| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | September 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Computer Science |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:1 degree in a non-related science undergraduate degree, or a 2:1 in any other degree subject and A Level Mathematics at Grade A or equivalent. |
|---|---|
Overview
- Study AI, machine learning, geospatial analysis and environmental data science, with pathways to apply skills to climate, sustainability and urban challenges.
- Access to advanced computing labs, geospatial tools, and over 1.2 million digital and print library resources.
- Join a diverse global community of researchers, academics and students tackling UN Sustainable Development Goals through interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Prepare for careers as an Environmental AI Specialist, Climate Data Scientist, or Smart Cities Analyst, with growing demand across industries worldwide.
- Gain hands-on experience working with real environmental datasets and complete a final project addressing pressing global sustainability challenges.
- Engage with the activities offered by the Centre for Environmental Intelligence and learn from researchers across many disciplines.
- Opportunity to undertake a research project with external partner organisations of the Centre for Environmental Intelligence, including Met Office, Plymouth Marine Lab, Natural England, National Trust, Ordnance Survey, and more.
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
18th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 12th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2026 (94%)
Long-established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and home to the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Top 20 in the UK for Computer Science
18th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 12th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2026 (94%)
Long-established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and home to the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have at least a 2:1 degree in a non-related science undergraduate degree, or a 2:1 in any other degree subject and A Level Mathematics at Grade A or equivalent.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B3.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
The MSc Artificial Intelligence for the Environment combines advanced technical training with real-world environmental applications. You will study core AI methods including machine learning, statistical modelling, geospatial AI, and environmental data science, building the expertise to analyse and interpret complex datasets. Specialist modules explore topics such as remote sensing imagery, uncertainty quantification, and probabilistic forecasting, equipping you with skills directly relevant to global sustainability challenges.
Throughout the programme, you will apply AI techniques to pressing environmental issues, including climate change prediction, sustainable urban development, and resource management. Hands-on learning is central, with opportunities to work directly with diverse datasets ranging from satellite imagery to human mobility patterns. Your final project allows you to collaborate with researchers on real environmental problems, giving you valuable research experience and industry-relevant outcomes. This unique interdisciplinary approach ensures you graduate prepared to lead in the growing field of AI-driven environmental solutions.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. Because AI is such a rapidly changing field, the precise modules available to you in future years will vary depending to accommodate cutting-edge research and techniques, staff availability, timetabling and student demand.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 150 credits of core modules: | ||
| COMM514 | Research Project | 60 |
| COMM109 | Programming with Python | 15 |
| COMM119 | AI in Environment | 15 |
| MTHM065 | Quantitative Methods and AI for Environmental Challenges | 15 |
| MTHM502 | Introduction to Data Science and Statistical Modelling | 15 |
| ECMM445 | Learning from Data | 15 |
| COMM043 | Geospatial AI | 15 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 30 credits of optional modules (students are advised to aim for an even balance of credits across Term 1 and 2). | ||
| COMM042 | Introduction to Computer Vision | 15 |
| ECMM422 | Machine Learning | 15 |
| ECMM447 | Social Networks and Text Analysis | 15 |
| GEOM141 | Global Challenges | 15 |
| GEOM143 | Global Systems Thinking | 15 |
| MTHM505 | Data Science and Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 |
| MTHM507 | Communicating Data Science | 15 |
| MTHM023 | Modelling the Weather and Climate | 15 |
| MTHM054 | Climate Change Science and Solutions | 15 |
| GEOM180 | Environmental Remote Sensing | 15 |
| GEOM183 | Spatial Data Science | 15 |
| GEOM149 | Green Planet | 15 |
| BIOM568 | Blue Planet | 15 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,900 full-time
International fees per year:
£29,800 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships *. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation.
You will develop transferable skills such as management and communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
A research and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field. Plus, you’ll become actively involved in a research project yourself.
All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Dr Federico Botta is a Senior Lecturer in Data Science at the University of Exeter, specialising in AI, network theory and computational social science to study human behaviour and transport systems. A former Turing Fellow and ESRC/ADR UK 10DS Fellow, they have collaborated with policy makers at 10 Downing Street and the ONS on data-driven public projects.
Their research focuses on improving transport accessibility and performance through advanced data analysis, while actively supporting policy design and interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge data science, AI and societal impact.
Read more from Dr Federico Botta
Dr Federico Botta
Programme Director for MSc Artificial Intelligence for the Environment
Careers
Graduates of the MSc Artificial Intelligence for the Environment are equipped with a unique combination of technical AI expertise and environmental knowledge, positioning them for careers at the forefront of sustainability and technology. With hands-on experience in machine learning, geospatial analysis, and environmental data science, students are prepared to contribute to solutions for climate change, urban sustainability, and resource management. The programme’s strong industry links and Exeter’s award-winning Career Zone provide tailored support to help students secure roles across government, consultancy, research, and technology sectors.
Graduate Destinations
Alumni have gone on to work as Environmental AI Specialists, Climate Data Scientists, Sustainability Analytics Consultants, Smart Cities Data Scientists, AI Solutions Engineers for Environmental Systems, and Environmental Machine Learning Engineers. Graduates will be able to consider opportunities in public sector agencies, environmental consultancies, tech companies, research institutions, and organisations focused on delivering AI-driven solutions for sustainability challenges worldwide.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
