Data Science

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Semester fee
71 Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
6 Semester
Place of study
Ingolstadt
Part-time studies possible
No
Language of instruction
English

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are the topics of the future. The driving forces behind them are mathematical calculations and statistical methods whose potential is far from exhausted, because data is nowadays available in large quantities and in virtually every area of life. The series suggestions on your Netflix watchlist? The weather forecast for the next 10 days? The image recognition on your smartphone? All of this is based on the structured analysis of data and the targeted training of neuronal networks.

The new Data Science program teaches the fundamentals of machine learning and other current methods for data analysis, as well as the ability to efficiently implement these methods using modern software technologies. The necessary knowledge from the fields of study mathematics, statistics, computer science and data science is taught. As the program progresses, you can select one of six specializations to specifically study the application area that fits your career goals. Thanks to the english-language orientation of our degree program and the international contacts you can make at KU, you will be well prepared for the international job market!

Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
Weather forecasts
Weather forecasts
Machine Learning
© AdobeStock Machine Learning

The program in detail

Summary

What Profile should I have?

[Translate to Englisch:] KU Student
  • Good acquaintance with mathematics
  • Analytical thinking
  • Passion for understanding complex problems and desire to develop technical solutions for them
  • General university entrance qualification
  • English language skills
    for international students: German A2 after 1st year of study

Career opportunities

[Translate to Englisch:] Student Roboter

The future is taught here!
We offer an innovative and modern degree program. Data Scientists are urgently needed due to the immensely growing amounts of data, especially in industry. During your studies you can already choose a specialization, e.g. in the fields of business analytic, digital transformation of society, environmental sciences or finance and economics.

Thanks to the English-language orientation of our degree program, you will be ready for the international job market!

Why study Data Science at KU?

[Translate to Englisch:] Studis Laptop oben
  • Forward looking field of study
  • Established and modern learning concepts
  • Excellent ratio of faculty to students thanks to small groups 
  • Preparation for the international job market thanks to english-language orientation and international contacts
  • Discussion of ethical issues regarding the handling of data
  • Gaining experience with well-known industry partners
  • Living and studying at Germany's most popular university

Contents

In addition to learning the fundamentals of 

  • Data Science and Machine Learning, 

students will build a firm foundation in the areas of 

  • Mathematics, 
  • Statistics, and 
  • Computer science.  

Thus, students are offered an interdisciplinary perspective on data science, which is augmented by a variety of application areas available through the following specializations:

Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing

"Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing" provides students with a deeper insight into the mathematical foundations of Data Science. The focus of the specialization is on mathematical model building on the one hand, and on the other hand the transition from continuous to discrete and thus practically implementable models.

Business Analytics and Operations

"Business Analytics and Operations" builds the bridge to economics. In addition to basic knowledge of business administration, e.g. accounting, the focus of this specialization is on data-driven of this specialization is on data-driven approaches to business, organizational and technical problems.

Digital Transformation of Society

"Digital Transformation of Society" considers applications of Data Science in the social and human sciences. In addition to basic knowledge, students gain insights into the role of empirical methods, e.g. in sociology and journalism. Substantive knowledge of Data Science methods coupled with insights into the social sciences and humanities will enable students to critically engage with the ongoing digital transformation of society.

Finance and Economics

„Finance and Economics“ sheds light on macroeconomic relationships, global markets, and financial instruments. These areas are heavily influenced by data-based methods. The specialization expands the students' methodological competence with knowledge of area-specific model building and subject systematics.

Environmental Sciences

"Environmental Sciences" provides students with an insight into data-based environmental and earth sciences. A central aspect is the fitting of models for dynamic (time-varying) processes such as weather and climate to measured data, which are often only available inaccurately and incompletely.

Machine Learning and Statistics

"Machine Learning and Statistics" allows students to deepen their understanding of statistical methods and introduces advanced and research aspects of statistical and machine learning techniques.

