MSc Environmental Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Combine advanced skills in data science and AI with environmental expertise to tackle challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Professional Graduate Diploma
- Start date September 2027, January 2028
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months (20 months for January start), MSc part-time: 24 months
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
The most pressing environmental challenges facing society today are data challenges as much as scientific ones. Those organisations working to solve these challenges not only need graduates with a strong scientific grounding but also outstanding data and computational skills.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming essential skills for environmental scientists. By 2036 the global AI in environmental sustainability market is expected to be worth £105bn (Future Markets Insight). Engineering UK estimates that up to 725,000 new jobs could be required by 2030 to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Our MSc Environmental Data Science and AI course will equip you with technical training in statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, remote sensing and GIS. You’ll combine this with specialist knowledge in environmental science and management.
Why study a Masters in Environmental Data Science and Artificial Intelligence?
On our MSc Environmental Data Science and AI, you'll develop an in-demand skillset and learn to apply advanced data science techniques to real-world environmental challenges. You'll gain experience in:
- Data analysis and visualisation using Python and R;
- GIS and remote sensing for analysing environmental change;
- Machine learning and AI techniques for environmental prediction and modelling;
- Stochastic and probabilistic modelling for complex environmental systems;
- Optimisation techniques for solving complex, multi-objective environmental problems;
- Ethical and responsible use of data and AI.
Get hands-on experience
You can undertake a research-based dissertation project or a work-based placement with a leading environmental organisation. It will help you put the technical and environmental knowledge developed throughout the course into practice. Previous students have collaborated with organisations tackling real environmental challenges:
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Scottish Water
- NatureScot
- Keep Scotland Beautiful
- Mott MacDonald
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
- TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Modules
Teaching
Teaching includes a mixture of formats such as face to face lectures, seminars and practicals, as well as online content including videos, recorded short lectures and interactive activities.
Assessment
Assessments will take a range of styles including online open folder examinations, closed book examinations, reflective writing, essays, reports, presentations, multiple choice tests, and creating digital artefacts.
Course director
Fees and funding
|
2027/28 |
|
|---|---|
| UK and Republic of Ireland students | £11,800 |
|
International (including EU) students Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000–7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. |
£24,300 |
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Fee information
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
Learn more about loans and funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods—including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
Environmental organisations increasingly need professionals who can turn complex data into insight and action. You'll graduate with the technical and environmental expertise to use data-driven science to tackle some of the world's biggest environmental challenges.
You could apply your skills in areas such as:
- climate resilience;
- biodiversity conservation;
- pollution monitoring.
The types of roles you could go into include:
- Environmental Data Scientist
- Environmental Statistician
- Environmental Monitoring Officer
- Remote Sensing Scientist
- GIS Analyst
The average salary for an Environmental Data Scientist is £54,730 per year in the UK (Glassdoor).