MSc Data Science (Research Master's) Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSBI)

CONCEPT

In this innovative project-based Master's programme, you will become a data scientist within the area of applied research. You will apply for a research project before the start of the programme and work on it under the close supervision of proven experts throughout the entire Master's programme. This puts you in a position to apply the basic knowledge you have learned directly in practice and thus internalise it in the long term. The Research Master's in Data Science trains engineers for a career in applied science as well as a professional future in the industry. In this unique programme, they become scientists during their Master's degree and publish their work at international conferences in Hamburg, Italy and the USA. After graduation, 50% of graduates begin a doctoral thesis and 50% work as data scientists in the industry.

MOTIVATION

Data science is one of the most important disciplines of the digital age. Almost all objects and processes in the physical world are gradually mapped in the digital world. More and more digital twins are being created to store and make unimaginable amounts of data and new groundbreaking developments available in the field of artificial intelligence. This data changes the way we work, learn and live. As a data scientist, you will not just passively experience this digital revolution, but actively shape it.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The Research Master's programme trains you to become an applied scientific researcher in the field of data science. The following study objectives will be achieved:

• Mastering data mining methods and algorithms for processing, analysing and exploiting large amounts of data
• Ability to apply machine learning algorithms to develop decision support systems based on large amounts of data
• Development of generative models for the generation of images, videos and text
• In-depth expertise in the development of autonomous software agents based on artificial intelligence
• Developing, configuring and using big data architectures for batch and stream processing
• Mastery of multi-paradigmatic programming with Python and its relevant ML libraries
• Students will gain the ability to perform independent, applied scientific work in interdisciplinary project teams. This includes writing research abstracts, preparing scientific publications, discussing and defending one's own results in a plenary session.
• Mastering agile project management skills to lead innovative project teams
• The ability to reflect on one's own work, especially in light of the limits of scientific knowledge and ethical considerations

First semester:

• Project Phase I (12 ECTS)
• Introduction to Applied Research (6 ECTS)
• Compulsory elective subject Data Science Introduction to Data Science (6 ECTS)
• Scientific interchange (1 ECTS)
• Project-specific elective module (5 ECTS)

Second semester:

• Project Phase II (7 ECTS)
• Agile Research Project Management (6 ECTS)
• Compulsory elective subject Data Science (6 ECTS)
• Compulsory elective subject Data Science (6 ECTS)
• Project-specific elective module (5 ECTS)

Third semester:

• Project Phase III (12 ECTS)
• Social implication of Data Science (6 ECTS)
• Compulsory elective subject Data Science (6 ECTS)
• Scientific interchange (1 ECTS)
• Project-specific elective module (5 ECTS)

Fourth semester:

• Master's thesis (24 ECTS)
• Colloquium (6 ECTS)

Compulsory elective subject Data Science:

• Introduction to Data Science
• Big Data Architectures
• Data Mining & Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence for Robotics

• Successfully completed Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) with specialisation in Mathematics/ Statistics and Computer Science, e.g. Apparative Biotechnology, Digital Logistics, Digital Technologies, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mechatronics, Mechatronics/Automation, Business Informatics. The previous degree must have been completed with a minimum grade average of 2.5 (German grading system).
• Application process: Submission of a two-minute motivational video is required, after which shortlisted candidates attend an interview. Further information on the application process can be found on the programme page.

Approx. 230 EUR per semester

HSBI’s Team International Students supports you with individual career consultations, e.g. concerning job search, CV and motivation letter check, etc. Each semester, four workshops are offered in the series titled “From Campus to Career”, where you can acquire essential skills for your studies and future job search as well as network with experienced speakers. In addition, your faculty provides dedicated support through advisory offices for career planning.

The International Office supports first-year students in finding accommodation. If you require assistance, please contact: international.students@hsbi.de.

Excerpt from the mission statement

“In teaching and research, HSBI makes a responsible contribution to social development, with particular commitment to its regional environment. Our teaching serves to educate academically, to qualify for specialist and executive roles and to spark interest in lifelong learning. In research and development, we address big societal challenges. Technology transfer and further education are oriented towards the region’s requirements. Diversity and equal opportunities are a matter of course for us. Our learning and working environment is open, inspiring, beneficial and cooperative. HSBI sees itself as a learning organisation.”

About HSBI

Founded in 1971, HSBI was one of the first universities of applied sciences in the first wave of Fachhochschulen to open in Germany.

• three campuses: Bielefeld, Minden and Gütersloh
• six faculties: Design and Art, Minden Campus, Engineering and Mathematics, Social Sciences, Bielefeld School of Business, Health
• 10,290 students (12/2023), 788 international students (12/2023)
• 219 professors (10/2023)
• 62 lecturers for special assignments (10/2023)
• 338 academic staff members (10/2023)
• 309 administrative staff members (10/2023)
• 42 Bachelor's programmes
• 28 Master's programmes
• seven certificate programmes
• six research institutes
• two research groups
• system-accredited by the AQAS accreditation commission: HSBI takes responsibility for quality assurance and continuous improvement of study programmes.
• certified as a family-friendly university

Eight good reasons to choose HSBI

1. Higher education with a practical approach: HSBI maintains close contacts with the industries, business as well as social and cultural institutions in the region.
2. High study satisfaction among students (student survey 2019: 80%)
3. Studying in all circumstances: Pre-study and study-accompanied support, different study formats and a wide range of counselling services
4. The right study format for everyone: Full-time, work-integrated and part-time study programmes
5. Career opportunities: Most graduates find their first permanent job within three months of graduation. Most graduates are highly satisfied with their overall professional situation (student survey 2019: 71%).
6. The location: The region of East Westphalia-Lippe is one of the strongest business centres in Germany, especially for medium-sized companies.
7. Discover the world: More than 150 partner universities in nearly 50 countries
8. Bielefeld is a safe city: Bielefeld is the second safest city in Germany (as of 2021, source).

OWL – worth knowing

• Approx. 2.08 million inhabitants (04/2023)
• 6.9 million overnight stays per year (holiday region Teutoburg Forest)
• OWL (Ostwestfalen-Lippe – East Westphalia-Lippe) is one of the leading technology regions in Europe
• 14 universities with over 67,000 students
• Economically strong region with about 140,000 companies, about one million jobs and a large international network – “hidden champions”
• Gross domestic product (GDP) of the region: around 75 billion EUR per year

Bielefeld – worth knowing

• Approx. 344,000 inhabitants (06/2023)
• Landmark: Sparrenburg (built approx. 1240)
• Places of interest: botanical garden, Kunsthalle museum, Dr. Oetker Welt
• Events: Bielefelder Nachtansichten (festival of light and arts), Weinmarkt (wine festival), Leineweber-Markt (city festival), Theater Bielefeld, DSC Arminia Bielefeld, Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen (zoo)

Gütersloh – worth knowing

• Approx. 105,000 inhabitants (01/2023)
• The city park and botanical garden are part of the European Garden Heritage Network’s (EGHN) “Garden Route of Cultural Events”.
• Events: Langenachtderkunst (long night of arts festival), open-air concerts as part of the Gütersloh summer festival, Street Food Festival, Michaeliswoche (city festival), Klanggarten (sound garden)

Minden – worth knowing

• Approx. 85,500 inhabitants (12/2022)
• Biking and hiking trails around the Weser river
• Landmark: Germany’s only grinding mill
• Events: Blaues Band der Weser (water sports festival), Gourmetmeile (culinary festival), Sommernachtsgartenfest (city festival), Kultursommerbühne (cultural festival)