Data Science students

Structure

The standard period of study is six semesters. A total of 180 ECTS credits are to be acquired, which are essentially divided into a required, specialization/focus area and elective area. In addition, there is a Bachelor's seminar and the Bachelor's thesis.

Required area

In the required part of the program, fundamental knowledge and basic practical skills in Data Science are taught. The compulsory area consists of modules in the core fields of Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science. In addition, the module "Ethics of Algorithms and Data" is mandatory.

  • Data Science: Data Lab, Ethics of Algorithms and Data, Foundations of Data Science, Foundations of Machine Learning, Hands-on Machine Learning and Data Science, Practical Training
  • Mathematics: Analysis for Data Science 1, Analysis for Data Science 2, Linear Algebra 1, Linear Algebra 2  and Analytic Geometry, Optimization in Data Science
  • Statistics: Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Stochastics, Statistical Learning
  • Computer science: Introduction to Programming, Advanced Programming, Algorithms and Data Structures, Basics of Information Systems

The Data Science program at the KU is distinguished by the fact that, with the exception of the foundational courses in Linear Algebra, Statistics, and Stochastics, all of the required courses have been developed specifically for this program.

Specialization

The offer of specializations gives students the opportunity to further their education in an area of their interest. The selected specialization deepens competencies in a core area of Data Science or imparts competencies in one of its application areas. The selected specialization is identified on the bachelor's degree certificate.

The following specializations are usually offered:

  • Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing
  • Business Analytics and Operations
  • Digital Transformation of Society
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Finance and Economics
  • Machine Learning and Statistics

Required elective area

The required elective area serves to expand the range of studies and to acquire competencies that go beyond or complement the basic studies. All modules that can be credited to a specialization are also part of the required elective area. They are supplemented by additional modules.

Students also choose a required module from the inter-university offer Studium.Pro. Here, KU students engage in cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary work primarily on socially relevant issues. This experience can provide essential impulses for subject-related work.

Required Internship

In addition to courses, the program includes an industrial internship or a research internship at the Mathematical Institute for Machine Learning and Data Science or in other departments at the KU or other universities.

With respect to industrial internships, we cooperate with:

Documents about the course of studies

Module catalogue

All module descriptions can be accessed directly via KU.Campus. Please choose the navigation points "Information portal --> Degree programs". Enter your degree program and the relevant semester in the search mask. In the list of results, the module handbook will appear in the upper right-hand corner for downloading as a pdf or Word file.

The module descriptions published in KU.Campus are legally binding

Degree program description

Degree program description for the Bachelor's degree program in Data Science

Curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions from prospective students and applicants

... about the Data Science Program

  • Is the Data Science program located in Eichstätt or in Ingolstadt?

The program is located in Ingolstadt, i.e. all Data Science courses will be offered in Ingolstadt. Our home is the newly renovated Georgianum.

  • When should I arrive?

You should try to arrive at the beginning of October so that you have some time to settle in and can take part in the preliminary course.  The regular lectures at the KU typically start in mid-October.

  • I am a student from outside the EU, what if I get my Visa a bit late?

We are aware that international students sometimes have to wait months for a Visa. For this reason, we issue admissions as quickly as possible and grant a very late deadline for enrollment so that applicants have the best possible chance of obtaining a Visa. The final enrollment deadline (according to the admission letter) is usually only a few days before the start of lectures. All required documents including Visa must be submitted by mail to the Student Office by this deadline.

  • How much self-study is an average student who is studying in this course expected to do daily?

As at all universities, there will be a significant part of self-study. Exemplarily, in the course ‘Linear Algebra’ you have about 6 contact hrs and 5hrs of self study per week. The overall effort is comparable to other German universities. Studying Data Science at KU is a full time job.

  • Should I revise any mathematics topics from home such as calculus or probability or will the faculties teach us all topics from scratch in a way that there is no need for any prerequisites?

