Program Overview

Introduction to the Data Science & Society Programme

The Data Science & Society programme at the University of Groningen is a unique and innovative Bachelor's degree that combines data science with social sciences, ethics, and governance. This programme is designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking necessary to navigate the complexities of data-driven decision-making in today's society.

Programme Overview

• The programme is a full-time, three-year Bachelor's degree.
• It is taught in English at Campus Fryslân, the 11th faculty of the University of Groningen, located in Leeuwarden, Friesland.
• The programme focuses on building programming skills, understanding governance and regulations related to data and technology, and exploring human rights in relation to data creation and usage.

Programme Structure

• Year 1: Introduction to data science and society, including programming skills, governance, and human rights.
• Year 2: Specialization in either Cognitive Technology or Regulation, Governance, and Innovation, accompanied by a Field Project.
• Year 3: Minor space for deepening or broadening the programme, followed by courses in the chosen specialization and a Bachelor's thesis.

Courses

• Introduction to Data Science & Society
• Programming for Data Science
• Science and Technology Studies I
• Governance & Regulation of Innovation I: Introduction
• Statistical and Machine Learning
• Visualising Data
• Human Rights in the Digital Age I: Human Dignity
• Science and Technology Studies II
• Statistical Inference
• Data Science I: Databases and Datasources
• Data Science II: Big Data Analytics
• Governance and Regulation of Innovation II: Responsibility
• Data Science III: Using Data to Solve Social Problems
• Data Science IV: Using Data to Solve Business Problems
• Human Rights in the Digital Age II: Reconsidering Impact
• Data Science V: Visual Rethoric
• Governance and Regulation of Innovation III: Sustainability
• Simulation Exercise
• Specialization courses
• Field Project
• Minor
• Advanced Programming
• Research Design and Project Management
• Bachelor Thesis
• Human Machine Interaction

Specializations

• AI and Society: Developing and governing AI responsibly, ensuring it aligns with ethical principles, legal frameworks, and societal values.
• Cognitive Technology: Investigating data and cognition, with attention to voice technology and computer vision, and their social impact potential.

Study Abroad

• Studying abroad for the minor in Year 3 is optional.
• The University of Groningen has a vast global network of partner universities.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma: VWO with Wiskunde A or B, or HBO-propedeuse diploma.
• International diploma: Equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, with specific requirements for mathematics and English proficiency.
• Language test: Cambridge C1 or C2 Certificate, IELTS, LanguageCert Academic, Pearson PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT.

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: VWO or international equivalent.
• Additional subject: Mathematics, with specific requirements.
• Grade list: Final transcript, with at least all transcripts from the previous one and a half years.
• Language test: As specified above.
• Other admission requirements: More information on the programme's website.

Registration Procedure

• Students apply via Studielink.nl and submit documents via the Progress Portal of the University of Groningen.

Application Deadlines

• Dutch students: 01 May 2026.
• EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026.
• Non-EU/EEA students: 01 May 2026.

Tuition Fees

• EU/EEA students: € 2601 (2026-2027), € 2695 (2027-2028).
• Non-EU/EEA students: € 13500 (2026-2027), € 14000 (2027-2028).

After Graduation

• Career paths: Data analyst, data scientist, data engineer, data protection officer, policy advisor.
• The programme prepares students for a career in any industry, from business and tech companies to healthcare innovation and politics.

Research

• The programme is connected to the Jantina Tammes School of Digital Society, Technology and AI, and Campus Fryslân's Data Research Centre.
• Research areas: Data Governance, Security and Human Rights; Human-Data Interaction; Data Applications and Organisations.

Student Profile

• Analytical and critical thinker.
• Problem solver and detail-oriented.
• Innovative, progressive, and creative.
• Passionate about societal challenges.
• Team player and effective communicator.

Binding Study Advice

• A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months is required to continue the programme.

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