M.Sc. in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
• Model: full-time
• Language: English
• ECTS: 120
• Info: accredited
• Duration: 4 semesters/2 years
• Location: Fuerth, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Munich

In the Master's programme in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, you will acquire in-depth knowledge and an understanding of the entire data science process. You will learn how to apply mathematical, statistical, analytical and machine learning/deep learning techniques to gain insights from large and often unstructured data sets. You will also acquire technical expertise, analytical skills, and business acumen needed to drive innovation in AI, data science, and big data analytics. 

With a strong industry focus, the program blends machine learning, data engineering, natural language processing, generative AI, cloud computing, and ethical AI principles with real-world applications across diverse domains.

Students gain hands-on experience working with large-scale datasets, machine learning models, and AI-driven solutions while developing strategic problem-solving abilities through case studies, research projects, and industry collaborations. By offering specialized tracks, the program enables students to tailor their expertise to sectors such as supply chain analytics, business analytics, media analytics & creative AI, and life sciences analytics.

The curriculum is designed to be practical, industry-aligned, and future-focused, ensuring graduates are prepared for high-impact roles in data science, AI development, business intelligence, and research. With a combination of technical courses, hands-on workshops, global learning opportunities, and professional certifications, students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s data-driven world.

With a Master of Science in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and a qualification at all levels of data science, you will have the best opportunities in all sectors, including the manufacturing industry, banks, insurance companies, the IT sector, consulting, public or industrial research institutes, the healthcare sector and at colleges and universities.

Graduates from previous years now work at ABB, Heidelberg Cement, Airbus, Accenture, Adidas, Audi, Bosch, BMW, BASF, Deloitte, Deutsche Börse, DKFZ, PWC, SAP and Verivox, as well as successful medium-sized companies. Our programme also qualifies you for a public sector position, research work, and doctoral programmes.

Job Roles:

Data Science & Analytics

• Data Scientist
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst / Data Analyst
• Research Data Scientist
• Forecasting Specialist

Machine Learning & AI Roles

• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Developer / AI Engineer
• Deep Learning Specialist
• Computer Vision Engineer
• NLP (Natural Language Processing) Engineer
• MLOps Engineer

Data Engineering & Cloud

• Data Engineer
• Cloud Data Engineer
• Big Data Engineer
• ETL / Pipeline Developer
• Data Platform Architect
• Cloud AI Engineer (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Domain-Specific Roles

• Health Data Scientist / Bioinformatics Analyst
• Retail or Supply Chain Analyst
• Smart City Data Strategist
• Financial Data Analyst
• Media AI Consultant
• Environmental Data Modeler

Innovation & Strategy

• AI Product Manager
• Data & AI Strategist
• AI Ethics & Governance Officer
• Tech Entrepreneur / AI Startup Founder
• Innovation Manager in AI/Analytics

In this hands-on Master’s program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in Python, statistics, and machine learning, then dive deep into applied topics such as:

• Data Engineering – Build scalable data pipelines and cloud-based infrastructures
• Deep Learning – Master neural networks, CNNs, and advanced AI techniques
• Cloud Computing – Use tools like AWS and Azure to deploy intelligent systems
• Data Visualization & Storytelling – Transform complex data into actionable insights
• Ethical & Responsible AI – Ensure fairness, transparency, and societal impact
• Domain Specific Applications – Apply AI in Media Analytics, Creative AI, Logistics and Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Process Automation, Bioinformatics and Life Sciences
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation – Turn data-driven ideas into real-world ventures
• 6 Months Internship or Semester Abroad – Gain international or industry experience in Semester 3
• Master’s Thesis – Solve a real problem in collaboration with a company or research lab

1st Semester

1. First Steps into Data Science – 6 ECTS
2. Data Engineering – 6 ECTS
3. Statistics and Machine Learning – 6 ECTS
4. Python Foundations for Data Science – 6 ECTS
5. Advanced Python for Data Science – 6 ECTS

