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!
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!
In addition to learning the fundamentals of
students will build a firm foundation in the areas of
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" 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" 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" 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“ 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" 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" allows students to deepen their understanding of statistical methods and introduces advanced and research aspects of statistical and machine learning techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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 for the Bachelor's degree program in Data Science
Study plan for the Bachelor's degree program Data Science
The program is located in Ingolstadt, i.e. all Data Science courses will be offered in Ingolstadt. Our home is the newly renovated Georgianum.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is a new study program. We expect people to finish in three years, the program is very streamlined towards that.
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’.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Specialization-dependent occupational fields include the following:
The KU has two campuses: Eichstätt and Ingolstadt. Seven faculties are located in Eichstätt. The Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) and MIDS (Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science) are located on our Ingolstadt campus.
This degree program is taught on our Ingolstadt campus.
The district of Eichstätt and the city of Ingolstadt are located in the heart of Bavaria. This central location also means that the KU is easy to reach. The combination of a historic old town, modern infrastructure, attractive leisure facilities and lots of green spaces makes Ingolstadt – the second largest city in Upper Bavaria – an ideal place to study.
Despite its central location in the city of Ingolstadt, the WFI campus is characterized by short distances. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Ingolstadt old town.
Studying at the KU not only provides you with the specialist knowledge you need, but also aims to open up real future prospects for its students. We want to support our students in finding their own personal path to their individual dream future! The question is not "What career do I want to pursue?", but rather "Who do I want to be?"
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!
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.
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.
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.
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