Our beginner courses are all self-contained. Usually the toughest part for some is the formal math, such as ‘Linear Algebra’ and ‘Analysis’. A good level of prior knowledge is helpful for the beginning. For example, you can look up what a vector space is and learn a little about matrices. However, a preliminary course is also offered before the start of the semester, in which some mathematical basics are covered. The math courses during the semester are structured in such a way that all topics are covered from the ground up and can be followed without much prior knowledge.

  • Do people normally finish this degree course in the given time span of three years or does it take more time than that? 

This is a new study program.  We expect people to finish in three years, the program is very streamlined towards that. 

  • What is the schedule during a week?

Via the link

https://www.ku.de/en/mgf/studiengaenge/bachelor/data-science

you will find the current schedules for the different semesters under ‘Documents’.

  • Could you please provide me with access to the module handbook or guide me to the appropriate resource?

You can find such a course catalog on

https://www.ku.de/en/mgf/studiengaenge/bachelor/data-science

under 'Study materials'. The English version of the exam regulations can be found there under 'key documents'.

  • Does the University provide free German lessons for its enrolled students?

We will support at least going to the mandatory A2 level, as this level must be proven after one year. The university regularly offers free German lessons at least up to this level. These are typically scheduled to fit in with your regular timetable, e.g. Monday morning.

  • Is it possible to study data science online or hybrid at the KU?

The program is designed as an in-person study. However, you will usually be provided with online teaching materials and for some courses even with video recordings. This means that you can also learn the course content on your own, although we highly recommend that you actively participate in the courses. However, examinations must always be taken in person.

  • When do I have to choose one of the focus area offered? And is it possible to change it afterwards?

At the end of the second semester, you should decide on a specialization (so-called focus area) and choose your courses accordingly from the third semester onwards. However, a change of specialization is possible at any time.

  • Is it possible to spend a semester abroad and when should I do it?

We are happy to support you in spending a semester abroad. If you are interested, we recommend this in the fifth semester. For more information please see

www.ku.de/international/studierende-der-ku/studienaufenthalt-im-ausland

... about English as language of instruction

The lectures and exams are provided in English. However, all professors are able to speak German as well, such that you can adress them likewise in German. On request, we also offer exams in German. As science and industry become more and more international, communication in English is nowadays a necessary skill. The KU also offers courses to improve (English) language skills. Further information is available here:

https://www.ku.de/sprachenzentrum

Please fell free to watch the following videos to get an impression that for understanding the basic lectures in data science you really do not need to have sophisticated language skills:

... about KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt

  • Is this university a private university or a public university? Are the degrees provided here equally valid in other countries?

The university is funded 85% by the state of Bavaria, all degree programs follow the same rules as at any other Bavarian university. It is considered a private university, but the degrees are the same as at another German university and are also equally valid in other countries. The Data Science degree program is internationally accredited. Furthermore, studying at the KU has no tuition costs.

  • What will be the chronological order of things that will happen once I arrive in Ingolstadt? Kindly guide me for the same and tell me if there is any buddy program in the University.

Before traveling to Ingolstadt, please ensure that you start looking for accommodation in Ingolstadt (or surrounding area) in due time. The KU International Office international@ku.de / welcome@ku.de is happy to help. Please contact the KU International Office if you require more practical information. We have a student union (Fachschaft) which will help you getting settled. Moreover, we offer a preliminary course before the regular lectures begin, where students can get to know each other.

  • Does KU provide accommodation to its students and if yes then how can I apply for one?

The International Office international(at)ku.de helps to find an accommodation and offers a housing service, see

https://www.ku.de/fileadmin/1907/Dokumente_Incoming/Download_Incoming/Housing_Guide_New.pdf

However, we recommend that you look for accommodation as early as possible.

  • Does the University have a swimming pool and a gym and are they free to use?

There are many different sports that you can get involved in at the KU, see

https://www.ku.de/en/campus-life/sports

Most sports courses are held Eichstätt and the gym is also located there. However, there are special offers for students on the public market in Ingolstadt. Generally, swimming pools and gyms have very reasonable student prices. KU is currently trying to extend its free sports offering in Ingolstadt.

