Data & Society (MSc) Technical University of Munich

Groundbreaking data-driven technologies harbour enormous potential. But they also pose immense social and societal risks. Therefore, students of the English-taught Master's degree programme in Data & Society (MSc) learn to analyse and shape technological developments in the context of human behaviour, social needs, and political conditions.

The programme is strongly interdisciplinary and application-oriented. It combines in-depth Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Informatics skills with a thorough understanding of the social, political, and ecological implications of innovative technological developments and their application. Students acquire specialised technical and social science skills in the areas of Data Perspectives, Human & Society, Regulatory, and Sustainable Development. They critically examine data, algorithms and AI-supported decision-making processes, human behaviour and social dynamics, ethical and philosophical considerations of technology, the political and legal framework conditions for the use of technology, and the requirements for sustainable technology use.

Graduates of the degree programme are competent engineers and scientists with specific expertise in evaluating modern technologies' opportunities, risks, and regulations. They are able to reflect on, analyse, and assess the economic, ecological, social, political, and ethical dimensions of data-based technologies and manage their use in line with specific requirements. As a result, they are just as well qualified to take on leadership roles in technology-driven companies or public administration as they are to continue their academic work within the framework of a doctoral dissertation.

For a comprehensive description of the programme, please refer to the degree programme documentation:

• Degree programme documentation for the Master’s programme in Data & Society (PDF, German)

The programme is flexible and stackable. At least 90 credits must be earned in elective modules.

Of these, at least 12 credits must be earned in the elective area of "Method Orientation", at least 72 credits in the elective area of areas of "Specialisation" and at least six credits in the elective area of "Application Project".

In the elective area of specialisation, elective modules from a total of six thematically related module blocks of 12 credits each must be completed, whereby at least one thematically related module block of at least 12 credits must be completed from each of the four specialisation areas "Data Perspectives", "Human & Society", "Regulatory" and "Sustainable Development".

Applicants to the Master’s programme in Data & Society at the Technical University of Munich must complete the following steps:

1. Motivation Letter: Submit a written motivation letter of up to 150 words explaining why you have chosen the Data & Society programme at TUM. Highlight your fit for the programme and provide examples, such as relevant internships, study-abroad experiences, or any professional or academic training demonstrating your qualifications for this field.

2. Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to an interview. The interview will last between 20 and 30 minutes in English. It will cover your motivation for applying, your academic background in MINT (STEM) fields, and your ability to work scientifically and methodically. You will also be asked about your understanding of societal dynamics and global developments concerning technological innovations.

All information related to application and admission can be found here.

For more information, refer to: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees.

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Munich, we recommend a budget of at least 1,000 EUR per month.

There are various opportunities as teaching assistants and research assistants at the university. Munich is also an excellent place to find internships at companies.

Please refer to the following page for more details: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/jobs-and-internships.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

https://www.community.tum.de/en/career-service/

It’s not easy to find a place to live in Munich – but it’s not impossible either! The Technical University of Munich (TUM) supports students and staff in their search for accommodation by providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own.

For more information, see: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/accommodations.