Urban Informatics MSc

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Urban informatics is the study of how rich behavioural data from cities and their citizens can be collected, analysed, understood, and communicated through computation. We seek to inform improvements that can increase the wellbeing of the city residents, whether by government organisations or industries involved in providing services in cities. Our MSc in Urban Informatics equips students with the technical, analytical, and communication skills required to conduct effective urban data analysis, with experience of detailed case study topics and the communication of results to effect change.

The course information sheet is a printable version of the information on this web page, which you can download here.

Key benefits

• Draws from both natural and social science areas to provide a rounded degree that combines the technical and social aspects of urban informatics.

• Based in the Centre for Urban Science and Progress London (CUSP London), with connections to New York University and CUSP New York.

• Located in central London, with opportunities to interact with government agencies and for grounded case studies using London as a lab to drive effective learning.

• Friendly and supportive learning environment, with students from across the globe.

• Based in the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, with links to both Health and Social Science and Public Policy and world-leading teaching and research.

Key information

Application status Open

Duration One year FT, September to September.

Study mode Full-time

Credit value UK 180/ECTS 90

Course leaders

Further details

Course contact for further information

Course contact form Postgraduate admissions

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Department Centre for Urban Science and Progress London (CUSP London)

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Course detail

Description

Course details

The first term provides foundation modules in core data science techniques, the theories underlying the study of cities, and ways to communicate analyses so as to affect policy-making. The second term focuses on data analysis for cities, providing insight into both spatial and network analysis as well as providing more depth on data mining techniques.

In term two you will also take a specialised module exploring one aspect of city life, such as air pollution or mental health, in real depth and detail. This provides a testbed for the analysis techniques learnt, enabling students to develop confidence and experience with handling urban data. In the summer term you will also engage in a substantive individual project – connected to our research interests – tackling one of a range of urban informatics topics.

Course format and assessment

Teaching

We use lectures and computer lab sessions to deliver most of the modules on the course.

You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

You are expected to spend approximately 10 hours of work per credit for each module you attend in your degree, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

The assessment for this degree is primarily through written reports, software-based data analyses, and written examinations. You may also be assessed by oral presentation, class tests, projects and data visualisation or infographics. The nature of assessment varies by module.

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Structure

Year 1

You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required Modules

Required modules

You are required to take:

Introduction to Urban Analytics (15 credits)
Spatial Data Analysis (15 credits)
Computer Programming for Data Scientists (15 credits)
Data Mining (15 credits)
Statistics for Data Analysis (15 credits)
Telling Stories with Data (15 credits)
Network Data Analysis (15 credits)
Urban Informatics Individual Project (60 Credits)

Optional Modules

You are also required to take 15 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Air Pollution Science and Health (15 credits)
Big Data in Urban Mental Health (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest that you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Entry requirements & how to apply

Urban Informatics
Minimum UK requirements	2:1	An Upper Second Class degree in Computer Science (or related disciplines). An Upper Second in a quantitative subject containing a substantial statistical component will be also be considered, or Geography where this includes a geocomputation component. A Lower Second class degree, or degree in a different quantitative discipline (e.g. Pure Maths, Physics, Mathematical Economics, Mathematical Psychology) may be permitted if the candidate has subsequent work experience in large-scale data analysis of at least 2 years duration. Candidates without First or Upper Second Class degree in Mathematical Statistics or Computer Science but having relevant post- graduate experience may be interviewed to assess their level of competency.
International requirements		Visit our admissions webpages to view our International entry requirements.
English Language requirements	Band E	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

Application procedure

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £55 applies.

Your application will be reviewed by an academic tutor and we aim to respond to applications within four weeks, although this may take longer during busy and holiday periods.

Personal statement and supporting information

Please submit a one page personal statement with your application, explaining why you wish to apply for this programme and why you feel it matches your interests, academic background, and, if relevant, your career plans. Please include transcripts of subjects taken in the relevant degrees and copies of all certificates and relevant qualifications mentioned in your application.

Application closing date

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is the 30^th March 2018. Applications will remain open if places are available and programmes will be closed as soon as they are full. For programmes with spaces remaining, no further applications will be accepted from non-EU (Overseas) nationals after 27^th July 2018 or from UK/ EU nationals after 31^st August 2018.

Help and support

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time UK fees: £9,900 per year (2018/19)
Full time overseas fees: £23,940 per year (2018/19)

Please note: Current regulations allow some students to pay UK tuition fees on the basis of their EU citizenship or residency. Until these eligibility criteria are changed, the EU tuition fee will remain the same as the UK tuition fee.

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.

The UK/EU deposit is £500.

The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.

If you receive an offer on or before 31st March 2018, payment is due by 27th April 2018.
If you receive an offer between 1st April 2018 and 30th June 2018, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
If you receive an offer between 1st July 2018 and 31st July 2018, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
If you receive an offer on or after 1st August 2018, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.

If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

The MSc in Urban Informatics equips you for future opportunities within business, government, NGOs and the third sector, where expertise in using analytics and data science to solve urban problems is increasingly essential.

Testimonials

Rodolphe

I chose King's College London because I wanted to study at a top university. It offers a world-class education as you are taught by renowned teachers in fantastic facilities and this explains its international reputation.