... about life in Ingolstadt

  • If possible, kindly guide me about the monthly expenses I can expect during my stay as a student in Ingolstadt. 

First information in this direction can be found here.

If you have any further questions on this topic please contact the International Office welcome(at)ku.de

  • I would like to know about the situation of speaking English in Ingolstadt. Do people typically know English or do they rather refuse to speak English?

Ingolstadt is a fairly large town with plenty of English speakers, e.g. working at Audi, and an international atmosphere. Also, many people in Ingolstadt commute for work to Munich, which is very cosmopolitan.

… about miscellaneous topics

  • What should I expect to be doing after I am done with this degree course? Will I get a job and will the University help me with this?

In the field of data science, there is a very high demand in the job market. The Career Center of the KU offers information surrounding internships and career. Moreover, it regularly organizes various workshops and lectures on topics such as job applications.

  • What does the collaboration of the university with Audi, Continental and Airbus mean?

They and numerous other companies in the area appreciate the study program we offer and benefit from good job applicants. To get to know the companies, you can apply for an internship at their places.

Rankings and assessments

StudyCheck2024

KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the thirdtime in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.

"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.

More ranking results

Internationalization and studying abroad

Machine learning and mathematical methods are not influenced by national borders - therefore the international context is very present in the study program.

The degree program is offered in English and thus creates ideal conditions for a career in internationally operating companies.

It is possible to spend a semester abroad, preferably in the 5th semester. Here, students benefit from KU's worldwide network: the University maintains partnerships with more than 300 universities around the globe. Whether North America or Asia, Australia, South America or Europe - the right program can be found. The KU's International Office provides support with planning and organization.

Practical connection

Besides lectures, exercise groups and computer labs, practical studies are a mandatory part of this data science program.  This can be carried out in industry, in the Mathematical Institute for Machine Learning and Data Science, or within any other research group of KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt or any other university.

Career possibilities and professional fields

Data Science is of fundamental importance for the artificial intelligence revolution bound to take place in the next decades: The environment and industry will be increasingly permeated with networked information systems and data-collection devices. 

While modern hardware already allows the collection of massive data sets, the development of tools and algorithms that can utilize such a wealth of data for extracting relevant patterns and information is still in its infancy. 

Addressing this challenge requires well-trained data scientists proficient with novel technologies and techniques working in industry, business, start-ups, and the public sector. The most sought-after graduates are those who have simultaneously strong analytical and implementation skills, while also being aware of the responsibility in processing sensitive data, in particular regarding the impartiality and objectivity of algorithms. 

Occupational fields for graduates of all profiles in the program include: 

  • Managerial and implementational positions in Data Science and Information Technology in national and international companies and organizations, 
  • Cross-sectional tasks in the field of machine learning, data analysis and forecasting, 
  • Consulting activities in the aforementioned areas, 
  • Academia (in particular related to mathematics, statistics, and data science).  

Specialization-dependent occupational fields include the following: 

Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing

  • Research and development in technical industries, 
  • Development of algorithms and software in companies and organizations, 
  • Research and teaching in educational institutions (e.g., schools and universities), 
  • Data science consultant; 

Machine Learning and Statistics

  • Expert for data collection, analysis, interpretation and forecasting, 
  • Analyst or risk assessment analyst in financial departments of companies, public institutions, ministries and international organizations; 

Environmental Science

  • Data scientist in research institutes such as the German Aerospace Center and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, 
  • Data scientist working for scientific services such as the German Weather Service and the Federal Maritime and Hydrological Agency, 
  • Adviser for governments and non-governmental organizations such as the Ministry of the Environment and Greenpeace;   

Business Analytics and Operations

  • Consultant for strategic planning and corporate development, especially with a focus on digital transformation processes of companies,  
  • Supply chain manager focusing on data-based optimization and decision support in procurement, production, distribution, and logistics, 
  • Process architect for the design, control and coordination of internal and cross-company flows of goods and information. 

