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Data Science

Master

Do you want to become a data expert and secure the best opportunities on the job market? A Master's degree in Data Science will pave your way for a successful career in the technology sector.


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Online Studies

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

Overview

Start your online Master in Data Science

In this age of digitalisation, data science plays an increasingly important role in the media landscape and our social discourse. Exciting use cases, technological innovations, or controversial discussions: it’s not always easy to keep track.

As a result of the field`s vitality, data scientists are in great demand. In many organisations, data literacy, and therefore, the number of “Citizen Data Scientists” – people who create models based on advanced diagnostic analytics, although their actual jobs are outside this area of competence – is increasing. Against this background, data science experts are indispensable when it comes to developing and testing hypotheses, as they are the ones who help companies make sense of the data they collect.

Our online Master in Data Science focuses primarily on current developments in software and infrastructure engineering, as well as on Big Data technology. You’ll learn to fully develop your problem-solving skills, and how to take a methodical, focused, and logical approach to data science problems.

Your online degree summed up

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance
Study model
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
60 or 120 ECTS
Language: English
Dual degree: Available
Study duration & extension
12 - 48 months (depending on time model)
Free of charge extension period
Start online studies: any time
Tuition fees
Starting from € 289 (US$ 303)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:05 AM (CET)
Accreditation
60 ECTS - English
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 1109920

120 ECTS - English
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 1110020
Past education recognised
Save time and earn your degree faster by having your previous achievements/experience recognised
100 % flexible

You decide where and when you want to study

Versatile & Innovative

Your digital learning journey with personal support!

Top-Level Education

First-class study programmes with a recommendation rate of 96 %

Study contents

Online course overview

In your Master’s degree in Data Science, you’ll primarily study current developments in software and infrastructure engineering, as well as Big Data technology. As you work through each of these individual topics, the key focus will be on practical problem-solving skills. The aim of this course is to prepare you to work as a specialist, who can develop challenging data science applications and systems, in both the private and public sectors.

The order of courses presented below is for the online studies model of this programme.

Semester 1
ModuleECTS

Advanced Statistics

5

Use Case and Evaluation

5

Seminar: Current Topics in Data Science

5

Machine Learning

5

Deep Learning

5

Case Study: Model Engineering

5

Semester 2
ModuleECTS

Electives

10

Master Thesis

30

Electives overview

Elective A

In your 2nd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Big Data and Software Engineering

10

Smart Manufacturing Methods and Industrial Automation

10

Applied Autonomous Driving

10

Semester 1

Module

ECTS

Data Science

5

Advanced Mathematics

5

Seminar: Data Science and Society

5

Advanced Statistics

5

Use Case and Evaluation

5

Project: Data Science Use Case

5

Semester 2

Module

ECTS

Programming with Python

5

Machine Learning

5

Deep Learning

5

Big Data Technologies

5

Electives A

10

Semester 3

Module

ECTS

Cyber Security and Data Protection

5

Case Study: Model Engineering

5

Software Engineering for Data Intensive Sciences

5

Electives B

10

Seminar: Current Topics in Data Science

5

Semester 4

Module

ECTS

Master Thesis

30

Electives overview

Elective A

In your 2nd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Data Science Specialist

10

Technical Project Lead

10

Data Engineer

10

Business Analyst

10

Elective B

In your 3rd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Management

10

Sales, Pricing and Brand Management

10

Consumer Behaviour and Research

10

Corporate Finance

10

Innovative and Change

10

Cognitive Computing

10

Applied Autonomous Driving

10

Self Learning Systems

10

Industrial Automation and Internet of Things

10

Module guide

Module guide (60 ECTS)

Module guide (120 ECTS)

Course schedules

Online course schedule (60 ECTS)

Online course schedule (120 ECTS)

On campus course schedule (60 ECTS)

On campus course schedule (120 ECTS)

Admission

Entry requirements

How To Start Your Degree with the Online Degree Saver Programme:

Once you've enrolled and started on your studies, you'll have access to a part of your courses, based on the time model you choose. You will be registered as a student only after 50% of the total ECTS have been successfully completed. Then you will gain access to the rest of your courses, and will be able to finish your degree.

