Urban Spatial Science MRes

The programme is composed of 45 credits of compulsory taught modules, to be taken in Term 1, followed in Term 2, by 30 credits of CASA Optional Modules and the opportunity to take 15 credits of Elective modules.

CASA Optional Modules follow three research themes: Smart Cities and Urban Policy;  Modelling and Simulation; and Data Visualisation. Core concepts applicable to all research themes provide a foundation in urban spatial science, with research themes supporting optional thematic specialisation. The programme is deliberately cross-disciplinary, drawing on staff with backgrounds in geography, planning, computer science, physics, as well as the arts and humanities.

Taught content explores the theoretical, social and scientific foundations of the modern built environment through a geo-spatial, data-oriented lens. We also cultivate a practical appreciation of the technical and methodological ‘state-of-the-art’ associated with urban analytics and data-driven decision making, including: mathematical, statistical and simulation modelling, computer programming, spatial analysis and visualisation. Importantly, these practical skills are underpinned by broad theoretical perspectives on demographics, economics, form and function, network interactions and complexity, governance and policy, planning and, crucially, urban science.

Through learning what is possible with code, about the benefits of data-informed urban analytics, and (as importantly) about the limitations of technology-led solutionism, our graduates are distinguished as being simultaneously technically-capable and critically reflective, able to look past the hype that accompanies the buzz around smart cities, urban data science and urban science.

The new Urban Spatial Science MRes replaces the previous Spatial Data Science and Visualisation MRes at CASA.