Master of Science in Data Science

Data Science is a two-year Master's programme that aims to increase the ICT competence of engineers from different fields.

Published Updated on
Facts
Duration

2 years/4 semesters

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credits

120

Study start

August every year

Student med PC og robot. Foto: Elisabeth Tønnesen

Data Science students will learn to extract relevant information from a compilation of large datasets from different sources. The ability to create, manage and exploit data has become one of the most important challenges for practitioners in most disciplines, sectors, and industries.

Students with expertise in Data Science will be highly sought after in the future labor market, where they will contribute to the development of smart solutions and digitization.

The new study comes in the wake of Big Data and the need to find useful information in them. Analysis, understanding, and use of these data require interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. Data Science creates opportunities for students from different engineering backgrounds who want to focus more on digitization and data analysis.

Data Science is crucial for creating smart solutions, such as the development of smart cities, smart energy, smart healthcare. Data Science specialises in information retrieval, data recovery and further in-depth study of statistics.

The Master's programme has a practical profile, where after specialisation in statistics and computer science you use algorithms on real data sets.

UiS has a strong research focus on analysis of large datasets, Cloud solutions, and machine learning.

UiS is offering break rooms, reading rooms and computer rooms especially reserved for the master students. There is also a student organization for these students, ISI, which is arranging both academic and social gatherings.

NB: Career prospects, learning outcomes and the study plan will be updated February 1.

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Data Science part-time
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Career prospects

With a master’s degree in Data Science, you can get a position in almost all industries. Some examples of businesses where you can find employment are consulting companies, telecommunications companies, energy related businesses, hospitals, and other public agencies. Specialisation in Data Science provides a basis for work in data analysis and development of data processing systems for the whole data lifecycle. It builds knowledge and skills in advanced statistics, data mining, machine learning and processing of large data volumes. 

Completed master’s degree in Data Science provides the basis for admission the PhD programme in Information technology, mathematics and physics.

Learning outcomes

All study programmes at the UiS have a set of defined learning targets. Read more about the learning outcome for this study programme.

After having completed the master’s programme in Data Science, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: Advanced knowledge within Data Science, which includes data processing, machine learning, data extraction, statistics and typical programming languages for the area, including: Pythonand R.

K2: Specialised insightinto data analysis.

K3: In-depth knowledge of scientific theory and methods in Data Science.

K4: Apply knowledge about algorithms for statistical analysis, machine learning or data extraction in new areas within data science.

K5: Analyse professional issues based on the fourth science paradigm, 4Vs of big data (volume, velocity, variety, and variability), data-driven approach, CRISP-DM (cross-industry standard process for data mining).

Skills

S1: Analyseand relate critically to different sources of information, datasets and data processes; and apply these to structure and formulate data-driven reasoning.

S2: Analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations within the subject area and work independently in applying and evaluating different storage and data processing technologies.

S3: Use CRISP-DM and scientific methods to develop data analysis programs in an independent way.

S4: Conduct independent, limited data collection, analysis and evaluation according to established engineering principles in accordance with current research ethical standards.

General Competence

G1: Analyse relevant ethical issues arising from data usage and data recovery.

G2: Apply theirknowledge and skills in new areas to carry out advanced tasks and projects related to data processing, data analysis and optimisation.

G3: Communicate results of comprehensive data analysis and development work, and master Data Science expressions.

G4: Communicate on issues, analyses and conclusions related to data-driven research and development, both with specialists and to the general public.

G5: Contribute to new ideas and innovation processes by introducing data-driven approaches, comprehensive data analysis and development work, and master Data Science expressions.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent is required. The degree must include at least:

  • 10 ECTS credits in programming + 10 ECTS informatics/computer science
  • 30 ECTS credits in mathematics/statistics/calculus

In case programming and computer engineering subjects cannot be confirmed through the The Bologna Process Framework for Learning Outcomes, at least 50 credits in programming and computer engineering subjects will be required.

Only degrees from accredited universities from the following countries are confirmed through the Bologna Process: List of countries.

If the country where you completed your degree is not included in the list above, a minimum of 50 credits in programming and computer engineering subjects is required.

If you have completed studies/courses outside the University of Stavanger, you must upload course descriptions that have clearly defined curriculum (learning outcomes). The course names and codes on the course descriptions must match the transcript of records. If you do not provide course descirptions, you might risk your application to not be prioritized.
Admission to this master's programme requires a minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in your bachelor's degree. Applicants with a result Second-class lower Division or lower are not qualified for admission.

Supplementary rules for admission (pdf).

Deadlines

and other admission requirements

Study plan and courses

Already a student? Find the full study programme description and study plan here
  • Compulsory courses

  • 3rd semester at UiS or Exchange Studies

    • Courses at UiS 3rd semester

      • Recommended electives 3rd semester

        • Discrete Simulation and Performance Analysis

          Year 2, semester 3

          Discrete Simulation and Performance Analysis (DAT530)

          Study points: 10

        • Information Retrieval and Text Mining

          Year 2, semester 3

          Information Retrieval and Text Mining (DAT640)

          Study points: 10

        • Probability and Statistics 2

          Year 2, semester 3

          Probability and Statistics 2 (STA500)

          Study points: 10

        • Statistical Learning

          Year 2, semester 3

          Statistical Learning (STA530)

          Study points: 10

      • Other electives 3rd semester

    • Exchange 3rd semester

Frequently asked questions

Questions about the study programme? Find more information here.

spørsmål og svar SOS

What do you learn when you choose Computer Science?