Finance and Economics

  • Financial advisor and analyst in finance departments of companies and organizations in the public sector, 
  • Manager in politics, business and public administration.

Digital Transformation of Society

  • Data analyst in market and opinion research, 
  • Statistician or data analyst for media companies, 
  • Consultant for political parties, organizations and associations. 

Testimonials

The KU

Campus

Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The campus in Ingolstadt consists of the Main Building and the New Building, separated by a peaceful courtyard. The ample green spaces on the Ingolstadt campus invite students to enjoy their surroundings outside during lecture breaks and meet fellow students. If you prefer to spend your breaks in town running errands, Ingolstadt’s city center is just a few minutes’ walk away. Other buildings are the Studierendenhaus and the Hohe Schule that was home to the first Bavarian state university in the 15th century.

What sets the KU apart - in IN

[Translate to Englisch:] Studierende Ingolstadt

Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.

It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network with over 260 partner universities.

Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?

No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.

At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.

As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.

This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.

Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation. 

Is Ingolstadt a real university town?

Strictly speaking, Ingolstadt is even THE university town in Bavaria - because the first Bavarian university was located here! However, the Bavarian State University, founded in 1472, moved to Landshut in 1802 and has been located in Munich since 1810 as Ludwig Maximilian University. The history as a university town continued 188 years later: In 1989/90, the Faculty of Economics of the Catholic University opened in Ingolstadt.

With about 135,000 inhabitants, Ingolstadt is a lively and dynamic large city. The theater, the AUDI summer concerts, the jazz days and the Museum of Concrete Art are just a few of the cultural highlights. In a historical setting, a large number of restaurants, clubs and pubs invite you to unwind after lectures and seminars - often just a few steps away from the campus. The day can also be spent relaxing on the Danube beach or at the lake - with a cocktail in hand and your feet in the sand. And of course there's something else that's not missing in an Upper Bavarian city: beer gardens for a "Brezel" and a beer or two.

The location

Ingolstadt is the second largest city in Upper Bavaria after Munich and is only a 30-minute drive away from the state capital. Located in the heart of the Altmühl valley and the largest hop-growing area in the world - the Hallertau - Ingolstadt has a broad cultural offer.

There are regular classical concerts in the AUDI forum, many different student events, and the Volksfeste, beer festivals that are typical for Bavaria (small Oktoberfest Wiesn festivals). Ingolstadt has many restaurants, bars, beer gardens and clubs that are all located in the historical, picturesque old town and are perfect for enjoying a beer or two with friends after the lectures. Last but not least, Munich with its vast cultural offer is just around the corner.

Together with the district of Eichstätt, the Ingolstadt region has the lowest unemployment rate in Germany. This is partly owing to the fact that many well-known large companies such as EADS, AUDI, EDEKA, Media-Markt Saturn or Hipp have their headquarters in the Ingolstadt region.

More on Ingolstadt as a study location

Advisory Service

Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!

David Guevara
David Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building Domplatz 8  |  Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt

Subject Advisor

Raphael Schulz
Dr. Raphael Schulz
Research Associate

Application

Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
or subject-specific university entrance qualification/economics or technical branch
Language requirements
English & after the first year German A2
Admission restriction
Yes
Selection procedure
No

We appreciate early applications and enrollment.

The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.

Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!

Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.

Aptitude assessment procedure for non-EU citizens

Persons who are not EU citizens or who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification outside the European Union must successfully complete an aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment procedure takes into account school and university achievements (especially in mathematics and computer science), results in standardized tests (SAT, TestAS), participation in designated mathematics and computer science Olympiads and other extracurricular activities in the field of data science. The overall grade of the aptitude assessment procedure is determined as the arithmetic mean of the university entrance qualification and an aptitude grade determined by the examiners. The aptitude assessment procedure is successfully completed if the overall grade is 2.0 or better.

Further information

German Language Courses

At the KU, you have the opportunity to participate in German language courses for free.
For further information, please visit the website of KU Language Center.

Materials