Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Digital Business Management – Freiburg Campus

Program overview

This interdisciplinary Master’s degree is delivered in English and combines digital business management with computer science, data science and artificial intelligence. Classes are held on-site in Freiburg (population ~237,000) and online through Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences. Some lectures may also take place on the university’s main campus in Furtwangen and be streamed simultaneously.

The curriculum is designed to bridge technical AI/data-science methods with business and management perspectives, offering a unique blend of competencies not commonly packaged together in Germany or Europe. The programme is aimed at preparing graduates to apply AI and data-driven solutions in digital business contexts.

Programming experience is not a prerequisite for admission. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Economics, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science or Mathematics will find their prior studies particularly relevant and advantageous.

Requirements (concise)

• Instruction language: English
• Mode: On-campus in Freiburg and online; some sessions may be held at Furtwangen campus and streamed
• No prior programming skills required
• A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics or a related field is an advantage

This interdisciplinary master’s curriculum builds practical and theoretical foundations for applying AI and data science in digital business. The program starts with mandatory introductory modules that bring all students—regardless of prior coding experience—up to speed: Programming and Software Engineering in the first semester, and IT Architectures, Cloud and IT Management in the second semester. Core first-semester topics include Machine Learning and Applied Statistics, Business Operations and Logistics, Digital Performance Marketing and Marketing Automation, and Agile Project Management and Design Thinking, plus one elective of your choice.

In the second semester, compulsory modules deepen AI and deployment skills with courses such as Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning, Business Intelligence for Big Data and Machine Learning Ops, E‑Commerce, Sales, Distribution, CRM and Lead Management, and Business Process Management and Process Automation, plus another elective. Elective options (availability permitting) cover specialized, industry-relevant topics like Explainable AI (XAI) and Model Analysis, Image Processing, Natural Language Processing, Signal Processing for Statistics and Data Science, Process Mining and Robotic Process Automation, User Experience Design, Business Strategy and Digital Business Models, E‑Shop Design and Web Technologies, and a Data Science & AI Application Business Project.

Learning outcomes focus on equipping you to design, implement and manage AI-driven solutions in business contexts: gaining hands-on programming and software engineering skills, understanding cloud and IT architectures, developing and evaluating machine learning and deep learning models, applying MLOps and business intelligence for large-scale analytics, automating business processes, and integrating marketing, sales and UX perspectives into digital strategies. The mix of compulsory core modules and flexible electives prepares graduates to lead interdisciplinary teams and translate data science into measurable business value.

Requirements and practical notes

• Applicants: open to all international students; for tailored information and guidance contact Pavel.Rawe@HFU.eu.
• Prior programming experience is not required — the program begins with foundational programming and software engineering modules.
• First-semester compulsory modules: Machine Learning and Applied Statistics; Business Operations and Logistics; Digital Performance Marketing and Marketing Automation; Agile Project Management and Design Thinking; plus one elective.
• Second-semester compulsory modules: Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning; Business Intelligence for Big Data and Machine Learning Ops; E‑Commerce, Sales, Distribution, CRM and Lead Management; Business Process Management and Process Automation; plus one elective.
• Electives (subject to availability): Explainable AI (XAI) and Model Analysis; Data Science and AI Application Business Project; Image Processing; Natural Language Processing; Signal Processing for Statistics and Data Science; Process Mining and Robotic Process Automation; User Experience Design; Business Strategy and Digital Business Models; E‑Shop Design and Web Technologies.

Graduates are prepared for roles at the intersection of AI, data science and digital business, such as data scientist, machine learning engineer, AI product manager, business intelligence analyst, or digital business consultant. The programme's mix of technical (AI/ML, deep learning, signal/NLP, image processing) and business modules (e‑commerce, CRM, process automation, digital strategy) targets employers in tech firms, e‑commerce, consulting, finance, manufacturing and public sector organisations driving digital transformation.

The international orientation, practical project modules and partner network also support careers in multinational companies and offer pathways to further specialised professional training or research-oriented roles. The three-semester format enables a relatively fast transition into the labour market while the optional exchange semester can broaden international work or study opportunities.