![[Translate to English:] MIDS](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/3/csm_Fotoshooting_IN_2026_Christian_Klenk-9_67426e6685.webp "[Translate to English:]")
Data Science
Degree
Master of Science
Semester fee
88
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
4
Semester
Place of study
Ingolstadt
Part-time studies possible
No
Language of instruction
English
The successes of artificial intelligence, especially machine learning, impressively demonstrate the potential of mathematical and statistical methods. They enable us to recognise hidden correlations in large amounts of data using automation and make them usable in a targeted manner. The Master's degree programme in Data Science imparts in-depth knowledge of modern methods of data analysis and machine learning and combines theoretical principles with practical applications. The course focuses on
- data analytics and operations research,
- weather and climate research,
- the mathematical foundations of data science and
- the interface between data-based and model-based modelling.
Through this interdisciplinary orientation, students acquire both methodological expertise and the ability to
solve complex data problems in scientific and industrial contexts.
The program in detail
Program Structure
The standard period of study for the Master of Science in Data Science is four semesters. Students have to acquire 120 ECTS credits that are organized as follows.
![[Translate to English:] Studienverlaufsplan](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/6/csm_Studienverlaufsplan_final_no_headers_Default_d1af51277e.webp)
Required and required elective courses
The core of the program provides a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, the fundamentals of data science and machine learning, as well as interdisciplinary opportunities:
- “Mathematics for Data Science” (10 ECTS credit points) in the first semester establishes the fundamental mathmatical concepts from analysis and linear algebra and, where necessary, fills any gaps due to differences in students’ Bachelor education
- “Principles of Data Science” and “Principles of Machine Learning” (10 ECTS credit points) form the disciplinary core; one of the two must be taken and both may be taken
- 5–10 ECTS credit points in statistics and/or probability must be taken; students can choose from several modules which rotate from year to year
- 5–10 ECTS credits points in any area of (applied) mathematics must be taken; students can choose from several modules that rotate from year to year
- “Advanced Programming” (5 ECTS credit points) teaches efficient implementation of advanced mathematical and statistical algorithms in Python
- “Database Management” (5 ECTS credit points) focuses on structured handling of big data, databases, and data analytics
- “Operations Research” (5 ECTS credit points) covers linear and integer optimization with applications
- The “Applied Data Science Project” (10 ECTS credit points) is an independent team project in which data science methods are applied to solve a real-world problem
- “Ethics and Law” (5 ECTS credit points) addresses the ethical and legal issues arising from the collection and analysis of data
- Students also take one “Studium.Pro” (5 ECTS credit points) transdisciplinary module
Elective area
A further 20 ECTS credit points can be freely chosen from the modules with a relevance to data science from the existing course offerings in any of the following KU degree programs:
- Interdisciplinary Master’s in Mathematics: all modules
- Interdisciplinary Master’s in Mathematics – Applications in Physical Geography: most modules
- Interdisciplinary Master’s in Mathematics – Applications in Economics: most modules
- Master’s in Business Analytics and Operations Research: some modules
- Bachelor’s in Mathematics: Selected modules
- Bachelor’s in Data Science: Selected modules
Master’s thesis
In their second year of study, students work on a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS credit points).
Official 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.
Degree program description
Degree program description (in German) for the master's degree program in Data Science
Curriculum
Study plan (in German) for the master's degree program in Data Science
Mandatory electives
Mandatory electives (in German) for the master's degree program in Data Science
Internationalization and studying abroad
Machine learning and mathematical methods are being developed worldwide and applied across borders. For this reason, the course has a consistent international focus and is primarily offered in English. This creates ideal conditions for a career in globally active companies and at the same time facilitates the integration of international students. The English-language study program creates a diverse, intercultural environment that promotes professional and personal exchange.
There is also the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in the third semester and gain valuable international experience. Our students benefit from the KU's global network: The University maintains partnerships with more than 300 universities around the world. Whether North America or Asia, Australia, South America or Europe – you will find the right program for you. The KU International Office provides support with planning and organization of stays abroad.
Alternative study plan when going abroad in the third semester
Industry Partners
Data Science combines modern methods of statistics, modeling and machine learning with practical applications in industry and science. This close connection is reflected in the courses, in which theoretical concepts are always supplemented with specific implementations. As many modules were designed specifically for the field of Data Science, this application-oriented approach is consistently pursued.
The Applied Data Science Project module provides a particularly high level of practical relevance. In this module, students work independently in teams and communicate directly with users who often have no in-depth knowledge of mathematics or algorithms. As a result, they learn to communicate complex technical content in an understandable way and to integrate it into real-life problems.
