Top 11 Urban Data Science Courses With Placements

June 29, 2025|

Ananya Rao |

Category:Courses,Data Science,

Data science is an important field with applications in many different areas of our lives. One major application of data science is in the area of urban living. Did you know that data science can be used to plan and manage different aspects of city life? As the population of cities continues to increase, urban data science can help urban development professionals make better decisions while managing these cities and their resources. Urban data science courses can help you gain the skills needed to use data science in the context of cities and urban living.

⚠ Image missing: /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/URBAN-DATA-SCIENCE-COURSES.jpg

What is Urban Data Science?

Urban Data Science deals with the application of data science tools and methods to urban living. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines the key areas of data science (programming, mathematics, and statistics) with urban development.

Some of the areas of urban living that can use data science include transportation planning, sustainability, waste management, housing, parks and open space planning, pollution control, traffic management, and public safety.

Data science can help cities to improve their decision-making. This can result in many benefits such as reduced costs and improved quality of life for residents.

Urban data science courses can give you a glimpse into the methods and tools used in data science and how they can be applied to better understand the cities, identify the problems they face, and find innovative solutions to these problems.

Let us now check out the top 11 urban data science courses through which you can learn about data science and its applications in urban development.

Find Out,

1. Msc. In the Urban Data Science and Analytics Course at the University of Leeds

The University of Leeds offers an MSc. in Urban Data Science and Analytics in which you will learn about data science methods and how to use them to understand cities and urban policy.

You will learn how to use data science to tackle challenges in cities such as traffic congestion and social and economic inequality.

This is one of the best courses with features such as fieldwork, a research project, and career support. It is delivered through on-campus training and has a duration of 12 months.

Some of the core modules that you will be covering include programming for data science, data science for practical applications, creative coding for real-world problems, analyzing cities, and analytics for urban policy.

This course also offers electives in geographics data visualization and analytics, geodemographics and neighborhood analysis, transport data collection and analysis, and transport data science

Once you complete your learning modules, you will work on a research project which is the highlight of this course. In this project, you will tackle a real-world problem and document your findings on how data science methods can be used to inform policy interventions and decision-making in the development of cities.

You may also get a chance to work with industry partners while working on your project. Some examples of themes include urban economics, cities and crime, transport and mobility, pollution, smart cities, and health and wellbeing.

As part of fieldwork, you will get to explore urban analytics in the real world by visiting different cities and observing how their urban systems have evolved. You will collect data, make observations and assessments, and view them from new perspectives.

You will also get to build a job-ready portfolio during this course, through which you can showcase your skills to potential employers.

The University of Leeds offers extensive career support in this urban data science training program, which includes career guidance from a dedicated employability officer, networking events (career fairs and industry talks), skills training, and access to their career portal. You will also get opportunities to volunteer and get involved in 300+ clubs and societies at Leeds.

2. Data Science for Urban Design and Mobility Course by Urban Data Science

Urban Data Science offers a certificate course in data science for urban design and mobility in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Milan. In this urban data science training program, you can learn about urban data science from the perspective of European cities.

You will learn how to use data science to identify and analyze the problems and requirements of cities. You will learn to apply the data science process to solve the actual challenges and problems faced by European cities.

This is one of the best introductory courses for managers and decision-makers. It helps learners understand data science and its applications in urban mobility and the digital transformation of cities. This online course can be completed in 2 days.

This program has a strong focus on data science and project management and explores topics such as data-driven decisions and projects, principles and motivations of data engineering and data science, data analysis methods, problem formulation, principles of data science project management, and the “Goal Poster” methodology.

You will also learn about data science metrics, the challenges and risks involved in data science projects, and examples of data-driven projects in cities. For application-based learning, this course includes real-world cases and examples.

Read More About,

3. Urban Mobility Data Analysis Course by Urban Data Science

Urban Data Science offers an introductory course on urban mobility data analysis in partnership with the Technical University of Madrid.

This is a great urban data science training program for those who are looking for beginner-friendly courses. You will learn about the basics of data analytics, machine learning, and AI and how they can be used in the field of urban mobility.

The curriculum for this 2-day online course covers the basics of urban mobility and data science, AI and machine learning, Python, and data visualization. You will also learn about cloud computing and the EDVL platform.

For hands-on, application-based learning, you will work on a real-world case study on using data for planning and decision-making for urban mobility.

4. “Explore Your Data” Workshop by Urban Data Science

Urban Data Science offers a workshop on data exploration that covers data exploration and data visualization techniques that can be used in urban data science.

