Data Science

Overview The Master's in Data Science trains you to turn raw data into actionable, data-driven solutions. You will learn the full pipeline—from understanding and preparing data to modelling, evaluating, and implementing models in real-world contexts. The program responds to growing demand in Germany for digital transformation and advanced analytics: the Stifterverband (an association of around 3,000 DAX companies and mid-sized firms) estimates 700,000 new technology-oriented jobs in Germany, with over 400,000 roles specifically in complex data analysis.

What you will learn The curriculum is practice-oriented and prepares graduates to begin a career as data scientists, with a strong emphasis on both data engineering and data analysis. You will work with common data science frameworks such as Python and R, applying these tools in hands-on courses. The programme culminates in team-based project work and an individual Master's thesis, ensuring you gain both collaborative and independent research experience.

International and practical experience There is also the opportunity to expand your intercultural skills through a semester abroad at one of the university’s partner institutions, helping you build an international perspective useful for global employers. The focus on practical application means you’ll graduate ready to contribute to companies undergoing digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.

Key programme components and requirements

• Master the full data science workflow: data understanding, data preparation, modelling, evaluation, implementation
• Strong emphasis on data engineering and data analysis techniques
• Practical experience using Python and R in coursework and projects
• Team project work to develop collaborative, applied skills
• Individual Master’s thesis demonstrating independent research or implementation
• Opportunity for a semester abroad at partner universities to gain intercultural experience

Program overview

This English‑taught Master's program offers two credit-load tracks: 90 ECTS and 120 ECTS. The core curriculum is concentrated in the first two semesters, building foundational competence in both data engineering and data analysis while also including an application‑oriented course and a course addressing data security, law, and ethics. The programme emphasizes applying these foundations in practice through a team project and a Master's thesis.

Key modules

• Data engineering (foundations for scalable data pipelines, storage and processing)
• Data analysis (statistical and algorithmic methods for extracting insights)
• One application‑specific course (domain‑focused methods and use cases)
• Data security, law and ethics (privacy, compliance and responsible use of data)
• Team project and Master’s thesis (integrative, project‑based work)
• For the 120 ECTS option: additional semester options including a semester abroad or a research project, plus extra computer science courses and elective modules

Learning outcomes

Students will gain a solid technical grounding in engineering and analytic techniques, together with the ability to apply these skills to real problems in collaborative settings. The curriculum also ensures awareness of legal, ethical and security aspects of data work. Choosing the 120 ECTS pathway allows students—particularly those entering with a 180 ECTS Bachelor’s—to deepen their computer science knowledge, pursue a research project or obtain international experience before completing the Master’s thesis.

Requirements / programme structure (at a glance)

• Taught in English
• Two track options: 90 ECTS or 120 ECTS
• First two semesters cover data engineering, data analysis, one application‑specific course, and one course on data security/law/ethics
• Team project and Master’s thesis integrate and apply acquired knowledge
• 120 ECTS option (for students with a 180 ECTS Bachelor’s): extra semester for a semester abroad or a research project, plus additional computer science courses and electives

Graduates are prepared for roles that require end-to-end data expertise, such as data scientist, data engineer, machine learning engineer or data analyst. The combination of practical project experience and applied technical skills makes graduates attractive to companies involved in digital transformation across sectors.

The programme emphasises the German labour market context, where demand for complex data analysis skills is high. International students who combine the course’s technical training with German language skills and intercultural experience will be well positioned for employment in German and international firms.