2nd Semester

1. Data Management – 6 ECTS
2. Natural Language Processing – 6 ECTS
3. Responsible AI and Data Ethics – 6 ECTS
4. Collaborative Industry Project I – Industry Data Analytics – 6 ECTS
5. Collaborative Industry Project II – Industry Data Analytics – 6 ECTS

3rd Semester

1. Cloud Computing and Data Architectures – 6 ECTS
2. Data Visualisation and Storytelling – 6 ECTS
3. Deep Learning – 6 ECTS
4. AI Vision – 6 ECTS
5. Entrepreneurship – 6 ECTS
6. 6-month Internship or Semester Abroad – 30 ECTS

*In the 3rd semester, you have the choice of completing a 6-month internship OR a semester abroad OR taking the modules listed above.

4th Semester

1. Master Thesis – 24 ECTS
2. Master Thesis Seminar – 6 ECTS

1st Semester

1. First Steps into Data Science – 6 ECTS
2. Data Engineering – 6 ECTS
3. Statistics and Machine Learning – 6 ECTS
4. Python Foundations for Data Science – 6 ECTS
5. Recommendation Systems and Media Personalization – 6 ECTS

2nd Semester

1. Data Management – 6 ECTS
2. Natural Language Processing – 6 ECTS
3. Responsible AI and Data Ethics – 6 ECTS
4. Social Media Analytics and Sentiment Analysis – 6 ECTS
5. Generative AI for Creative Content – 6 ECTS

3rd Semester

1. Cloud Computing and Data Architectures – 6 ECTS
2. Data Visualisation and Storytelling – 6 ECTS
3. Deep Learning – 6 ECTS
4. Gaming Analytics – 6 ECTS
5. Entrepreneurship – 6 ECTS
6. 6-month Internship or Semester Abroad – 30 ECTS

*In the 3rd semester, you have the choice of completing a 6-month internship OR a semester abroad OR taking the modules listed above.

4th Semester

1. Master Thesis – 24 ECTS
2. Master Thesis Seminar – 6 ECTS

1st semester

1. First Steps into Data Science – 6 ECTS
2. Data Engineering – 6 ECTS
3. Statistics and Machine Learning – 6 ECTS
4. Python Foundations for Data Science – 6 ECTS
5. Demand Forecasting – 6 ECTS

2nd semester

1. Data Management – 6 ECTS
2. Natural Language Processing – 6 ECTS
3. Responsible AI and Data Ethics – 6 ECTS
4. Inventory Analytics – 6 ECTS
5. Logistics and Transportation Analytics – 6 ECTS

3rd semester

1. Cloud Computing and Data Architectures – 6 ECTS
2. Data Visualisation and Storytelling – 6 ECTS
3. Deep Learning – 6 ECTS
4. Risk and Sustainability Analytics – 6 ECTS
5. Entrepreneurship – 6 ECTS
6. 6-month internship OR semester abroad* – 30 ECTS

*In the 3rd semester, you have the choice of completing a 6-month internship OR a semester abroad OR taking the modules listed above.

4th semester

1. Master Thesis – 24 ECTS
2. Master Thesis Seminar – 6 ECTS

Scrum training

As part of theApplied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Master's programme, we offer an intensive two-day Scrum training course. This practice-orientated training teaches students agile project management methods that are widely used in the data-driven professional world.

SAS Certified Specialist: Visual Business Analyst

The certificate "SAS Certified Specialist: Visual Business Analyst" provides practical know-how in data visualisation, dashboard creation and analysis with SAS Viya - ideal for data & business analysts.

Deep learning

The NVIDIA Institute's Deep Learning training, within our Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme, offers a practical introduction to neural networks, TensorFlow, PyTorch and AI models - ideal for getting started in artificial intelligence.

To apply for the Master's programme in Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, you will need to provide

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Mathematics, Business Informatics If you have not graduated yet, apply with existing transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Copy of your identity card or passport

English language requirements:

Accepted English Proficiency Certificates (valid within 2 years), with at least the indicated score:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 87 points
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• Duolingo Certificate: 110 points
• Cambridge CAE or CPE (grade A, B, or C)
• Pearson English Test Academic (PTE-A): 59 points
• Linguaskill: 176 - 184 (CES) - all four skills required