Is data the new oil? Could facial recognition systems make racist decisions? And do you think your early morning run with Strava affects infrastructure planning? Become a team player in Data Science & Society at Campus Fryslân to find out!
✔️ Study data, science and society combined into
one programme, in a fast learning environment where
datafication is the beating heart of everything we do
✔️ Work with many different topics and methods to
solve challenges that cannot be addressed by one academic
discipline alone
✔️ Become a valuable team player, learn how to
communicate data-based insights, and gain relevant experiences and
skills to excel in your future career.
Data is neither good, nor bad, nor neutral. We can’t live without it, hence data circulation matters! By studying this future-oriented bachelor, you dive deeper in the social aspects of Data Science and study datafied decision-making processes. At the same time, you learn how to use and apply technical data science skills. At Campus Fryslân you will get the opportunity to foster your personal development in a hands-on, international learning community.
In the first half of the first year, you will become familiar with the main aspects of the topics in the curriculum: what is data science and society? You will learn the basics of the relevant programming skills and become familiar with the governance and regulations that come into play when talking about data and technology. Also, you will take a look at human rights in relation to data and you will learn about the creation and use of data.
In the second half of the first year you will increasingly develop statistical skills that you need in the rest of the programme and mainly in the first blocks of year 2, when you will start working with problem solving and modeling. Additionally, you will further build on topics such as governance and human rights.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Introduction to Data Science & Society (5 EC) | ||||
| Programming for Data Science (5 EC) | ||||
| Regulation, Governance and Innovation 1: introduction (5 EC) | ||||
| Human Rights in the Digital Age 1: Human Dignity (5 EC) | ||||
| Science and Technology Studies 1 (5 EC) | ||||
| Visualising Data (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science 1: Databases and Datasources (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical and Machine Learning (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical Interference (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science 2: Big Data Analytics and Distributed Systems (5 EC) | ||||
| Regulation, Governance and Innovation 2: Responsibility (5 EC) | ||||
| Science and Technology Studies 2 (5 EC) | ||||
After the first half of the programme, you have sufficient core knowledge and skills to continue with one of the specializations: Cognitive Technology or Regulation, Governance and Innovation. During the third and fourth block of year 2, you will start following courses in your chosen specialization. During these blocks, you will also do a Field Project, during which you will work with partners from the private and public sector on their challenges in relation to data science and society.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | |
| Data Science 3: Using Data to Solve Business Problems (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science 4: Using Data to Solve Social Problems (5 EC) | ||||
| Human Rights in the Digital Age 2: Re-considering Impact (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science 5: Thinking with Models (5 EC) | ||||
| Regulation and Governance of Innovation 3: RegTech (5 EC) | ||||
| Simulation Exercise (5 EC) | ||||
| Field project (10 EC) | ||||
| Specialisation Courses (20 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 Electives (15 EC) | ||||
| Minor Electives (15 EC) | ||||
| Specialisation Courses (15 EC) | ||||
| Bachelor Thesis (15 EC) | ||||
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
| Programme options |
|---|
| Specialisation 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. |
| Specialisation Regulation, Governance and Innovation (specialization) The Regulation, Governance and Innovation specialisation is dedicated to the questions of how data is, could and should be used to create a positive impact on society. In this specialisation you will learn to analyse and shape data-based practices, products and services to ensure that technology respects and protects societal values such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law. You will explore data-driven technologies that are linked to wider efforts to promote and support societal aspirations such as human dignity in the digital age, responsibility, fairness, trust and sustainability (as for example expressed through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals). |
Studying abroad is optional in Year 3
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
A Dutch VWO-diploma with any profile (or equivalent international high school diploma), or having obtained a HBO-propaedeutic certificate with a passing grade for VWO Mathematics A or VWO Mathematics B (or the international equivalent) and a passing grade for VWO English (or proof of sufficient proficiency by means of an English language test) |
| additional subject |
English: VWO English or TOEFL iBT: 90 (min. 18 on section scores) IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (min. 6.0 on section scores) Cambridge C1 CAE Cambridge C2 CPE Certificate with grade A, B or C VWO Mathematics A or VWO Mathematics B |
| 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 |
More information on Admission Requirements can be found here |
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
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 and submit their necessary documents via online form sent by the Admissions Officer. After uploading all the required documents you will be informed if you're deemed admissible.
To complete your application, hand in the following documents:
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
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*, Secondary school diploma, if you have graduated. If you have yet to graduate, please upload proof of enrollment with the name of the qualification to be obtained and your expected date of graduation instead. |
| 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 |
* VWO international equivalent More information on Admission Requirements can be found here |
| 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 |
You have to apply via Studielink and the Online Application System (OAS) of the University of Groningen. After uploading all 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 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 2314 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 11200 | full-time |
Practical information for:
After graduation, you can enter the job market to start working in the public or private sector as for example data analyst or data steward. Also, you can - dependent on your chosen specialization - choose to continue a master programme in the field of data science or societal studies. Due to the interdisciplinary character of the programme you will learn to communicate and work together with people from different backgrounds, which is a skill that is highly relevant for the current labour marke
You will be prepared to work with data and society related challenges in a very broad perspective. As the programme works with many real-life cases, you will be in contact with potential employers. Since digitalisation is (and will stay) a fast-emerging topic, the challenges that will have to be solved by graduates from the DSS programme are still there for years to come.
The Data Research Centre (DRC) at Campus Fryslân combines expertise in data science with critical insight on interactions between society and technology.
It functions as a co-creation space between researchers, students, and external stakeholders for research in all disciplines that connect to the domains of data science and its societal implications. The DRC puts a particular emphasis on cross-disciplinary research. It aims to contribute concrete solutions based on reflective and critical analysis with a holistic approach and across disciplinary and cultural borders.
Data Science and Society looks beyond just working with data from a logical and statistical perspective. You also learn about data from a social, philosophical and governance perspective. Understanding data from multiple perspectives means you are not bound to a single kind of job, so you can work anywhere in the world!
We are looking for students who are interested in data and the impact and/or relevance of data in society, feel comfortable with solving puzzles and doing math, are interested in societal challenges and can collaborate with students with other interests than their own.
If you are both hands-on to work with the practical side of data and are able to take a step back and reflect on the implications of your actions, then this is the programme for you.
You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.
You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.
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