The program offers students the possibility to write the Master's thesis in cooperation with a company or a research institution. This enables direct integration into a professional environment and promotes the practical transfer of knowledge.
Application
Requirements
Bachelor
Language requirements
English B2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Application period summer
Dec 01
-
Jan 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
Yes
Requirements
- All applicants who have obtained a “Master's entrance qualification” (i.e., usually their first Bachelor's degree relevant for the Master's program in Data Science) in a country of the European Union can submit their application via the KU application portal from December 1 (summer semester) and May 1 (winter semester).
- Applicants who have obtained their Master's entrance qualification outside of the European Union can only apply for a start in the winter semester and must submit their application through Uni-Assist.
Admission requirements
You are required to have, or you expect to complete, a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Physics, or in a closely related field.
It is expected that your Bachelor’s degree substantially covers the core subjects of a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science as taught at KU, which entail the following.
- Solid mathematics background consisting of at least one year of Linear Algebra and one year of Analysis, including fundamental proofs, as well as a first introduction to Optimization (reference modules are the KU modules Linear Algebra I and II, Analysis for Data Science I and II, and Optimization for Data Science)
- Basic knowledge in probability and statistics (reference modules are the KU modules Introduction to Statistics and Introduction to Stochastics)
- Basic knowledge in algorithms and programming (reference modules are the KU modules Algorithms and Data Structures and Introduction to Programming)
In addition, you are expected to have taken more advanced classes in at least some of these subjects. If you have not fully covered all of the core modules listed above, you may still be admitted, but may be required to retake one or more Bachelor’s modules. These modules cannot be applied toward the Master’s degree requirements.
Please note:
- Applicants from a non-European country are strongly encouraged to submit the results of a standardized test, ideally the GRE subject test Mathematics.
- Applicants should fill in a self-assessment form as part of their application. The purpose of the form is to guide applicants whether their academic background is sufficient to begin a Master's degree in Data Science. Note: it is not necessary that all requirements are satisfied or that modules match perfectly. However, you should be able to find a positive match for the majority of modules named.
- If you are unsure whether your international Bachelor's degree is considered equivalent, you can carry out an initial self-assessment using the Anabin database (www.anabin.de)
All complete applications are checked and, if necessary, subjected to an aptitude evaluation. Applicants who achieve a grade in the aptitude evaluation that corresponds to a German grade of 2.0 or better will be admitted. Note that the evaluation grade may differ from the grade of your Bachelor's degree!
How to apply
International applicants with a Master's entrance qualification obtained outside the European Union
If you have obtained the degree that entitles you to pursue Master's studies outside the EU, you must apply via Uni-Assist (https://www.uni-assist.de).
Whether an application via Uni-Assist is required depends solely on the country in which you have acquired the Master's entrance qualification for the field of “Data Science”. Master's degrees or additional Bachelor's degree programs that have been started or completed within the EU do not affect this rule, neither do citizenship nor residence status. Also remember that the UK is no longer part of the EU.
If you belong to this applicant group, please submit your application exclusively via Uni-Assist. Neither registration nor an additional application using the KU application portal is required. On the contrary, this can even lead to problems when processing applications. As soon as your application has been successfully reviewed, Uni-Assist will forward your documents to us. Note that we are not currently using Uni-Assist’s VPD (“Vorprüfungsdokumentation”) system and we cannot accept VPDs obtained for other degree programs.
Applicants with a Master's entrance qualification obtained in the EU
Applicants who obtained their Master's entrance qualification for the field of “Data Science” in the EU can apply directly via the university’s application portal: https://studienservice.ku.de/
Special provisions for applications for the summer semester
You can only apply for the summer semester if
- You have obtained your first university degree relevant to the M.Sc. Data Science in a country that has ratified the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region, and
- The GPA on your Bachelor's degree corresponds to a German grade of 2.0 or better.
You can find a tool for converting grades here: ku.de/en/international-students-with-foreign-university-entrance-qualification
In the German grading system, 1.0 is the best grade and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade. The linked grade conversion tool is based on the Bavarian formula. Please note that international grading systems can differ greatly. The result of the calculation therefore only serves as a first guideline and is not legally binding.
More information on the KU application process is available here: https://www.ku.de/en/study-at-the-ku/information-for-foreign-nationals/student-office/application-and-enrollment/information-for-foreign-nationals
Required application documents
Required documents for your application
- A complete résumé listing all levels of education, starting with the last three years of secondary school.