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German, if they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here.

General admission requirements
  • Completed undergraduate degree from a public or officially recognised university/higher education institution.  
  • For 60-ECTS programmes, you will need to have already acquired 240 ECTS credits. 
  • For 120-ECTS programmes, you will need to have 180 ECTS credits.  
  • You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 
  • Proof of at least one year’s professional work experience completed prior to the start of study programme. Work experience must have been gained after completion of your undergraduate studies 
Further admission opportunities

Depending on your previous education, the following entry options are applicable for the 60-ECTS Master’s degree: 

  • undergraduate degree with 210 ECTS: you can bridge the gap of 30 ECTS points with the proof of one year qualified work experience 
  • undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS: you can bridge the gap of 60 ECTS points with the proof of two years qualified work experience 

Recognition of knowledge and abilities acquired outside of higher education is possible in principle. 

Additional specialist knowledge

To study the 60 ECTS programme, you will need to have taken courses "Programming with Python", "Advanced Mathematics", "Statistics - Probability and Descriptive Statistics" and "Introduction to Computer Science" or demonstrate equivalent knowledge. You can take these courses online with us for free.

To study the 120 ECTS programme, you will need to have taken courses "Statistics - Probability and Descriptive Statistics" and "Introduction to Computer Science" or demonstrate equivalent knowledge. You can take these courses online with us for free.

Work experience
  • Proof of at least one year’s qualified work experience completed prior to the start of the study programme (the work experience must be gained after the completion of your undergraduate studies).
  • Don’t have a year’s worth of qualified work experience? Don’t worry! With the Online Degree Saver Programme, you can start your studies right away, and gain your professional experience alongside your studies. You’ll need to achieve the one year’s worth of experience before you complete your Online Degree Saver Programme.
  • You can provide us a translation of your employment contract and your pay slip or you can ask your company to fill out this form in English, sign it, apply the company stamp and send it to us:
    Proof of work experience (EN)
    Proof of work experience (NL)
    Proof of work experience (ES)
    Proof of work experience (IT)
    Proof of work experience (FR)
English language skills

At IU, we teach in English to prepare you for the international work market. Therefore, we ask you to provide us with a proof of your English language skills. 

Is English your native language or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language skills. 

You can prove your English skills with an English B2 level certificate (no older than 5 years). Don’t have this at hand? No problem! You can quickly get your English certified with Duolingo. 

  • Take the online test in just 45 to 60 minutes 
  • Receive your certified results within 2 days 
  • Save valuable money and time 

Find out if the Duolingo test is suitable for you. Click here to try it for free. In order to be accepted to your study programme, a minimum of 95 points in the Duolingo exam is required. 

Did you take the test and not get the 95 points required? Don’t worry! We’re offering a free English course. By successfully completing the course in 3 months, you'll prove that you have the required level of English proficiency.

We also accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) or 
  • Equivalent proof, such as a B2.2 Certificate from the free IU English course - further information can be requested from our student advisors.* 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.
*Please note that course isn't accepted as a language certificate for on campus study programmes

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

Careers

Your Master in Data Science career outlook

The online Master’s programme in Data Science will provide you with an entry point to various fields of work, such as engineering, or consulting. As a data science specialist, you’ll be able to take on challenging tasks in both the private and public sectors. Once you’ve successfully completed your degree, you could work as...

Senior Data Scientist

As a senior data scientist, you will typically be responsible for all aspects of transforming data into usable value, from designing technical infrastructure and building advanced learning models to improving data quality and evaluating forecasts. As a senior, you'll also mentor juniors, lead a team and drive key decision-making processes. You'll also champion innovative solutions and advise on research and development.

Data Science Consultant

As a data science consultant, you will help companies and teams to achieve their goals in order to become a future-oriented company. Generally, you are responsible for identifying potential use cases, carrying out the initial project planning, and defining the relevant key figures and metrics to monitor success. As an expert, you are fit in dealing with new technologies and complex mathematical methods that enable you to establish completely new approaches.

