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.
Leeuwarden is a vibrant student city and the capital of Fryslân, a region investing in data‑driven decision making, shared digital infrastructure and ethical AI. Through initiatives like DataFryslân, organisations collaborate on data projects tied to health, policy and sustainability, while local networks connect ICT talent, business and government. Leeuwarden offers a unique environment to explore data science in society and shape real digital futures.
Year 1: Foundation
| 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) | ||||
| Statistical and Machine Learning (5 EC) | ||||
| Visualising Data (5 EC) | ||||
| Human Rights in the Digital Age I: Human Dignity (5 EC) | ||||
| Science and Technology Studies II (5 EC) | ||||
| Statistical Inference (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science I: Databases and Datasources (5 EC) | ||||
| Data Science II: Big Data Analytics (5 EC) | ||||
| Governance and Regulation of Innovation II: Responsibility (5 EC) | ||||
Year 2: Real-world application & specialization
Your second year offers a dynamic structure . The first semester features advanced coursework , while the second semester emphasises real-world application thanks to the Field Project course . You will collaborate with one of our partner organizations and take specialization courses in either AI and Society or Cognitive Technology . By the end of Year 2, you will have gained practical experience with an industry partner , expanded your professional network, and begun specialising in your chosen field.
| 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) | ||||
| Specialization course 1 (5 EC) | ||||
| Specialization course 2 (5 EC) | ||||
| Field Project (10 EC) A Field Project (FP) is a research concept which involves a co-creation process between students, researchers, and public or private organisations. This course is special, since FPs are a central element of the transdisciplinary component of DSS and within the faculty Campus Fryslân. FPs offer opportunities to develop new ideas, products, services and business models to serve as a solution and enable societal challenge. In addition, the FP is the only course in the programme besides the Bachelor thesis that runs for an entire semester. For students, FPs are a way to get acquainted with the professional field and apply theoretical knowledge in practice. For host organisations in the private and the public sectors, FPs are an opportunity to work with young talents on societally relevant questions and challenges that concern the respective organisation. We collaborate with regional, national and international institutions on FPs. | ||||
| Specialization course 3 (5 EC) | ||||
| Specialization course 4 (5 EC) | ||||
Year 3: Connecting the dots
Your third year is where everything comes together . The first semester is dedicated to your Minor, which you can tailor to your interests and goals. You might choose courses at another faculty within the University of Groningen or another Dutch university, perhaps to prepare for a specific Master's programme, study abroad at one of our partner universities, or opt for a practical Minor, combining an internship with a few academic courses. In short, the Minor allows you personalise your curriculum and stand out . The second semester refines your programming skills and culminates in your final thesis, a research project that showcases your expertise.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Minor (30 EC) | ||||
| Advanced Programming (5 EC) | ||||
| Bachelor Thesis (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Design and Project Management (15 EC) | ||||
| Human Machine Interaction (5 EC) | ||||
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
| Programme options |
|---|
| AI and Society (specialization) In this specialization, we explore how to develop and govern AI responsibly, ensuring it aligns with ethical principles, legal frameworks, and societal values. We will build advanced AI skills, such as machine learning and algorithm design, while tackling critical challenges like bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability. We focus on governance, especially within European law and global standards, and examine AI's impact on human rights, democracy, and public policy. By integrating engineering, computer science, ethics, law, and international relations, we prepare to navigate the complexities of AI's role in society and lead with responsibility in technology and policy. |
| Cognitive Technology (specialization) In this specialization, 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.
wiskunde A of wiskunde B
| 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. |
| language test |
|
| 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 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
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 |
|
| 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 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 2601 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2025-2026 | € 13500 | full-time |
| EU/EEA | 2026-2027 | € 2695 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2026-2027 | € 14000 | full-time |
Practical information for:
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 diverse projects at the University of Groningen's Jantina Tammes School of Digital Society, Technology and AI, and at Campus Fryslân's Data Research Centre.
