Environmental Data Analytics MSc

Postgraduate

A woman pointing at a data graph on a computer screen

Develop your skills in AI, GIS and analytics to explore how data science can help address environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainability challenges.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

EEST043

Start date

January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Postgraduate events

Course overview

If you are interested in using data to make a difference and to understand and respond to environmental challenges, this course could be for you. It is designed to help you apply digital and analytical tools to tackle sustainability and environmental challenges.

Learn how to use AI, machine learning, GIS and remote sensing to support in creating solutions to environmental challenges.
Gain hands-on experience analysing real-world environmental data to explore global issues.
Develop knowledge and skills that could support your career development in areas such as consultancy, government, NGOs and research focused on climate, biodiversity and sustainability.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 4th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

Why you should study this course

Specialist environmental focus: unlike generalist data science courses, this course integrates core environmental knowledge (water, soil, air, biodiversity) with data analytics, designed to prepare you for niche roles in climate, sustainability and environmental problem-solving.
Practical, applied learning: gain hands-on experience with real-world datasets, GIS, remote sensing, programming and machine learning to develop skills relevant across industry and research settings.⁴
Global and inclusive learning environment: embedded throughout the course are case studies and collaborative projects reflecting international contexts, helping you develop skills relevant across diverse cultural, social and environmental settings.
Optional professional placement²: extend your MSc to two years with a university-approved UK or international placement (34–43 weeks), gaining practical experience in industry or research. Opportunities are subject to availability, additional costs, and visa requirements. See the modules for full details.

What you'll study

Explore how the Earth’s systems interact and how data and technology can be used to tackle global environmental challenges. Study climate change, adaptation and resilience, learning to use tools like GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning to analyse and interpret environmental data. Develop coding and data management skills to handle big data responsibly and effectively. By the end of the year, you should be ready to apply digital solutions to real-world sustainability and climate issues.

Modules

Spheres of the Environment and Climate Change Adaptation – 30 credits

Explore the five key spheres of the environment: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere. Learn how they interact to shape our planet’s climate system. Get a scientific understanding of climate change, its impacts on both natural and human systems, and the importance of planning for mitigation and adaptation.

Learn about digital tools such as AI, machine learning, remote sensing and GIS, showing how these can be applied to tackle real-world challenges like carbon management and climate resilience. Explore emerging approaches such as carbon trading, which provide insight into the science and policy dimensions of climate action.

Compulsory

Environmental GIS and Remote Sensing Applications – 30 credits

Learn how to combine geographical information systems (GIS), remote sensing and environmental data science to understand complex environmental challenges. Explore how these tools work together to improve predictive environmental modelling and support more accurate, evidence-based decision-making.

Using real-world examples such as air quality monitoring, natural disaster management (including earthquakes and wildfires), and soil and water conservation, apply advanced data processing techniques and explore how machine learning algorithms can enhance GIS and remote sensing applications. By the end of this module, you should have the skills to use these technologies in practical, impactful ways to address global environmental issues.

Compulsory

Programming and Machine Learning – 30 credits

Explore programming and machine learning, focusing on practical applications to environmental data. Using a discovery-based learning approach, gain a foundational understanding of machine logic, become familiar with programming syntax for basic environmental data analysis, and develop your coding skills. Learn core principles of algorithmic thinking and coding techniques. While the aim is not to reach the level of a computer science specialist, you will be supported in building confidence and further developing your skills through an online boot camp.

Machine learning encompasses a wide range of intelligent methods and algorithms, including data preparation and pre-processing, supervised and unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, classification, clustering, and future directions in the field. This module also draws on principles from computer science, statistics, mathematics, and complexity science. By engaging with these areas, you should gain a deeper appreciation of the interconnected nature of mathematics, programming, and statistics - essential foundations for environmental data science and machine learning.

Compulsory

DBMS, Big Data and Communication for Data Scientists - 30 credits

In today’s world of “Big Data,” databases are at the heart of how information is stored, managed and used. Gain an introduction to database management systems (DBMS) – the tools that make it possible to organise and work with huge amounts of data. Explore how DBMS supports key tasks such as storing and retrieving information, integrating different types of data, ensuring security, and running queries that turn raw data into meaningful insights.

You’ll also learn about the “five Vs” of big data.

Volume – the size and scale of data.
Velocity – the speed at which data is generated and processed.
Veracity – accuracy and reliability.
Variety – the different formats, from structured tables to unstructured text or images.
Value – how data can be used to make decisions and create impact.

Alongside developing technical skills, you should learn to think critically about the big picture. Examine the social, ethical, and moral issues around AI and data usage, including how AI systems affect people and society, and the importance of designing them safely and responsibly.

Compulsory

Master’s with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the extended master’s landing page.

Optional

Research Project – 60 credits

Take on an independent research project in your chosen area, such as sustainability, environment, energy, or related disciplines, and work under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor. Learn how to identify and define a research problem, review existing literature, and design a suitable methodology. Along the way, you should strengthen your skills in project management, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Consider important aspects like risk assessment and research ethics. By the end of this module, you should have planned, managed and delivered a substantial piece of independent research, building valuable expertise for both academic and professional contexts.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical studio sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

online tests
essays and critical reviews of scientific topics
case studies
group work for presentations, lab projects and reports
individual presentations
laboratory reports
lab skill competency
posters and other information resources (e.g. videos, websites, briefing papers).

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any environmental sciences, engineering, physical sciences, management sciences, biochemical sciences, statistics, or mathematics discipline.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements:

English language requirements

This course requires IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates of this course could go on to work in roles such as:

Environmental data scientist
Climate analyst/climate modeller
Risk and resilience consultant
GIS and remote sensing specialist
Sustainability and environmental impact analyst
Policy and research analyst

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.