Urban Analytics (Taught)

Around the world, city governments are realising the growing importance of harnessing the power of urban big data. Our Masters in Urban Analytics will provide you with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct appropriate analyses, gaining experience of working with cutting-edge datasets and exposure to emerging tools, including those driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

WHY THIS PROGRAMME

• The programme will provide you with a critical appreciation of the potential for big data and urban analytics, including AI-driven methods, to inform urban planning and policy making, as well as an understanding of practical and ethical limitations.

• It offers hands-on experience of a range of statistical and GIS software, and of the use of programming tools to capture, process and analyse data.

• You will be exposed to a range of cutting-edge datasets typically encountered by urban analysts and the various challenges they present.

• You will learn to apply a range of analytical methods, from traditional statistical approaches to emerging AI techniques, to extract insights and address real-world urban challenges.

• The programme will develop your ability to convey the results of complex data analyses in ways which have impact on policy makers and public debates.

• You will benefit from the programme’s strong connection with the Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC), Glasgow’s world-leading urban analytics centre of expertise.

• A wide range of optional courses will provide you with the opportunity to pursue personal interests, enhancing particular skills or domain-specific knowledge such as transport studies or urban design.

• We work closely with the Data Lab, an internationally leading research and innovation centre in data science. You will benefit from a wide range of learning and networking events that connect leading organisations seeking urban analytical skilled students who are looking for exciting opportunities in this field.

• You may have opportunities to visit Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland under a funded academic exchange programme through the UK Turing Scheme. The number of students that can visit Finland is dependent on the yearly funding success.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
You will take five core and two to four optional courses, as well as submit a research-based dissertation.

Knowledge-focused courses introduce you to the context for urban planning and policy making. Skills-focused courses on statistical methods, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and programming will give the opportunity to use a variety of real world datasets.

Courses are delivered via a mix of lectures, tutorials, supervised computing lab sessions and small group work.

Core courses
Big Data, AI & Urban Analytics
Principles and Applications of GIS
Programming Tools for Urban Analytics
Quantitative Data Analysis (Semester 1)
Sustainable Urban Futures (10)

Optional courses
Advanced Topics for Urban Analytics
Design Governance
Digital Planning Systems and Tools
Fundamentals of Transport Studies
Quantitative Data Analysis 2
Smart Cities and Infrastructure
Statistical Methods for Transport Planning
Understanding Transport Choices
Urban Analytics Group Project

Dissertation
Dissertation: Urban Studies

CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates are equipped with unique advantages in the global job market, with knowledge about emerging forms of urban big data, and valued analytical skills which are transferable across industries. Career opportunities for our graduates include positions in: government agencies, urban planning organisations, city governments, public health boards, retail businesses, real estate companies, transport, other private consulting firms.