This workshop is conducted by Urban Data Science in partnership with the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

This course will help you understand the basic characteristics of your data and formulate questions that can help you explore this data further and solve problems. It is delivered in the form of an online workshop with live training and can be completed in 1 day.

In this workshop, you will take a detailed look at data quality and evaluation, the basics of data exploration for visual data, and ask questions that you can answer through data analysis.

Read About,

5. Urban Data Science Certificate Course by the University of Delaware

The University of Delaware offers a certificate course in urban data science. In this course, you will learn to apply data science techniques and methodologies to tackle problems in urban policy and administration, planning, and other areas of urban living.

You will develop many skills such as coding, statistical techniques, and quantitative reasoning that can be applied in transportation, sustainability, social justice, and other areas of public life.

This urban data science training program consists of both required courses and electives. In the required courses, you will learn about data science tools for evidence-based policy or principles of urban science, machine learning for public policy, and planning theory and urban policy or urban society and public policy.

You can choose electives in the areas of planning sustainable communities and regions, ethics, public policy, or public policy analysis.

6. Urban Data Science Course by the University of California

The University of California offers an urban data science training program in which you will learn about data science techniques and methodologies and their applications in urban development. This course includes many real-world examples of urban data science.

In this hands-on course, you will develop skills in scraping, processing, and managing urban data. You will also learn to use tools such as Python, SQL, natural language processing, geospatial analysis, and machine learning.

You will learn about many key data science concepts such as application programming interfaces (APIs), web scraping, data wrangling, spatial relations, machine learning (classification), clustering, parsing text, natural language processing, and big data.

You will also learn how all these concepts apply in urban settings. For application-based learning, this course includes real-world examples of how data science is applied to urban planning in areas such as transit, housing, and equity planning.

You will learn through interactive video lectures, quizzes, exercises, and biweekly homework assignments. You will also complete one final project at the end of the course, in which you will work in groups of 2 or 3 to implement an urban data science project.

Explore Now,

7. Data Science for Smart Cities Course by Edx and Purdue University

edX offers a course on data science for smart cities in collaboration with Purdue University. This course focuses on data science methods and how they can be applied to identify and solve the problems of smart cities.

You will learn to classify the different types of data generated by smart cities and use Python and data mining tools to analyze them. This urban data science training program is offered through live online sessions that are delivered over 16 weeks. You will have 6-9 hours of sessions per week.

The topics that you will cover include data mining, statistical methods, optimization, data pre-processing, Python, regression analysis, statistical classification, decision trees and support vector machines, clustering, neural networks, and deep learning.

For hands-on learning, you will work on case studies on the applications of data science for smart cities and complete project work.

This course includes many examples of real-world problems related to topics such as ridesharing platforms and smart and energy-efficient buildings.

You can also take this course for free (without graded assignments and certificates). This is one of the best courses with a focus on application-based learning and problem-solving.

To be eligible for this course, you must have studied calculus at an undergraduate level and must have a basic knowledge of statistical analysis.

8. MSC. In the Urban Analytics Course at the University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow offers an MSC. in Urban Analytics that will help you understand how urban analytics and big data can influence urban planning and policy-making along with practical and ethical considerations.

After you complete this program, you will be able to work in areas such as urban governance, urban planning, housing, transportation, and public health.

This urban data science training program is conducted on campus at the University of Glasgow. You can pursue it full-time and complete it in 12 months. You can also pursue this course part-time and complete it in 24 months.

The core modules in this course include sustainable urban futures, big data, and urban analytics, quantitative data analysis, principles and applications of GIS (geographic information systems), and programming tools for urban analytics.

Optional modules include transport studies, urban analytics group projects, urban design policy and practice, transport planning, regenerating cities, web and mobile mapping, and advanced quantitative data analysis.

You can take 5 core modules and 2-4 optional modules.

For hands-on learning, this course includes supervised lab sessions and group work. You will also complete a research project and write a dissertation.

The University of Glasgow offers career support through career development masterclasses, networking events, and other assistance in finding jobs and internships.

9. Urban Planning Courses on Udemy

Udemy does not currently offer courses that focus specifically on the applications of data science to urban problems. However, it offers many courses in urban planning that may be helpful for those who want to pursue a career in urban data science.

You can start learning about urban planning with Udemy’s master course on smart cities, urban planning, and development.

This course is one of Udemy’s highest-rated urban planning courses and can help you pursue a career in urban planning and development and similar fields.