- Certificate of higher secondary education
- School leaving certificate from secondary school (e.g. German Abitur) including a grade transcript that shows the average final grade
- In order to convert the grade of your school leaving certificate into a German grade, we need the official grading system of your school; if necessary, attach a copy of the official grading system when uploading the documents
- If applicable: certificate of the university entrance examination from your home country
- If these documents are in a language other than English or German, you must supply a translation into English or German by a certified translator
- Qualifying Bachelor’s degree certificate
- University degree certificate (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) – mandatory for applications via Uni-Assist; if your degree is from a country of the European Union and you have not yet received the degree certificate at the time of appliation, you need to submit proof of successful completion of the equivalent of 150 ECTS credit points
- Complete transcripts from your Bachelor's degree program
- Certificate and/or transcript must show the average final grade
- In order to convert the grade of your degree certificate into a German grade, we need the official grading system of your university; if necessary, attach a copy of the official grading system when uploading the documents
- If these documents are in a language other than English or German, you must supply a translation into English or German by a certified translator
- Completed self-assessment form - Checklist Module Prerequisites
- Proof of English language skills at B2 level (e.g. TOEFL score of 78 or better, IELTS test 6.0 or better, Bachelor’s or Master's degree with teaching in English – confirmation from university required)
- Applicants who obtained their first degree in China, India or Vietnam: APS certificate
Additional documents (optional)
- Any additional degree certificates/transcripts
Results of the GRE general test and the GRE subject test Mathematics (strongly recommended for applicants whose first professionally qualifying university
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!
Armelle
Langenwald
International degree seeking students coordinator - Campus Ingolstadt
Building
Hauptbau
|
Room: HB-209
Subject Advisors
Prof. Dr.
Götz
Pfander
Holder of the Chair Mathematics - Scientific Computing | Speaker of the Mathematical Institute for Machine Learning and Data Science
Room: GEOG-202(Collegium Georgianum in Ingolstadt)
Prof. Dr.
Marcel
Oliver
Holder of the chair of Applied Mathematics
Room: GEOG-106
Prof. Dr.
Nadja
Ray
Chairholder Geomatik and Geomathematik
Building
Georgianum
|
Room: GEOG-104
FAQ from prospective students and applicants
... on the Data Science Program
- Is the Data Science program based in Eichstätt or Ingolstadt?
Both the Bachelor’s and the Master’s program in Data Science are based on our Ingolstadt campus. All Data Science courses are offered in Ingolstadt. There are additional electives available on the Eichstätt campus, but these are entirely optional..
- When should I arrive in Ingolstadt?
We recommend arriving atthe beginning of October so that you have some time to settle in. Regular lectures at the KU start in mid-October; please consult the Academic Calendar for exact dates
- I am a student from outside the EU. What happens if I receive my visa a little later?
We are aware that international students sometimes have to wait for a visa for months. We therefore issue admission letters as quickly as possible and schedule the enrollment deadline as late as possible so that applicants have the best possible chance of obtaining a visa. The final enrollment deadline (see letter of admission) is usually only a few days before the start of lectures. All required documents, including the visa, must be sent by mail to the Student Office by this deadline.
- Is it possible to pursue the Master’s program in Data Science part time, or work on the side?
The program is designed as a full-time course of study. That said, it is not impossible to pursue part-time work, especially in form of an internship related to the field of study during the months of intersession. There is no mandatory internship requirement for the Master’s of Data Science, so if you decide to work on the side, time management is entirely your reponsibility. You are advised not to overcommit yourself.
- What can I do to best prepare for the program before arriving in Ingolstadt?
The best thing you can do to prepare is to brush up your undergraduate mathematics. The Data Science program at KU combines theoretical depth with applications. Thus, a good working knowledge across all branches of undergraduate mathematics is essential. As a reference, we recommend the book series Foundations of Applied Mathematics by Humpherys, Jarvis, and Evans (see Volume 1 epubs.siam.org/doi/book/10.1137/1.9781611974904 which is especially important, but also Volume 2 https://epubs.siam.org/doi/book/10.1137/1.9781611976069). The first semester class Mathematics of Data Science will cover central parts of Volume 1, but things will move fast, so if you are not already fluent at least in the basic concepts, you are strongly advised to start preparing beforehand.
- Do I need to know or learn German?
