Data Science

How are we transitioning into an energy efficient and zero waste society? How do we detect and analyze fraud schemes and money laundry in an increasingly complex economy? How do we improve healthcare by developing personalized medicine? Data Science will play a pivotal role in solving the global challenges of the 21st century. 

Data Science is the science of converting data into knowledge by data-driven decision making. While in the early days people were running around with their hunches, nowadays people are attributing their hunches to valid proof. Data Science questions data by looking into the past ánd future. 

The Research Master’s Data Science teaches the principles and core fundamentals of data science and how specific data science tools are designed internally. The two-year programme is built on the premise that certain fundamental principles are universally essential, regardless of the domain. The curriculum provides a solid foundation and specialised pathways related to data-driven decision making.  

While the Data Science Master’s programme primarily aims to prepare you for a career in academia (PhD), it also acknowledges diverse career paths including managerial roles or entrepreneurship in data science. 

Data Science: the essential component for AI

Data science is a condition for modern artificial intelligence (AI) to exist. Modern AI solutions cannot be materialised without the advanced methods to identify the data that matters, the techniques to efficiently manage massive volumes, or the ways to effectively communicate the results.  Eventually, the field of Data Science and AI will merge, recognizing their interdependence and predicting a future where the two fields are closely intertwined. Data Science is going to be everywhere in every aspect of our lives, and we are the ones that must make sense of it. 

Related Master’s Programmes

This programme operates in parallel to the 1 year Master’s programme in Applied Data Science, that instead aims on how to apply existing data science tools and solutions in different application domains. The two-year Research Master’s programme in Artificial Intelligence focuses specifically on the design and development of algorithms, techniques and models to analyze and build intelligent systems.  

Why in Utrecht

• We offer a unique, holistic approach to all the research domains in the data processing pipeline, from data preparation to analysis and visualisation.
• Focus on algorithm development, system building, and architectural design, advancing the field of data science to new levels, creating novel, innovative solutions. 
• The courses are taught by distinguished researchers in the respective research communities. 
• The programme is part of a rich ecosystem that includes the Utrecht AI Labs, organisations like TNO, the UMC, and other private businesses. This allows students to experience interactions with respected organisations in the field, e.g., through internships, specialize, and also apply their research to specific real-life domains.