Program Overview

Master Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

The Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is a multidisciplinary program that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of data science and artificial intelligence. The program combines expertise in statistics, computer science, mathematics, and domain-specific knowledge to empower students to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and make a meaningful impact in an increasingly data-driven world.

Background and Motivation

The convergence of data science and artificial intelligence represents a pivotal advancement in technology with far-reaching implications across industries. At its core, data science harnesses the power of data to extract insights, patterns, and trends, enabling informed decision-making. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence empowers machines to mimic human intelligence, enabling automation, prediction, and problem-solving. Combined together, these two fields have already revolutionized fields such as healthcare, finance, and marketing.

Course Program and Curriculum

The course program divides into the following categories:

• Mandatory modules: These modules cover knowledge specific to the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program, and students have no choice regarding the required modules.
• Required elective modules: These are related to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence core concepts and applications. Students have to choose modules from the category “Fundamentals of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” for a total of 24 ECTS, and modules from the category “Advanced Topics in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” for a total of 18 ECTS.
• Domain Knowledge: These modules cover various application domains and transversal knowledge concepts, enabling the students to apply the core concepts learnt in the required and free modules to diverse scientific disciplines. Courses from at least two, at most four, application domains with at least 6 ECTS per domain must be selected, and students must gain in total 24 ECTS.

Regulations and Further Documents

• Subject-Specific Provisions (includes Module Table)
• Examination Regulations
• Module Handbook
• General Information for Students including Evaluation of Theses

Application and Admission

The application period starts on February 15th and ends on March 31st of each year. We only offer a single application period each year, with admission to the winter semester (beginning in October).

Minimum Requirements

The following requirements must be met by all applicants:

1. A Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Informatics, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, from the University of Hamburg, either in Informatik (Computer Science) or Computing in Science
2. OR A Bachelor’s degree in a computer science related field insofar as the following minimum ECTS credit points were obtained:
   • 24 ECTS credit points in mathematics, from which 6 ECTS credit points were obtained in the field of stochastics (probability, statistics)
   • 60 ECTS credit points in computer science, which correspond to the curriculum of the Bachelor's degree program in Informatik (Computer Science) at the Faculty of Informatics, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg
3. English language proficiency, attested by one of the following:
   • Attestation of a C1 English level provided by a course in your university or equivalent institution
   • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate with a grade of at least 6.5
   • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate with a grade of at least 90
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)
   • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE)
   • Seven years of English courses in a German-speaking school

Admission Criteria

If the number of applications that fulfill the minimum requirements exceeds the number of places available for the Master's degree program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for the selection procedure, the selection will be made based on the following criteria:

1. The final grade of your Bachelor’s degree (or an official preliminary final grade estimate if Bachelor’s not yet completed)
2. The content of your Bachelor’s degree, as compared to the equivalent Bachelor's degree program in Informatics from the MIN Faculty of the University of Hamburg
3. Your selection of modules during your Bachelor’s degree, as relevant to the DSAI Master

Required Documents

• The filled-in cover form listing personal information, information on your Bachelor’s degree and required modules, as well as information regarding internships, projects, etc.
• A brief Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Your transcript of records, as provided by your university if in English or German, or translated to English or German if not
• Bachelor degree certificate, as provided by your university
• A diploma supplement or a description of your Bachelor degree, preferably provided by your university
• [Optional] Evidence of relevant elective modules, research, professional experience, internships, open source projects

Application Procedure

1. Create an account on the University of Hamburg’s STiNE platform
2. Upload all the individual documents listed above as PDF files in German or English (or a certified translation into German or English)
3. The DSAI selection committee will evaluate your application
4. The selection committee sends the ranked list and the list of rejections to the university’ central administration
5. The admission notification is sent to you

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• Is the DSAI program open to international students?
• Are there any tuition fees?
• What are the chances of admission?
• Do you offer scholarships or other funding options?
• Who can I contact for more information?

Application

• When can I apply to the DSAI program?
• Do I require an APS certificate for the application?
• Should I use uni-assist for the application?
• When can I expect the notification regarding admission or rejection?
• How can I prevent my application from being rejected?

Minimum Requirements

• What are ECTS credits? How can I convert my credits to ECTS?
• I do not fulfill the minimum requirements regarding coursework in Mathematics or Computer Science. Can professional experience or online courses count towards these requirements instead?
• I do not fulfill the minimum requirements regarding coursework in Mathematics or Computer Science. Can I compensate by taking extra courses at the University of Hamburg after being admitted?
• What courses count towards the “Stochastics” requirement?
• What courses count towards the “Computer Science” requirement?