELTS

  Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
   

• TOEFL

  Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

UK fees per year:
£10,000 full-time 
 

International fees per year:
£23,000 full-time

This programme is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds who want to enhance their understanding of and confidence in using real-world data and mathematical models to address the big environmental, social and economic issues of our time, gaining knowledge of local to global scales and tapping into/skilling-up for the “Big Data revolution” in the field and in general.
 

The UK has one of the world’s strongest and most developed data analytics sectors, predicted to grow by 177% over the next 5 years and demand for qualified professionals continues to grow. The UK’s commitment to expansion of renewable energy is likely to mean a high level of investment in the sector in the next decade. The adoption of the UK’s microgeneration tariff in 2009, the Green Deal in 2013, the phased adoption of the Renewable Heat Incentive from 2011-2014 and introduction of Contracts for Difference in 2014, suggests continued strong support for rapid expansion of renewable energy in the UK.