Overview

Please note the course details apply to 2026 entry.

Our MSc in Urban Informatics programme trains you to apply computer science methods and data analysis to urban environments, with the ultimate goal of improving policy-making for governments and businesses.

Designed for graduates or professionals from a range of backgrounds, the curriculum equips you with essential technical and analytical skills, including in data science, geospatial analysis and urban data mining, alongside vital data visualisation and communication methods. You'll engage with real-world data and practical applications throughout the modules, allowing you to not only apply your skills and knowledge but also understand the complexities of urban living.

The course prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities across business, government, and non-profit sectors where expertise in using data to solve urban problems is increasingly in-demand.

Key benefits

  • 6th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings 2025)
  • You'll study a wide-range of innovative modules, covering key data science methods, including modules taught by the Department of Mathematics, and big data in mental health through King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience.
  • Work with an extensive repository of ready-to-use data, sourced from our industry and government partners, covering domains including health, policing, transport, and energy.
  • Gain real work experience as part of your degree with the option of doing a 10-week placement with one of 30 leading organisations across local government, policing, health, big data companies, transport and more.
  • 6th in the UK for producing the most employable graduates (Times Higher Education Graduate Employability rankings 2025).
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King’s is very well ranked and has an excellent Informatics department. The central location means you are close to big tech companies and you can interact with them, also thanks to the different events that King’s organises with them.
Luis
LuisAdvanced Computing MSc

Course essentials

Urban Informatics uses computational methods to collect and analyse rich behavioural data from cities and citizens. The goal with this is informing and improving decision-making amongst public and private sector organisations to enhance urban environments and residents’ well-being. This includes everything from optimising emergency services and A&E departments, improving community policing, managing air quality, and supporting public transport.

Our MSc course combines a grounding in advanced data science techniques with in-depth knowledge of public services and urban environments. An interdisciplinary degree, modules are taught in the Department of Informatics but also in Mathematics and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, & Neuroscience which covers mental health data. The first term provides a foundation in data science and theories underlying the study of cities, alongside data visualisation and communication techniques, enabling you to present findings to influence policymaking.

In the second term, you will focus on advanced skills for conducting projects, including data analysis for cities, spatial and network analysis and data mining techniques. You will then take a specialised module exploring an aspect of city life of your choice, such as human mobility or mental health, providing you with a testbed to sharpen your analysis techniques and build your confidence and experience in handling urban data.

The majority of taught modules involve you using real life data and detailed case study topics in project work, with data sources provided by our private and public sector partners. This culminates in the summer term with a substantial individual project - tackling one of a range of urban informatics problems provided by our partners in policing, health, big data companies, and transport. Projects could include advanced modelling of London crime hot streets, exploring the outcome of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone on air quality, and analysing trends in traffic data, amongst others. Some students go on to publish their findings in journals or share them in public presentations, even influencing policy-making.

Through this degree, you also have the opportunity to take a 10-week professional placement with one of our 30 public sector and business partners. Following a competitive application and interview process, if selected, you will work one day a week applying your learning to tackle challenges for organisations including Westminster Council, HMRC, the NHS, the UK Health Security Agency, Transport for London or WSP. Many participants in the placement scheme have gone on to secure jobs with their host partner, with WSP even having a special graduate scheme for King’s Urban Informatics graduates.

The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the King’s College London Strand Campus, with occasional sessions taking place at Waterloo Campus and Denmark Hill Campus.

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught, and the campus may vary depending on the optional modules you select. The Department of Informatics is based in Bush House on the Strand Campus.

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time

Duration:

One year full-time, September to September

Credit value:

UK 180/ECTS 90

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Application closing date guidance

Base campuses

A quad courtyard, with people queuing at a van selling coffee, and chatting in conversation

Strand Campus

Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.

Waterloo - students walking

Waterloo Campus

Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.

Students outside the main building at Denmark Hill

Denmark Hill Campus

Denmark Hill, in Southwark, London, is a vibrant area known for its historical landmarks and green spaces. Home to King's College and the Maudsley Hospitals, it also features Ruskin Park, named after John Ruskin, and the Camberwell College of Arts.