You will learn about the basic elements of smart cities and also develop the skills needed to use data analytics for urban intelligence and decision-making. This course can be completed through 6 hours of on-demand video lessons.

In this course, you will learn about many aspects of urban data science such as the fundamentals of urban planning and smart cities, smart governance and policy, smart infrastructure, data and technology in urban planning, urban mobility, and urban economics.

You will also learn about environmental planning, culture, history, safety and security in urban planning, and other topics. This course includes case studies that can help you understand the real-world applications of urban planning.

This course is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of business, economics, general management, IT, and other similar fields and anyone else who is interested in learning about smart cities and urban development.

Udemy offers 17+ urban planning courses on topics such as transport and land use, urban planning basics, and sustainable urban development. You can also find hundreds of data science courses on Udemy.

10. Urban Planning Courses on Alison

In addition to these courses, urban planning and urban design courses can be quite valuable for those who want to pursue a career in urban data science. Alison offers 20+ free urban planning courses.

The Urban Town Planning and Design course on Alison is one such course that you can check out. This is a quick, short course with self-paced video lessons that you can complete online in 4-5 hours.

This course covers the various aspects of urban planning such as town planning, environmental planning and management, planning for traffic and streets, utilities of town planning, parks and open space planning, and districts.

You will also learn about environmental site analysis topics such as environmental design, impact assessment, and resource conservation.

Some of the other urban planning courses on Alison cover topics such as urban transport and sustainability, public transportation, and urban gardening.

11. Urban Data Science and Urban Planning Courses on LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers many courses in urban planning and data science that can help you build the skills needed for a career in urban data science. You can start learning urban data science on LinkedIn Learning with the “Smarter Cities: Using Data to Drive Urban Innovation” course.

This course is suitable for anyone interested in pursuing a career in urban data science or urban development. It is also suitable for others who want to learn about the future of cities and communities.

It is a great pick for those who are looking for beginner-friendly data science courses. This is a very quick, introductory course with self-paced video lessons that can be completed within 1 hour.

This urban data science training program explains how our future lies in cities, how we can rethink urban development, and how we can build smarter cities. You will also learn about the role that data plays in driving urban innovation.

This course includes 4 quizzes to help you test yourself as you learn.

You can also check out LinkedIn Learning courses on data science foundations, data science tools, urban design, and using technology to solve urban problems.

FAQs

1. What Are the Qualifications Required to Enrol in Urban Data Science Courses?

Having a background in geography, urban planning, environmental management, computer science, mathematics, statistics, management, and other similar areas may be helpful for those who want to pursue urban data science courses.

Those with good quantitative or coding skills can also take up these courses. However, specific prerequisites may vary according to the courses you select.

2. What Will I Learn in an Urban Data Science Training Program?

In an urban data science program, you will learn about the basics of data science and urban development and then explore how data science can be applied to solve problems and tackle challenges in cities.

Most urban data science courses include real-world examples, case studies, projects, and other forms of hands-on learning.

3. How Long Does It Take to Learn Urban Data Science?

If you are pursuing a full-time degree program in urban data science, it may take you a year or longer. Very short, quick introductory courses can be completed within a few weeks.

4. Is Urban Data Science a Good Career Choice?

Yes. If you are interested in urban development or in the application of data science to solve the problems of urban living such as transportation, housing, and sustainability, urban data science can be a great career choice.

Urban data science is a promising new field that will grow in the years to come, as more people start moving to cities. Data science can help cities find innovative solutions to problems, utilize their resources better, and serve their residents in the best possible manner.

5. What Role Does Data Play in Urban Planning?

Cities collect large amounts of data such as traffic patterns, resident feedback, and usage patterns of utilities and infrastructure.

Data scientists and data analysts can help analyze this data, identify trends and patterns, and come up with innovative ideas through which cities can allocate resources better and tackle problems and challenges.

Data can help cities understand their residents better and make decisions that can improve their quality of life.

Conclusion

We hope this list of top urban data science courses helps you find courses through which you can begin your career in this field. While urban data science is a fairly new field, it is set to grow in the years to come as cities look for highly-trained professionals who can use data science to tackle urban problems and improve the lives of residents.

Cities collect large volumes of data on how their resources are being utilized. Urban data science professionals can help them process and analyze this data and use it to make decisions.

Completing good data science courses can help you get ahead of the curve and move toward a rewarding career in this field.

Course Preview
Phone