Data Science

Data plays a role in almost every scientific discipline, business industry or social organisation. Medical scientists sequence human genomes, astronomers generate terabytes of data per hour with huge telescopes and the police employ seismology-like data models that predict where crimes will occur. And of course, businesses like Google and Amazon are shifting user preference data to fulfil desires we don't even know we have. There is therefore an urgent need for data scientists in whole array of fields. In the Master's specialisation in Data Science you'll learn how to turn data into knowledge with the help of computers and how to translate that knowledge into solutions. Although this Master's is an excellent stepping-stone for students with ambitions in research, most of our graduates work as data consultants and data analysts for commercial companies and governmental organisations.

Key courses: Machine Learning; Information Retrieval; Bayesian Networks.

Unique characteristics:
• Radboud University is leading in research on legal and privacy aspects of data science and on the impact of data science on society and policy.
• Our approach is pragmatic as well as theoretical. As an academic, we don’t just expect you to understand and make use of the appropriate tools, but also to program and develop your own.
• Because of its relevance to all kinds of different disciplines, we offer our students the chance to take related courses at other departments like at Language Studies (information retrieval and natural language processing), Artificial Intelligence (machine learning for cognitive neuroscience), Chemistry (pattern recognition and chemometrics) and Biophysics (machine learning and optimal control).

A completed Bachelor's degree in Computing Science or related area

To get admission to the Master's in computing Science, you'll need a Bachelor’s degree in Computing Science or in Artifical Intelligence. For the specialisation in Data Science, we also encourage students to apply with a background in natural sciences, such as Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, who also have a keen interest in data analytics and proven mathematical and programming skills.

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in the programme, you need to have fluency in English, both written and spoken. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.