Is data the new oil? Can facial recognition technology discriminate against you? Join our programme as we explore these questions while future-proofing your career with in-demand data skills.
In the first half of the first year, you will grasp the basics
of data science and society. This includes learning fundamental
programming skills, understanding governance and regulations
related to data and technology, and exploring human rights in
relation to data creation and usage.
In the second half of the first year, you will strengthen key
statistical skills essential for the programme, especially at the
start of the second year when problem-solving and modeling become
focal. You will also delve deeper into topics like governance and
human rights.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Introduction to Data Science & Society (5 EC) | ||||
| Programming for Data Science (5 EC) | ||||
| Science and Technology Studies I (5 EC) | ||||
| Governance & Regulation of Innovation I: Introduction (5 EC) | ||||
| Human Rights in the Digital Age I: Human Dignity (5 EC) | ||||
| Visualising Data (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science I: Databases and Datasources (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical and Machine Learning (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical Inference (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science II: Big Data Analytics (5 EC) | ||||
| Governance and Regulation of Innovation II: Responsibility (5 EC) | ||||
| Science and Technology Studies II (5 EC) | ||||
After the first half of the programme, you're equipped with core knowledge to specialize in either Cognitive Technology or Regulation, Governance, and Innovation. In year 2, blocks 3 and 4 focus on courses in your chosen specialization, accompanied by a Field Project. Here, you'll collaborate with partners from the private and public sectors to address challenges in data science and society.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Data Science III: Using Data to Solve Social Problems (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science IV: Using Data to Solve Business Problems (5 EC) | ||||
| Human Rights in the Digital Age II: Reconsidering Impact (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science V: Visual Rethoric (5 EC) | ||||
| Governance and Regulation of Innovation III: Sustainability (5 EC) | ||||
| Simulation Exercise (5 EC) | ||||
| AI Advanced Skills I (5 EC) | ||||
| AI Ethics and Politics (5 EC) | ||||
| Computer Vision I: AI for Images (5 EC) | ||||
| Introduction to Speech Technology (5 EC) | ||||
| Field Project (10 EC) | ||||
| AI Advanced Skills II (5 EC) | ||||
| AI Regulation (5 EC) | ||||
| Analysis of Political Sentiment and Decision-Making (5 EC) | ||||
| Computer Vision II (5 EC) | ||||
In year 3, the first two blocks are dedicated to the minor space: here you can choose to deepen or broaden your programme by taking a minor abroad, following a specially designed premaster or composing your own personal minor.
In the third block of year 3 you will again follow courses in your chosen specialization. In the last block of the programme you will write your bachelor thesis which will be the concluding work of the programme.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Minor Space: regular minor, semester abroad, internship or personal minor (30 EC) | ||||
| Advanced Programming (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Design & Project Management (5 EC) | ||||
| Bachelor Thesis (15 EC) | ||||
| Human-Machine Interaction (5 EC) | ||||
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
| Programme options |
|---|
| AI and Society (specialization) |
| Cognitive Technology (specialization) In the specialisation Cognitive Technology we will look at data and cognition, with specific attention to voice technology and computer vision. We investigate how cognition is (not) like data processing and we examine human data relating to the sensory modalities of audition and vision. Since audition and vision are adaptive, biological mechanisms which are shaped by memory, familiarity, knowledge, and culture, we are paying attention to the intersection of data in the social science and humanities. We also explore technological developments dedicated to e.g. voice technology and computer vision and investigate their social impact potential and the many implications they (might) have for privacy, security, and broader innovation. |
Studying abroad for your minor in Year 3 is optional, not mandatory. It's a choice that allows you to enrich your curriculum by experiencing university life in a different country. The University of Groningen is connected to a vast global network of partner universities, ensuring a range of opportunities aligned with your interests.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
VWO with Wiskunde A or B or HBO-propedeuse diploma or Colloquium doctum
|
| additional subject |
|
| grade list |
Final transcript. If you have yet to graduate, please include at least all the transcripts from the previous one and a half years up to your most recent transcripts. |
| other admission requirements |
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
For this programme, very little to no programming experience is required; you will learn everything from scratch.
Campus Fryslân believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, by participating in a Webinar, and/or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact the DSS team.
Students with Dutch diploma have to apply via Studielink.nl.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
Campus Fryslân believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen programme based on the available bachelor programme information, by visiting the Open Days, by participating in a Webinar, and/or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact the DSS team.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
VWO international equivalent* |
| additional subject |
DSS has a mathematics requirement. If you did not obtain one of the mentioned requirements, then you are asked to provide us with a Mathematics course description with your online application. If your mathematics level is deemed insufficient, you will be required to obtain one of the accepted Mathematics proficiency certificates |
| grade list |
Final Transcript. If you have yet to graduate, please include at least all the transcripts from the previous one and a half years up to your most recent transcripts. |
| language test |
English: see language requirements |
| other admission requirements |
| Exam | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) | C1 |
| C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE) | C2 |
| IELTS overall band | 6.5 |
| IELTS listening | 6 |
| IELTS reading | 6 |
| IELTS writing | 6 |
| IELTS speaking | 6 |
| TOEFL internet based | 90 |
Students have to apply via Studielink.nl and submit their documents via the Progress Portal of the University of Groningen. After uploading all the required documents, you will be informed if you're deemed admissible based on our admission criteria.
To complete your application, you should hand in the following documents:
Application fee
As of academic year 2023-2024 all applicants with a non-Dutch
qualification will have to pay an application fee of 100
euros.
More information about application fee and application procedure
can be found on: Admission
and application.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
After graduation, you can pursue a career as a data analyst in either the private or public sector. With this programme, you will acquire the skills, knowledge, and connections to work in any industry, from business and tech companies or health care innovation or politics, the sky's the limit!
The programme molds you into a professional who stands at the forefront of rapidly emerging topics and knows how to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
A Data Engineer develops, builds, tests, and maintains digital architectures, such as databases and large-scale processing systems. This is a more technical role focused on designing applications and data infrastructures.
An increasing number of organisations is hiring Data Scientists. They work on designing and constructing new processes for data modeling and production using prototypes, algorithms, predictive models, and custom analysis. This is relevant to solving problems in the business and governance domain.
Companies and organizations increasingly need data analysts. They analyze data to uncover insights that might otherwise be overlooked. The data tells a story that they understand and can share with others in the organization. This way, smart decisions can be made that truly make a difference.
A Data Protection Officer ensures that an organization processes the personal data of its staff, customers, providers or any other individuals (also referred to as data subjects) in compliance with the applicable data protection rules.
A Policy Advisor is a professional who provides ideas or plans that are used by an organization or government as a basis for making decisions.
Lecturers, researchers, and partners of the DSS programme collaborate on various projects at the UG's Jantina Tammes School of Digital Society, Technology and AI, as well as Campus Fryslân's own Data Research Centre.
