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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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Earn a degree that will elevate your international career prospects. Build a global network with students from over 140 countries around the world. 

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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.

Start your Master‘s in Data Science on-campus programme

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 Master‘s degree 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. 

This study programme is completely taught in English!

Your 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
12 - 48 months (depending on time model)
Start online studies: any time
Tuition fees
Starting from € 299 (US$ 321)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)
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
Study model
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
60 or 120 ECTS
Language: English
Dual degree: Available
Study duration
12 - 24 months (depending on time model)
Tuition fees
Starting from € 497 (US$ 535)* per month

*based on the exchange rate from 01.06.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)
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

Want to study this programme on campus?

You're currently looking at the Online Studies version of this programme. But don't worry, it's also available for On Campus Studies. Just reach out to our study advisors for more information on how to get started.

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 %

German quality promise

All programmes are state accredited and recognized internationally. That's why 100,000 students have put their trust in IU.

Kickstart your career in Europe

Benefit from 18-month post study job seeker’s visa as an on-campus student and begin your career in Germany right

100% Flexibility

With IU you choose what, how and where you study. And depending on your preferred study format you can even start your first step towards your new career right away.

94% Job success

Our practice-oriented study programmes prepare you for your future career. This is why 94% of IU graduates find a job within 3 months after graduation.


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.

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. 

Semester 1

Module

ECTS

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

Module

ECTS

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)

Each course in this study programme has a live teaching session

At IU, we want you to feel supported, and to give you the best learning experience possible. 

In keeping with our mission, we now offer two-hour, monthly intensive live sessions in every course.The live events are recorded, so you can access them whenever you want. Each monthly session will cover all the course contents, so you only need to attend or watch it once. 

Admission

Entry requirements

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

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or  
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or  
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)* or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)*   

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 proficiency.  

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

On campus

Start your career in Berlin

Our German campus in Berlin is in the best position for IU graduates to gain access to labour market.

IU Berlin

Study in Germany’s capital city, home to some of the world’s biggest and well-known companies. Berlin boasts a thriving community of expats, a relatively cheap cost of living, and an energetic start-up scene that’s ideal for creatives and the self-employed. The redevelopment of Tegel Airport into a science and technology park will also create 20,000 new jobs in R&D for the tech, sustainability, and engineering. 

What does it mean studying on Campus?

  • A mix of online self-study and on-campus learning (2-3 days per week) in Germany
  • Full time only
  • 2-4 intakes per year – programme dependent
  • Pre-set study sequence with some flexibility online
  • All programmes taught in English

Other perks:

  • Free online German language course
  • Online career services, job listings platform & virtual networking events
  • Internship module (optional)
  • 18-month post-study visa eligibility
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...

Your Master in Data Science career outlook

The 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...

Mann in Maschinenkontrollraum

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.

Geschäftsmann arbeitet an Laptop

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.

Mann vor Monitoren beim Coden

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.

Your career enabler

94% of current IU graduates find a job within 3 months. Our practice based degrees stand out from the crowd and prepare you for a job at industry-leading companies.

Student reviews

This is what our students say

  • “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

  • Francesco Palmieri

    Graduate, Italy

Read our success stories
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.

Personal counselling
Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors.

*Available Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CET

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Free 4-week trial
  • Monthly live and recorded tutorials
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
  • On-campus tutorials, 2-3x week
  • Access to all on-campus services
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 a 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. 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, live teaching sessions, 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.

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.

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.

Hybrid Studies = More Flexibility

By combining in-person tutorials 2-3 times per week with 24/7 access to online study materials, you get to benefit from a more flexible study schedule. This allows you to work alongside your studies, or combine other activities, with relative ease. 

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, intimate campuses, easy access to lecturers, live teaching sessions, student advice services, and career support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions – and so are our study coaches.  

Sounds good? Start your free 1-Month trial

Apply now

Sign your contract, start your studies – and if you want to stop, cancel in the first month without being charged at all.

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