Master’s program in Computer Science teaches you the management, design and programming of computer systems. The ability to integrate knowledge and skills in security, reliability and scalability together with algorithm theory and statistics is necessary to respond to challenges in computer systems in all industries.

The program provides a basis for work with the development and planning of commercial computer systems for various purposes. You gain knowledge and skills in network security, reliability of distributed systems, simulation and modeling.

What do you learn when you choose the Data Science program?

Master’s program in Data Science teaches you to extract relevant information from a compilation of large data sets from different sources. The ability to create, manage and utilize data has become one of the most important challenges for practitioners in almost all disciplines, sectors and industries.

Data Science provides a basis for work in data analysis and development of data processing systems for the entire data life cycle. You gain knowledge and skills in advanced statistics, data mining, machine learning and processing large amounts of data. The study will be highly sought after in the future labor market, with the development of smart solutions such as in smart cities, with smart energy and digitalisation.

Watch presentation from Open day, by Tom Ryen.
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Student exchange

By going on exchange to one of our partner institutions abroad as part of your studies, you will have an opportunity to get a unique education. In addition to improving your career opportunities, you grow as a person and gain the ability to greater reflect on the topics you study as part of your degree. All about exchange

Schedule for the exchange
3rd semester 

 

Students can go on a study abroad experience during the 3rd semester of the master's programme in Data Science. This semester consists of 30 ECTS credits of electives. During the exchange semester you can choose courses similar to the master programme specialisation. The courses you want to take abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the subjects/courses from abroad not overlap with courses you have already taken. Some advice is to think about your specialization and your field of interest.

 

More opportunities

 

In addition to the recommended universities listed below, UiS has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at UiS, provided that they find a relevant subject offering. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.

 

Find out more

 

Contact your student adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of topics: Sheryl Josdal 

 

General questions about exchange:

 

Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk

 

Student exchange

  • All countries

    Aachen University of Technology

    Er du på utkikk etter en spennende mulighet i Tyskland er RWTH Aachen University det naturlige valget! Universitetet streber etter å bli det beste tekniske universitetet i Tyskland og er på god vei til målet. Bli med på en del av reisen – bli utvekslingsstudent i Aachen!

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

    California State University-Los Angeles

    California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) er en del av det anerkjente California State University, som er USAs fjerde største universitet.

    Grenoble Institute of Technology

    Bli Erasmus+-student og studer i de franske alper i Frankrikes beste studentby Grenoble!

    Lodz University of Technology

    Do you want to study at one of the best technical universities in Poland? Apply to Lodz University of Technology (TUL) and enjoy a 70 years long tradition and experience in Engineering education!

    Technical University of Munich

    The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.

    The University of Adelaide

    Universitetet ligger i Adelaide, Australias femte største by. Med sine 1.2 millioner innbyggere er Adelaide en trygg, kosmopolitisk by som er betraktelig rimeligere å bo i enn flere sammenlignbare byer i landet. Universitetet er medlem av Group of Eight, en koalisjon av de åtte ledende universitetene i Australia.

    University of Pisa

    Study at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities - founded as early as 1343.

    University of Twente, Enschede

    Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.

  • Australia

    The University of Adelaide

    Universitetet ligger i Adelaide, Australias femte største by. Med sine 1.2 millioner innbyggere er Adelaide en trygg, kosmopolitisk by som er betraktelig rimeligere å bo i enn flere sammenlignbare byer i landet. Universitetet er medlem av Group of Eight, en koalisjon av de åtte ledende universitetene i Australia.

  • Danmark

    Aalborg Universitet

    Aalborg Universitet (AAU) er kjent for å benytte seg av problembasert læring i grupper, noe som kan by på en spennende læringsprosess.

  • Frankrike

    Grenoble Institute of Technology

    Bli Erasmus+-student og studer i de franske alper i Frankrikes beste studentby Grenoble!

  • Italia

    University of Pisa

    Study at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities - founded as early as 1343.

  • Nederland

    University of Twente, Enschede

    Opplev Europa og det internasjonale studiemiljøet i Nederland. University of Twente er UiS` partneruniversitet i ECIU-nettverket og tilbyr utvekslingsmuligheter for mange studenter ved UiS. Det er et moderne og innovativt campus-universitet som satser stort på entreprenørskap.

  • Polen

    Lodz University of Technology

    Do you want to study at one of the best technical universities in Poland? Apply to Lodz University of Technology (TUL) and enjoy a 70 years long tradition and experience in Engineering education!

  • Tyskland

    Aachen University of Technology

    Er du på utkikk etter en spennende mulighet i Tyskland er RWTH Aachen University det naturlige valget! Universitetet streber etter å bli det beste tekniske universitetet i Tyskland og er på god vei til målet. Bli med på en del av reisen – bli utvekslingsstudent i Aachen!

    Technical University of Munich

    The Technical University of Munich, also known as TUM, accounts for major advancements in the field of natural sciences. TUM is one of the best universities in Germany and has several awarded scientists and Nobel Prize winners. The Technical University of Munich strives for excellent teaching and research quality.

  • USA

    California State University-Los Angeles

    California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) er en del av det anerkjente California State University, som er USAs fjerde største universitet.

Contact

Førstekonsulent
51831747
Faculty of Science and Technology
Faculty Administration TN
Kontor for utdanningsadministrative tjenester
Førsteamanuensis i datateknologi
51832062
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

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