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Master of Science in Data Science

Keypoints

Students at FU

Students at FU
Image Credit: Michael Fahrig

  • Degree: Master of Science
  • Location: Berlin
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 4 semesters
  • Mode: Full-time & in-person
  • Credits: 120 ECTS
  • Start: Winter semester
  • Capacity: 20 spots per year

Contents & Aims

The Master of Science in Data Science at Freie Universität Berlin imparts the skills necessary in order to successfully handle the advancing digitisation and transformation of science, research, and in everyday life and addresses topics such as the collection, processing, analysis and interpretation of large digital data sets. To this end, the program conveys the key aspects of modern data science, which is characterised by a blending of the central fields of mathematics, statistics, computer science and machine learning, taking application-related issues into account. With in-depth education in the corresponding scientific branches as well as in the relevant application fields of the physical and life sciences that engage in quantitative work, this program imparts the skills needed to recognise the relevant problems in data analysis, develop and apply appropriate mathematical or computer science solutions and correctly interpret the results within the specific application context.

Graduates of the master’s degree program are well-acquainted with the primary methods used in the field of modern data science, as well as the fundamentals specific to the field and related fields, such as mathematics and computer science. They are qualified to take on leading professional roles in a wide range of fields related to the collection, management, processing, analysis, and interpretation of digital data, or continue to doctoral study. Furthermore, graduates are familiar with the ethical, legal, and security related aspects involved in problems and solutions surrounding data, as well as the limits and risks of the methods used in data science. 

Structure

Structure

Structure

The Master’s degree programme comprises 120 credits. These credits are split between modules totalling 90 credits and the Master’s thesis with its accompanying colloquium, which comprises 30 credits.

The Master's degree programme is divided into a fundamental area comprising 30 credits (to be completed in the first semester) and a profile area comprising 60 credits (second and third semester). The Master’s thesis is usually written in the fourth semester.

Foundations

The following, mandatory modules must be completed as part of the foundations area comprising 30 credits:

  • Module: Introduction to Profile Areas 
  • Module: Statistics for Data Science
  • Module: Machine Learning for Data Science 
  • Module: Programming for Data Science 

It is recommended students complete the modules of this area in their first semester.

Profile Areas

In the second and third semester, students may specialise in one of the following two profiles:

  • Data Science in the Life Sciences
  • Data Science Technologies

Students of both profiles must complete a mandatory module "Ethical Foundations of Data Science" and a 15 credit elective area, in which complementary courses from the other profile or other programs can be selected. 

Master's Thesis

The Master's thesis is usually written in the fourth semester after at least 60 credits have been completed. The processing time is 23 weeks and students are expected to join a colloquium. During this time, students should give a presentation on the progress of their work.