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.
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 €
Marc Schumilo, Graduate of the Master’s Program
The Data Science program targets exactly the right levers and teaches precisely the skills I now use in practice every day. For me, the program was a direct door opener.
Alexandra Kersten Mota, Student of the Master’s Program
In the second module, for example, we fine-tuned a small ‘GPT-like’ language model for classification tasks – and these are precisely the approaches I’ve gone on to use in my job.
Nina Wagner, Graduate of the Master’s Program
The university sets the right focus on relevant topics so that students are ideally prepared for a career in the field of data science.

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
Lecturer & Academic Director
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.
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.

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.

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.

We are happy to help you with your questions
Jannis Wegmann
Student advice and support
Mo–Fr: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm








