Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Science

Who is the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence degree programme suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at the Wedel University of Applied Sciences is aimed at everyone who appreciates analytical thinking and is interested in the interface between computer science, mathematics and business. It is especially targeted at individuals who want to develop data-based solutions for complex issues – for example in the fields of business, industry, medicine or digital marketing. The programme is suitable for you if you want to help shape the digital transformation and understand the technical foundations of artificial intelligence and data-driven business models. The target group includes both school graduates with a higher education entrance qualification or advanced technical college entrance qualification as well as students wishing to change course who want to focus on data science and artificial intelligence.

What admission requirements are there?

• Higher education entrance qualification: For studying at the FH Wedel, a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or a technical college entrance qualification is required.
• Free admission: The degree programme is generally admission-free, which means there is no numerus clausus. In individual cases, however, a selection procedure may take place.
• Application deadlines: For the winter semester, the application deadline is 15 September and for the summer semester 31 March.
• Start of studies: The programme starts on 1 October (winter semester) and 1 April (summer semester), respectively.
• Dual studies: Those who wish to study in a dual programme additionally require a training contract with one of the university’s cooperating companies.

The language of instruction is German. A semester abroad is voluntarily possible.

Personal requirements

• You should enjoy analytical, logical and solution-oriented thinking.
• Mathematical understanding is an advantage, as mathematics already plays a central role in the first semesters.
• A basic interest in information technologies, statistics and programming is expected. Prior knowledge is helpful but not essential – the basics are taught during the course of study.
• Communication skills and a team spirit are desirable, as the work on projects takes place in interdisciplinary teams.
• Independent work and the willingness to engage with new subject areas will make it easier for you to start your studies successfully.

What Awaits You in the Bachelor's Degree Programme Data Science & Artificial Intelligence?

Overview of the Curriculum

In the Bachelor's degree programme Data Science & Artificial Intelligence at the Wedel University of Applied Sciences, you engage with the statistical analysis of data, its business management classification, and data-driven software solutions. The programme combines key disciplines such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, and business studies, placing great emphasis on applied content from the very beginning. Already in the first semester, mathematical, economic and programming fundamentals, as well as initial specialised courses in Data Science and Machine Learning, are on your timetable.

• Fundamentals: Discrete mathematics, calculus, statistics, linear algebra, business and economics, programming structures
• Specialisations: Data Science, Machine Learning, Data Engineering, Databases, Algorithms & Data Structures, Forecasting & Simulation
• Business Applications: Controlling, business processes (ERP systems), digital marketing, data protection & business private law
• Soft Skills and Practice: Application-oriented projects, practical exercises, soft skills, internship, practical project and bachelor's thesis

Early on in your studies, you have the opportunity to analyse real datasets in projects from industry. Foundation partners from corporate practice such as Tchibo GmbH and msg nexinsure ag guarantee the practical relevance and up-to-dateness of the content.

How Is the Study Programme Organised?

The bachelor's degree programme is designed for 7 semesters (210 ECTS) and can be completed full-time, on request also part-time, as well as in a dual study mode. From the third semester onwards, you choose one of five specialisation areas, thus setting individual priorities:

• E-Commerce: Analysis of online business processes and customer data
• Industry 4.0: Data-driven production optimisation and digitalisation in industry
• Computer Science: Advanced computer science knowledge for complex software development
• Operations Management: Production and logistics control in global companies
• Marketing & Services: Data Science in the context of marketing and customer-oriented companies

In the sixth semester, you put the theoretically acquired knowledge into practice through an extensive data science project. The seventh semester is entirely dedicated to your practical semester at a company of your choice – this is often where the final thesis is also written. The programme is designed to be application-oriented and always includes practical units and exercises.

• Standard period of study: 7 semesters
• Language of instruction: German
• Optional semesters abroad possible
• Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Career Prospects after Graduation

More and more industries depend on data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence – in medicine, e-commerce, insurance, marketing as well as in research & development. After graduation, you can work in, among others, the following areas:

• Data Scientist: Development and implementation of data-based analyses, extraction of decision-making bases
• Data Analyst: Data evaluation, data visualisation and forecasting models
• Data Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer: Building infrastructures for processing and analysing large data volumes, implementation of AI applications
• Software Developer with a Focus on AI

You also have the option to pursue a master's degree or to found your own start-up. FH Wedel supports innovative students with seminars, workshops and advice on the topic of business start-ups.

Study Location: Wedel near Hamburg

The Wedel University of Applied Sciences is located in northern German Wedel, close to Hamburg. Thanks to the proximity to renowned companies, you benefit from a strong practical connection and a variety of career opportunities in the region.

• Practice-oriented teaching on site
• Networking with business partners in Hamburg and the surrounding area
• Good accessibility via public transport

Costs and Financing

The tuition fees for the Bachelor in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence amount to 1,920 EUR per semester for full-time study (from the second semester onwards, a monthly instalment payment of 320 EUR is possible). Additionally, there are costs for the semester ticket. In the dual study programme, the company usually covers the fees. An internship is a fixed part of the curriculum.

• Total costs for full-time study: 13,440 EUR (7 semesters)
• Instalment payment from the 2nd semester: 320 EUR/month
• In dual study: costs covered by the company