Master of Science in Data Science Trier University

English

Data science is becoming a key concept/competency for large private businesses, public institutions, and research. While it is not easy to define data science in a few words, data science deals with the methods and tools needed to analyse (large amounts of) data and draw actionable conclusions from the results gained in the process. These methods and tools (covering big data and their analysis, data modelling, machine learning, and simulation methods) are located at the intersection of three subjects: computer sciences, mathematics, and statistics. Consequently, this new Master's programme at Trier University is jointly taught by lecturers from the fields of computer sciences, mathematics, and statistics (whereas other data science programmes typically only cover one or two of these fields). This ensures that graduates will have a broad knowledge of the discipline and will be able to approach actual problems from different angles. They will also be trained to be life-long learners, able to rapidly adapt to changing demands in their working environments.

In the first semester of this multidisciplinary programme, propaedeutics courses make sure that students coming from different study backgrounds will be able to successfully follow the programme. State-of-the-art e-learning concepts (e.g. flipped classrooms, electronic tutorials, etc.) engage students and offer additional flexibility regarding learning periods. A small research project is a compulsory part of the programme. During this project, students will apply their acquired knowledge to real world problems and learn to approach these problems with scientific methods. The project also serves to strengthen the students' soft skills.

A broad choice of courses (including other subjects like economics, environmental sciences, etc.) enables students to tailor their course of study to their specific needs and targeted working environments.

Students will be able to earn a double Master's degree in combination with computer sciences, business informatics, applied mathematics, business mathematics, or applied statistics.

The MSc in Data Science also serves as a solid foundation for future PhD students in the related fields.

We highly recommend starting the programme in the winter semester. Although a start in the summer semester is possible, the programme is optimised for a start in the winter semester.

Non-EU citizens:

• 15 January 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 31 May 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

German citizens, EU citizens, and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

• 15 March 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 15 September 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

Admission is generally valid for two subsequent semesters. Applicants from countries requiring a visa for entering Germany should consider applying until 15 January for beginning their studies in winter semester of the same year, giving them more time to complete the visa process and to prepare their stay.

The Master's programme covers the following module types:

• Compulsory modules:
  • Introductory/advanced courses (e.g. Big Data Analytics, Data and Web Mining, Numerical Optimisation for Data Science, Statistical Methods of Data Science) as well as propaedeutics courses
• Elective modules within the following specialisation tracks:
  • Algorithmic Optimisation, Applied Statistics, Data and Knowledge Systems, Financial Economics, Geoinformatics, Natural Language Processing, Simulation Studies
• Research case studies
• Master's thesis

There are no integrated internships.

No tuition fees

Trier University does not charge tuition fees. Students only have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 380 EUR for the first semester and 360 EUR from the second semester onwards. This includes the "Deutschlandticket", which covers public transport and local trains all over Germany. The contribution also benefits Trier Student Services and the student union. It also enables students to buy meals at reduced prices at the university's canteens.

Students should expect expenses of approx. 1,000 EUR per month. For instance, monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (in a students' dormitory or a room in a shared flat) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market). A meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 3.50 to 5 EUR.

Applicants to the MSc in Data Science programme must fulfil the following requirements:

Proof of a Bachelor's degree (acquisition of at least 180 ECTS from a domestic or foreign university) fulfilling one of the following criteria:

• Final grade of 1.7 or better (German grading system) in the field of computer sciences (computer sciences or business informatics), economics, mathematics (applied mathematics or business mathematics), or statistics
• Final grade of 1.4 or better in a related subject (the examination board will decide on a case-by-case basis whether a subject is deemed to be related to data science or not. Please see the programme website for details.)

The examination board will make case-by-case decisions on applications with a final grade between 1.8 and 2.2 (German grading system) in one of the six subjects explicitly mentioned above. The examination board will communicate the relevant criteria in advance. The examination board will make case-by-case decisions on applications with a final grade between 1.5 and 1.9 (German grading system) in a related subject (see comments above). The examination board will communicate the relevant criteria in advance on the programme website.

All applicants must include a letter of motivation with regard to the study programme with their application. Furthermore, applicants have to prove their English language proficiency according to the current regulations of Trier University (information can be found on the university's website).

Detailed information for potential applicants can be found on the programme website and here: https://www.uni-trier.de/index.php?id=73312. Please read the information document linked above thoroughly before sending e-mails to the contact person, as most of your questions will be typically answered.