Data Science Developer

As a data science developer, you are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the data science infrastructure and cloud services. You develop and implement machine and deep learning models and ensure that all relevant data is accessible. In many cases, you will be in charge of evaluating and improving the quality of the data used in the project. As an expert, you also always have an eye on the big picture in order to set trends in the market.

Student reviews

This is what our students say

  • Francesco Palmieri

    Graduate, Italy

  • My studies at IU allowed me to experience the flexibility that is required in my professional field.

    Michael Aman

    Online student

  • I am an absolute fan of online exams! Due to my very irregular work schedule, I need this flexibility.

    Michaela Haag

    Online student

Personal counselling

Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors. You can also find information about the application process under our Become a Student page.

Tuition fees

Online study model & fees for your Master degree in Data Science

Depending on your personal or professional circumstances, you may wish to complete your studies as quickly as possible, or you may prefer a more flexible study programme that is less time-consuming. That’s why we offer part-time options for all our study programmes. This allows you to study alongside professional or personal commitments. We adjust your study fees based on your chosen time model.

Are you unable to finish your programme within the given time? No problem! If you realise that you need more time, you can simply switch to another time model with one months’ notice before the end of the month.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

Full-Time

Duration 24 Months

Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.

US$ 563
US$ 503 /mth* Apply now
* € 479 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time I

Duration 36 Months

Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.

US$ 417
US$ 377 /mth* Apply now
* € 359 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time II

Duration 48 Months

Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their courses on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.

US$ 333
US$ 303 /mth* Apply now
* € 289 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
Additional charges

Full-Time

Duration 12 Months

Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.

US$ 782
US$ 662 /mth* Apply now
* € 629 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time I

Duration 18 Months

Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.

US$ 594
US$ 514 /mth* Apply now
* € 489 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)

Part-Time II

Duration 24 Months

Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their courses on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.

US$ 490
US$ 430 /mth* Apply now
* € 409 based on the exchange rate from 01.12.2022 09:04 AM (CET)
Additional charges

Boost your career.

Earn a dual degree.

With the IU and LSBU (London South Bank University) dual degree track, you get a unique opportunity – you can choose if you want to graduate with both a German and a British graduation certificate, without any extra academic requirements. The study programmes at IU and at LSBU are coordinated and therefore equivalent to each other.

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Free 4-week trial
  • Online tutorials and guidance from tutors
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
Recognition

Recognition of previous achievements

Have you already completed a training course, studied at a university or gained work experience? Have you completed a course or a learning path through IU LinkedIn Learning, and earned a certificate? Then you have the opportunity to get your previous achievements recognised, and complete your studies at IU sooner.

  • Save time: Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for an online study programme, we’ll gladly check whether we can take your previous achievements into account: 100% online, no strings attached. Simply fill in our recognition application form, which you can find under the content section of each study programme's webpage, and upload it via our upload section. You can also e-mail it to us, or send it via post.

Send an email to study@iu.org to find out which previous achievements you can get recognised. Make sure you send your application before the end of your 1-month trial. You can get your previous achievements recognised during your studies.

Do you need help with your application for recognition? Our student advisors will be happy to help. Simply arrange a personal call-back appointment. Arrange a personal video consultation appointment to discuss recognition
Recognition files

Guide to recognition

Individual application for recognition (60 ECTS)

Individual application for recognition (120 ECTS)

Why IU International University of Applied Sciences is the best choice

Your Studies Are Flexible and 100% Online

Schedule when you want to learn and study 100% online. At IU you have the possibility to complete your degree fully from home, whether full-time or part-time. You can even take your exams online whenever it suits you. 

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, digital study material, tutorial videos, student advice and support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions. Our study coaches are also available to help at any time. 

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Start your career's next successful chapter with a 5-star education from IU

Get your application in before December 15 and you can save up to US$1,399.

Apply now

Choose a fully accredited study program and set yourself up for success. At IU, you’ll join over 100.000 students from all over the world. And the best part? You’ll develop job-ready skills in a practical setting — so you’ll have a real advantage in your industry.

*You can start any time.
*This discount is only available for the online studies model.

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