Build data literacy. Grounded, practical, part-time!

Data Science (M.Sc.)

From raw data to smart decisions – AI skills that count on the job from day one.

Apply nowContent & Modules
Free Spots

15

Target group

Working Professionals from all industries, Software & IT specialists (e.g., Developer, Data Engineer) – the largest profile in data/AI roles, Data Analysts, Business Analysts, Controllers, Consultants and product roles & Academics with a Master's or PhD

Deadlines

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Program Start: November 23, 2026

Study Fee

16.950 €

Your Masters Degree in Data Science

The part-time Master’s in Data Science equips you with the data literacy to confidently navigate growing data volumes (Big Data) and make data-driven decisions. This interdisciplinary, internationally oriented program builds solid expertise in programming, data analysis, data management, and AI – from machine learning and data engineering to current developments such as large language models (LLMs) and deep learning. Throughout the program, the focus is on practical application in real business scenarios. The Data Science Master’s program is designed for professionals from all industries and fields who want to build their data literacy through hands-on skills – in a targeted, structured way, alongside their job.

Lecture & Modules

The standard period of study for the Master’s program in Data Science is 4 semesters. During this time, you will complete 9 modules, including a project work and the Master’s thesis. An optional preparatory course in e-learning format is also offered. The program is designed for high compatibility with your profession. Modules are typically conducted in blocks of five consecutive days (Monday to Friday). On average, a module takes place every 6 to 12 weeks.

The lectures are held in groups with a maximum of 25 participants, spanning a total of 37 days of in-person attendance. In addition to its interdisciplinary approach, the uniqueness of the program lies in its international collaboration between the University of Münster and the University of Twente, offering courses in English. This part-time education leads to a full Master of Science degree from the University of Münster.

Introduction to Data Science and Programming Systems

November 23 – November 29, 2026

  • Introduction to data science and its applications.
  • Overview of programming systems: R and Python
  • Fundamentals of Python programming: variables, control structures, data structures, etc.
  • Introduction to R programming: data structures, functions, loops, etc.
  • Exploratory data analysis using R.

Prof. Dr. Heike Trautmann
Prof. Dr. Gottfried Vossen

Data Management

February 15 – February 19, 2027

  • Data management using SQL, NoSQL, or vector databases
  • Working with MySQL and MongoDB in Python
  • Data mining using Apriori implementations
  • Sentiment analysis
  • Dimensionality reduction
  • Building an LLM from scratch using PyTorch
  • Text preparation, attention mechanism, pretraining, and fine-tuning
  • An LLM for spam classification and as a chatbot

Prof. Dr. Gottfried Vossen

Data Analytics

June 7 – June 11, 2027

  • Exploratory data analysis and data preprocessing
  • supervised learning (classification, regression)
  • unsupervised learning (cluster analysis, dimensional reduction)
  • model validation
  • Programming in R

Prof. Dr. Heike Trautmann
Prof. Dr. Pascal Kerschke

Social Media & Communications

September 20 – 24, 2027

  • Social research using big data and online sources
  • Basics of online communication and psychology
  • Network analysis using R, including base concepts, matrix calculations and (sub)structure detection
  • Computation content analysis using R, including Natural Language Processing, Sentiment Analysis, Topic Modeling
  • Advanced Methods of text analysis (preview)

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Quandt

IT-Management, IT-Security, Ethics, Legal Aspects

November 2027

  • Management challenges of growing data volumes
  • IT security considerations in data management
  • Ethical aspects in IT management and data handling
  • Legal framework and regulations for data management
  • Utilizing open data for generating value

Prof. Dr. Jos van Hillegersberg

Self-Management & Leadership

February 2028

  • Influence of data science results on management decisions
  • Data science as part of decision-making processes
  • Behavior of executives and the special role of data scientists
  • Quality of innovative teams and their effects on data science results
  • Methods for effective negotiations
  • Methods for presenting and discussing data science results with decision makers

Practical Phase & Project Work

Kick-Off: September/October 2027
Presentations: January 2028

  • Case Analysis in Data Science
  • Creative problem-solving of complex real-life cases
  • Practical implementation of chosen solutions
  • Peer feedback and reflection
  • Presentation Skills

Dr. Niels Pulles

Application Areas

May 2028

  • Hands-on workshop: Advanced methods of text analysis using AI (including LLMs / transformer models)
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Application of learned techniques marketing, customer relationship management, supply chain management, logistics, start-ups, etc.
  • Future developments: critical discussions about the future of data-driven decisions, including the potential for automated decisions by machines
  • Interdisciplinary approach

Prof. Dr. Tobias Brandt

Secure your place today

Find out more about your Master

Contact us for a personal consultation

Find out what qualifications are required

Dates and Facts


Degree

Master of Science


Credit points

90 ECTS


Department

School of Business and Economics


Duration

4 Semesters


Start Date

November 23, 2026, First on-site Module


Application Deadline

September 15, 2026


Language of Instruction

English


Location(s) of Instruction

Münster, Germany | Enschede, Netherlands


Participation Fee

16.950 € in three instalments

  • an individual payment plan may be arranged
  • exempt from VAT pursuant to § 4 No.21 a (bb) UStG


Target Audience

The Data Science Master’s program is designed for professionals from all industries and fields who want to build their data literacy in a targeted, structured way – regardless of whether they already work in a data-related role or want to develop Data Science as a new area of expertise. This includes professionals from:

  • Software development and IT (e.g., Software Engineer, Developer, DevOps Engineer, Data Engineer) who want to move their role toward Data Engineering, MLOps, or Machine Learning – according to current labor market analysis, by far the largest professional profile in data and AI skills²
  • Data analysis, statistics, and computer science (e.g., Data Analyst, Data Scientist, BI/Analytics Engineer) who want to deepen and structure their expertise
  • Business analytics and controlling (e.g., Controller, Business Analyst), where classic reporting functions are increasingly evolving into data-driven roles
  • Consulting (e.g., Consultant), who develop data-based decision-making foundations for clients
  • Finance and banking, with growing demand for data analysis and AI-driven processes
  • Healthcare, where data analysis increasingly supports diagnostics and process management
  • Industry, manufacturing, and engineering (e.g., Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer), where data literacy is becoming a key qualification for process optimization and quality assurance
  • Natural sciences and research, with a growing need for modern data analysis
  • Product management and sales (e.g., Product Manager, Product Owner, Key Account Manager, Customer Success Manager), who increasingly use AI tools and data analysis in their daily work


Admission Requierments

  • Completion of a first academic degree
  • Professional working experience of at least one year
  • Evidence of English language proficiency at level B2 (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)


Free spots

15


Do you want a knowledge update on AI and Data Essentials

Customize your focus by selecting modules from the Data Science master’s program and design your University Certificate.

University Certificate Data Science

Further Topics

Digital Information Session

To find out more about the course content, structure and requirements, you can take part in our digital information event on the 1st of September 2026 at 5 pm. Jannis Wegmann will give you some insights into the Master's programme and the Data Science university certificate.

Register for participation here

In Cooperation with the University of Twente

"The University of Twente is a smart living lab where talented students and stuff provide groundbreaking research, exiting innovations and inspiring education."
Therefore we are happy to have Twente as a strong educational partner.

Find out more

Certificate in Data Science

The certificate provides the knowledge and practical skills necessary for data managers to analyze "Big Data". It comprises four modules (2 elective & 2 compulsory) from the English-language, part-time master's program.

Find out more

We are happy to help you with your questions

Jannis Wegmann

Student advice and support

Mo–Fr: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm

+49 251 83 27100
jannis.wegmann@uni-muenster.de