Applied Data Science (MSc) University of Göttingen

Data scientists know how to extract knowledge from data. They combine skills in mathematics, computer science, statistics and specific knowledge in an application domain. In Göttingen, we place special emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of data science. We want to equip you with in-depth knowledge of the key mathematical, statistical and computer science methods for data science, and we also want to make sure that you understand how to apply these methods in an application domain. You can choose from Computational Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Medical Data Science, Digital Humanities, Computational Sustainability, Digital Business Administration as well as Physical Modelling and Data Analysis. We are currently working on expanding this list and plan to add an application domain in Natural Language Processing.

Our Master’s programme is research-oriented, and it should enable you to carry out scientific research projects autonomously. Moreover, we want to teach you how to communicate your insights and reflect on the ethical impacts of collecting and analysing large amounts of data as well as the consequences of automated data-driven decision-making. Beyond research, we also provide the opportunity for internships and interactions with industry partners.

The Master's programme in Applied Data Science is a graduate programme that requires 120 ECTS to be successfully completed. The programme includes three areas of study: (1) the core curriculum, (2) the area of professionalisation and (3) the Master’s thesis.

The core curriculum covers important data science methods from computer science, mathematics and statistics as well as ethical aspects of data science:

• Fundamentals of Data Science
• Statistical methods of Data Science
• Computer Science methods of Data Science
• Machine Learning methods

In the area of professionalisation, students get many opportunities to study tailored to their individual and subject-specific inclinations as well as their professional ambitions. They choose one application domain, such as Computational Neuroscience, Bioinformatics, Medical Data Science, Digital Humanities, Computational Sustainability, Digital Business Administration, and Physical Modelling and Data Analysis. Furthermore, they carry out a research lab rotation or an industry internship and acquire additional key competencies:

• Application domain
• Key competencies
• Elective courses in Data Science

Research lab rotation or industry internship (12 ECTS)

A Bachelor’s degree with at least 180 ECTS is needed. If the degree has not yet been awarded, a minimum of 135 ECTS is required for application.

At least 60 ECTS have to be successfully completed in the area of data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or a related field. This requirement should normally be fulfilled by a Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or a closely related degree programme.

Graduates from other fields can be eligible as well. 15 ECTS of the above requirements can be completed after admission, i.e. the minimum requirement for application is 45 ECTS.

It is strongly recommended that all international applicants take the dMAT Data Science in order to strengthen their application. For further details, please check our website.

All applicants who are on the shortlist for the programme will be invited to a personal interview, conducted as a video call.

The fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industry and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

Germany scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Lower Saxony scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.
Start-up support

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.