No. The Master’s program in Data Science can be studied entirely English, and you’ll be embedded in an international community of scholars who routinely communicate in English. That said, we encourage you to learn German to better interact with the local culture and strongly advise you to improve your German if you are thinking about entereing the German job market. The university offers free lessons up to German level A2.
- Is it possible to study the Master’s program in Data Science online or in a hybrid format?
The program is designed as an in-person program. Very limited possibilities for online participation might be available at the discretion of individual instructors, especially at the beginning of the winter semester when students sometimes arrive late due to visa problems. However, successful completion of the program requires full-time presence in Ingolstadt. In particular, examinations must always be taken in person.
- Is it possible to spend a semester abroad and when should I do this?
We are happy to support you in completing a semester abroad. If you are interested, we recommend that you do this in the third semester. More information is available at
www.ku.de/en/international/ku-students/study-stays-abroad
A modified module plan that allows full freedom to take classes abroad during the third semester could look like the following.
... on English as the teaching language
Lectures and examinations are offered in English. We also offer examinations in German on request. All professors speak German and are willing to explain things in German outside of lectures. Nowadays, communicating in English has become a necessary skill in science, but also in the industry in the field of research and development – the very fields in which many data scientists work. The KU also offers courses to improve your (English) language proficiency. More information is available here:
https://www.ku.de/en/language-center
Take a look at the following videos to get an impression of the fact that you really do not need in-depth language skills to understand the content of the basic lectures in Data Science:
- Prof. Götz Pfander: Linear Algebra 1, Systems of linear equations
- Prof. Götz Pfander: Linear Algebra 1, Ring theory
- Prof. Nadja Ray: Analysis 1, Sequences
... on the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
- Is the KU a private or a public University? Are the qualifications obtained here also recognized in other countries?
The University is 85% funded by the Free State of Bavaria and all degree programs follow the same rules as at any other Bavarian university. The KU is considered a private university, but the degrees are the same as at any other German university and are equally recognized abroad. The Data Science degree program is internationally accredited. In addition, studying at the KU is free of charge.
- What will the chronological sequence be when I arrive in Ingolstadt?
Before you travel to Ingolstadt, you should make sure you find accommodation in Ingolstadt (or the surrounding area) in good time. The KU International Office international@ku.de / welcome@ku.de will be happy to help you. Please contact the KU International Office if you need further practical information. We have a student body that is there to help you, especially in your first days on campus. We also offer a preliminary course before the start of the regular lectures, in which students can get to know each other.
- Does the KU provide accommodation for its students and if so, how can I apply for it?
The International Office international(at)ku.de will help you find accommodation and offers an accommodation service, see
https://www.ku.de/fileadmin/1907/Dokumente_Incoming/Download_Incoming/Housing_Guide_New.pdf
We recommend that you start looking for accommodation as early as possible.
- Does the University have a swimming pool and a gym, and is their use free of charge?
There are many different sports that you can do at the KU. Check out the website of the University Sports Center at:
https://www.ku.de/en/campus-life/sports
Most of the sports courses are held in Eichstätt and the gym is also located there. However, private gyms also often have special offers for students. Swimming pools and gyms generally have very affordable student prices. The KU is currently working on expanding its free sports offering in Ingolstadt.
... on life in Ingolstadt
- Could you please give me an overview of the monthly expenses I can expect during my stay as a student in Ingolstadt?
- Initial information in this respect can be found here.
- If you have any further questions on this topic, please contact the International Office welcome(at)ku.de
- Is it usually possible to speak English with people in Ingolstadt?
- Ingolstadt is quite a large city with many English-speaking people who work at Audi, for example, and an international atmosphere. In addition, many Ingolstadt residents commute to work in Munich, which is also very cosmopolitan.
… on miscellaneous topics
- What can I do after completing this degree program? Will I get a job and will the University help me?
Demand in the data science sector is very high on the job market. The Career Center of the KU offers information on internships and careers. It also regularly organizes various workshops and lectures on topics such as job applications, etc.
- What does the University's collaboration with Audi, Continental and Airbus mean?
These and numerous other companies in the region value the study program we offer and will benefit from promising applications from our graduates. In order to get to know these companies better, you can apply for an internship with them during your studies.
... 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.
The KU
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.
Studying in Ingolstadt
Study location
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.
Campus
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.
More than just a degree
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?"
Rankings and assessments
KU students and alumni voted it Germany's most popular university for the fourth time in the 2026 ranking (in addition to 2021, 2022 and 2024) of the online portal StudyCheck. This ranking is based on more than 70,000 submitted evaluations for over 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of those students who participated in the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"Surely 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! This 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.
