Data Science & Society

Is data the new oil? Can facial recognition systems perpetuate bias? Do fitness-tracking apps impact infrastructure planning?Join our programme as we explore these questions! Master the art of understanding data and delve into the ethical and societal impacts of technology. Gain future-proof data skills to shape a better world!

✔️ Gain valuable skills like programming while paying attention to social, ethical and political aspects of datafication

✔️ Learn from international lecturers with different areas of expertise, from governance to data visualization, and explore your interests

✔️ Develop as a data professional by learning how to communicate and present data-based insights and gain future-proof skills to excel in your career!

→ Explore Data Science & Society stories on our blog!

Data is neither good, nor bad, nor neutral. We can’t live without it, so 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.

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Check out DSS at our events!

Open Day: 8 November

Get all the information you need about DSS, join an inspiring minilecture, and talk to our students!

Web classes: 18 November - 15 December

Explore classes from the programme and complete real assignments in this 4-week taster course!

Facts & Figures

Degree: BSc in Data Science and Society
Course type: Bachelor
Duration: 36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code: 50982
Language of instruction: English
Start: September
Faculty: Campus Fryslân

Apply now

Why study this programme in Leeuwarden?

Unique bachelor's programme in the Netherlands that brings ethical and governance considerations into the world of Data Science
2024 top-rated programme by Keuzegids (annual Dutch education guide)
Designed to align with the evolving demands of today's and tomorrow's job market
Unique student journey with personalized, hands-on learning on a small scale
Direct engagement through industry collaborations in field projects

Programme

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)
Computer Vision I: AI for Images (5 EC)
Introduction to Speech Technology (5 EC)
Field Project (10 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)

Study load

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).

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).

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional

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.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
previous education	VWO with Wiskunde A or B or HBO-propedeuse diploma or Colloquium doctum Colloquium doctum applicants are advised to apply until December
additional subject	VWO English or one of the certified English tests Mathematics: 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

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Explanatory notes

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.

Registration procedure

Students with Dutch diploma have to apply via Studielink.nl.

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025

Choice of degree programme check

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.

Admission requirements

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	* VWO international equivalent Extra info on the Admission Requirements

Language 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

Registration procedure

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:

Proof of enrolment/Graduation statement OR Diploma
Transcript of Grades
Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
Proof of mathematics skills (if applicable)

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.

Application deadlines

Type of student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2025	01 September 2025

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2024-2025	€ 2530	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2024-2025	€ 13100	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

After your studies

After graduation, you can join the job market or pursue a master's programme in your chosen field. Thanks to the interdisciplinarity of the programme, you develop the ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, a skill that is highly relevant in today's job market. As the programme prepares you to be a bridge-builder across sectors, you can position yourself as an expert in digitalisation and data management, able to translate data into the language of your stakeholders.

Job prospects

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.

Job examples

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer develops, constructs, tests, and maintains architectures, such as databases and large-scale processing systems. This is a more technical role that focuses on designing applications and data infrastructures.
Data Scientist

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.
Data Analyst

A Data Analyst focuses on processing and performing statistical analysis on existing datasets. This is a function that is needed both in the private and public sector in many organisations.
Data Protection Officer

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.
Policy Advisor

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.

Research

DSS and research

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.

The Jantina Tammes School explores how societies can benefit from and contribute to digitization, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence under the motto "digital prosperity for all." The Data Research Centre focuses on three areas (Data Governance, Security and Human Rights; Human-Data Interaction; and Data Applications and Organisations) and functions as a co-creation space between researchers, students, and external stakeholders for research in data science and its societal implications. Students get the opportunity to actively participate in events and lectures organised by these two organisations.

Apply now Brochure Events Contact

Dutch diploma International diploma

Dutch brochure English brochure

8Nov

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18Nov

Web classes GRL & DSSMore information

21Nov

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More events

Contact

Service Desk Cf (For questions related to DSS, selection procedure and general information, kindly contact)
Email: cf-dss rug.nl
Telephone: 058-2055000

I chose to study this programme because Data Science is a dynamic field. This programme does not only еquip mе with tеchnical skills, but also fostеrs a critical pеrspеctivе on thе sociеtal and еthical implications of data-drivеn dеcisions.
– Ali

Working and collaborating with the experts on campus has been amazing! We learn through interactive, hands-on classes, as well as events and internships.
– Imaji

This bachelor not only offers you essential knowledge of data Science, law and ethics, preparing you for the evolving business landscape, but also allows you to explore your own specific interests.
– Tessa

In Leeuwarden, I really had the time to focus on myself and my experience, and how I can contribute to the community while also studying and having a great student life.
– Chiara about Leeuwarden

For our Field Project, we worked with CBS to map socio-economic factors related to flooding risks to be better prepared for future floods.
– Tessa about the DSS Field Projects

Study associations

Nobis Cura Futuri

Nobis Cura Futuri is the Study Association and the official embodiment of the international student community at Campus Fryslân.

Founded in 2020, we aim to provide plenty of fun, social and academic events (think of Pub crawls, talent shows, travels, guest-speaker evenings). All in the spirit of Nobis Cura Futuri: “The Care of the Future is Ours”, meaning we strive to provide activities that are aimed at making the most of your student life by adhering to our values of responsibility, diversity, sustainability and development.

https://www.rug.nl/cf/studeren-bij-cf/nobis-cura-futuri

Data Science & Society

Study load

Study abroad

Admission requirements

Choice of degree programme check

Explanatory notes

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Choice of degree programme check

Admission requirements

Language requirements

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Job prospects

Job examples

DSS and research

Contact

Study associations

Nobis Cura Futuri

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