Geographical Information Systems (GIS) offer the social scientist an array of tools for generating, manipulating, and visualising spatial data. This course covers practical GIS techniques for the social scientist and leads on to show how these tools can be combined with more advanced analysis to augment and enhance social science research. Through applied coursework and discussions, the course will be built around applied spatial questions using real-world data. It covers the techniques and methods of GIS, with a focus on practical skills and will make use of desktop software, introduce the use of GIS tools in QGIS and R. it will also introduce data extraction from online geographical services such as google maps. Attention will be given to a critical reflection upon the nature of the data used, encouraging students to go beyond traditional data use, and think about the role of the spatial data scientist in selecting and developing evidence to support policymaking and practice. Examples of literature with applications in economic geography, environment, planning and other spatial social science will be provided for self-study. Readings are intended to develop a sound understanding of how real-world (geo)data are produced, their potential insights and biases, as well as opportunities and limitations.