Data Analytics (MSc) University of Hildesheim

The international Master's programme in Data Analytics offers a comprehensive and forward-looking education in modern data science, combining rigorous training in state-of-the-art machine learning, big data technologies, and statistical analysis with application-oriented knowledge from selected domains.

Students gain a deep understanding of advanced analytical methods and acquire the practical skills needed to model and interpret complex systems. The programme prepares graduates to address real-world challenges across a variety of sectors, including business areas like marketing, finance, and logistics as well as scientific fields such as computer science and environmental studies.

Teaching is closely integrated with ongoing research and industry practice. The curriculum is developed and delivered by experienced faculty and domain experts, ensuring that students are exposed to both theoretical foundations and practical applications throughout their studies.

Course Highlights

Project: The project spans one academic year and is conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Students independently explore advanced topics in machine learning, gaining hands-on research experience. Many student groups have presented their work at major conferences and even received awards for their contributions.

Application Modules: These modules allow students to explore how machine learning is applied in various domains such as natural language processing, business administration, psychology, and climate science. They provide valuable interdisciplinary insight into real-world applications of data analytics.

Methodological Specialisation: Students deepen their expertise through specialised courses in advanced machine learning topics. Offerings may include areas like computer vision, time series analysis, and other cutting-edge methods tailored to specific analytical challenges.

The two-year Master's programme in Data Analytics comprises four semesters with a total of 120 CPs (credit points). The programme is structured into a methodological core (65%), an application area (10%), and a Master's thesis (25%).

Programme structure for the winter intake:

First semester
Compulsory modules:

• Machine Learning Lecture (6 CPs)
• Modern Optimisation Techniques Lecture (6 CPs)
• Programming Machine Learning Lab Course (6 CPs)
• Data Analytics I Seminar (4 CPs)

and one application module (6 CPs)

Second semester
Compulsory modules:

• Big Data Analytics Lecture (6 CPs)
• Advanced Machine Learning Lecture (6 CPs)
• Data and Privacy Protection Lecture (3 CPs)
• Distributed Data Analytics Lab Course (6 CPs)
• Data Analytics II Seminar (4 CPs)
• Project (part I) (6 CPs)

Third semester
Compulsory modules:

• Planning and Optimal Control Lecture (6 CPs)
• Project (part II) (9 CPs)
• Data Analytics III Seminar (4 CPs)

one methodological specialisation lecture (6 CPs)
and one application module (6 CPs)

Fourth semester
The Master's thesis is written during the last semester. (30 CPs)

Programme structure for the summer intake:

First semester

• Big Data Analytics Lecture (6 CPs)
• Data and Privacy Protection Lecture (3 CPs)
• Distributed Data Analytics Lab Course (6 CPs)
• Data Analytics I Seminar (4 CPs)
• Methodological Specialisation Lecture (6 CPs)
• Application Module I (6 CPs)

Second semester

• Machine Learning Lecture (6 CPs)
• Modern Optimisation Techniques Lecture (6 CPs)
• Programming Machine Learning Lab Course (6 CPs)
• Data Analytics II Seminar (4 CPs)
• Planning and Optimal Control Lecture (6 CPs)

Third semester

• Advanced Machine Learning Lecture (6 CPs)
• Data and Privacy Protection Lecture (3 CPs)
• Data Analytics III Seminar (4 CPs)
• Project (part I) (9 CPs)
• Application Module II (6 CPs)
• Master's thesis (part I) (6 CPs)

Fourth semester

• Project (part II) (6 CPs)
• Master's thesis (part II) (24 CPs)

A list of available modules for methodological specialisation and applications can be found here.

Advanced Track

The Advanced Track is designed for students who have already completed coursework equivalent to the compulsory modules during their Bachelor's studies. Instead of repeating these core modules, students in the Advanced Track can substitute them with additional Methodological Specialisation courses. This enables them to broaden and deepen their expertise in Data Analytics by engaging with more advanced or diverse topics.

The Master's programme in Data Analytics is highly relevant for students aiming to pursue careers in research in an interdisciplinary field, data analytics, or a related industry. Students with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, or related fields are eligible to apply. Generally, students with a strong analytical, mathematical, and statistical base and good programming skills are more suited for this programme.

Eligible admissions are prioritised according to the following criteria:

• overall mark of your Bachelor's (53%)
• amount and marks of Bachelor's courses related to data analytics (incl. mathematics and programming, 35%)
• prior research activities in data analytics (6%)
• prior practical activities in data analytics (6%)

You will pay a contribution of approx. 470 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services, the student council and university administration. It includes a culture ticket and a ticket for public transport. You can use local public transport in Hildesheim and across Germany free of charge. You benefit from discounts on meals at the university cafeteria and other services.

You will need between 900 and 1,200 EUR per month to cover your living expenses:

• Rent, approx. 350 to 700 EUR
• Health insurance, approx. 130 EUR
• Books and stationery, approx. 50 EUR
• Meals, approx. 200 EUR
• Other expenses, approx. 100 EUR

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. You can find part-time jobs here:

• student and research assistant positions
• career service

International students are only permitted to work in Germany with a work permit. The student visa allows a maximum of 120 full days (or 240 half days) of work per year. If you earn more than 556 EUR a month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.

Make sure your study workload and working hours remain balanced.

The university offers Lore-Auerbach scholarships supporting especially capable and socially committed students. Students in acute financial emergencies can apply for a scholarship from the Social Fund. The university is also in charge of scholarship programmes like the Deutschlandstipendium (the German public-private scholarship) and the Landesstipendium Niedersachsen (scholarship of the State of Lower Saxony).
See: University of Hildesheim scholarships

Additionally, the International Office offers scholarships to support intl. students with graduation grants, grants for (social) commitment, the DAAD Prize (funded by the DAAD / Federal Foreign Office), and Rotary Club scholarships.
See: International Office

The Career Service is aimed at students and recent graduates of all degree programmes at the University of Hildesheim in all phases of the transition from study to work. Contact us — we will be happy to support you!

During Career Week, you can take part in workshops specially designed for international students, for example, application workshops or career talks.

Whether you live in a shared apartment, a student residence or a single apartment – everyone in Hildesheim will find a suitable place to stay, often at comparatively low rents.

Accommodation is available through the "Studentenwerk OstNiedersachsen" (student services) or on the private market. The "Studentenwerk" provides rooms in halls of residence, most of which are single rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms. For more information, please visit the following link.

You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.