Please refrain from sending e-mails regarding your eligibility for the programme to the contact person as the decision is made by the examination board. However, the information document linked above should give you a good idea about whether your profile fits the programme.

You can find the current examination regulations on the programme website. Since the examination regulation is a legal document, it is only available in German.

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency at level C1 based on the Common European Framework through one of the following tests. The test must have been taken within the last three years:

• TOEFL (Code 9208): at least 215 points (computer-based) or 550 points (paper-based) or 80 points (Internet-based)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) / C1 Advanced
• IELTS (at least 6.5 points in the overall score)
• UNIcert III

Applicants are exempt from providing above proof of English language proficiency if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• Native speaker coming from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta
• Two years of full-time study in an English taught programme, undertaken within the past two years, in one of these countries: Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta
• At least five school years of English in secondary education and at least five points in English at "Abitur" level (only Germany and Luxembourg)

Non-EU citizens:

• 15 January 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 31 May 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

German citizens, EU citizens, and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

• 15 March 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 15 September 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

Admission is generally valid for two subsequent semesters. Applicants from countries requiring a visa for entering Germany should consider applying until 15 January for beginning their studies in winter semester of the same year, giving them more time to complete the visa process and to prepare their stay.

Trier University offers some funding opportunities for international students in the final stage of their degree programmes (maximum duration: six months). However, there are no funding opportunities within the university for the whole course of study or the first three semesters of the programme.

Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted access to the German labour market. International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

The Career Service of Trier University and the "Agentur für Arbeit" provide an online database for student jobs. Jobs offers can also be found on the website of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit": https://jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de.

Additionally, some temporary student jobs can be found on the university's bulletin boards. However, many job offers will require at least some knowledge of German.

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence through the Student Services Office (Studierendenwerk Trier: http://www.studiwerk.de) or on the private market (e.g. http://www.hunderttausend.de). Monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (for a basic dorm room with a shared bathroom) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market).

Trier University’s career service offers a broad range of advisory services, seminars and events to assist students with planning their career: www.career-service.uni-trier.de

Additionally, Trier University’s International Office offers a programme specifically targeted at international students: www.career-international.de

German language courses at levels A1 – C1

“Quick Start” orientation seminar:

• Support with all formalities at the start of your studies
• Information concerning work and residence permit in Germany, financing your studies/scholarships, health insurance and healthcare system in Germany
• Networking opportunities: overview of organisations and useful contacts for international students at Trier University, meeting with other students during social/cultural events
• Orientation on campus and in the city: guided tour on campus and in the city centre
• Workshops: Intercultural Living and Studying in Germany, Understanding Cultural Similarities and Differences, Academic Writing, Studying Successfully, Presenting Successfully, Digital Learning and Communication

With an open eye for individual and society...

... we create innovation.

... we share knowledge.

... we bridge borders.

Trier University was founded in 1473, and it reopened in 1970 as a modern campus university. Built on a high plateau overlooking the Moselle River and surrounded by luscious green nature, it is said to be one of Germany's most beautiful campuses. Faculty and departmental buildings are connected by bridges and grouped around the forum and the central library.
Trier University has a strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, and economics, but it is also steadily strengthening its information science and environmental science programmes. There are six faculties that together cover more than 30 subject areas. Many research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and embedded in global networks.
With its roughly 1,200 employees and 10,500 students (including about 14% international students), Trier University embraces contrast: young yet true to tradition, internationally oriented yet regionally rooted, and at the geographic edge of Germany but in the heart of Europe.

http://www.uni-trier.de

Mission statement: https://www.uni-trier.de/en/university/about-trier-university/translate-to-englisch-leitbild

Trier is situated in the western part of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Moselle Valley. The city is proud of its rich history, which is reflected in its museums and its many historical sites. Thanks to its landmarks, the Porta Nigra, the Trier Cathedral, and other significant architectural monuments, Germany's oldest city was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Today's cityscape is a fusion of history and modern lifestyle, not least characterised by a vibrant student life. With bars, cafés, and a colourful range of cultural offerings and festivals, Trier is a tourist attraction with international appeal and a beautiful place for the city's 110,000 residents to live.
The economy of the city is characterised by a few major enterprises and many medium-sized businesses. Trier is in the heart of Europe, as evidenced by its proximity to Luxembourg, which is an important financial centre and the site of several EU institutions, as well as its proximity to France and Belgium. Nine twin towns and cities across Europe, Asia, and the USA attest to Trier's international orientation.

http://www.trier.de