- master's programme without compulsory attendance at Germany's largest university
- start of studies possible at any time, no semester operation
- interesting specialisations, for example in Big Data and Software Engineering
- master's programme in only 2-4 semesters with 60 ECTS or in 4-8 semesters with 120 ECTS
- language of instruction can be either German or English
These are the prerequisites for the Master Data Science

The Master Data Science is offered by the IU International University of Applied Sciences in 2 variants: the 60-ECTS variant lasts 2 semesters in full-time study, the 120-ECTS variant lasts 4 semesters in full-time study.
For both variants, a first degree from a state-recognised or state-run higher education institution is required, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree. The final grade of your degree should be at least "Satisfactory".
For the 60 ECTS variant, the following is also required:
- If your first degree comprises 240 ECTS and you can prove at least 1 year of qualified professional experience, you can be enrolled immediately in the Master's programme.
- If your first degree comprises 210 ECTS and you can demonstrate at least 1 year of qualified professional experience, you can be enrolled immediately in the Master's programme Data Science. Alternatively, you can take modules at the IU amounting to at least 30 ECTS.
- If your first degree comprises 180 ECTS, you will enrol in courses totalling at least 30 ECTS and additionally provide evidence of at least 1 year of professional experience. Alternatively, you provide evidence of at least 2 years of qualified professional experience.
- You prove knowledge in basics of industrial software engineering and statistics. If necessary, you can take the corresponding bridge courses before starting your studies at the IU.
- You have completed the courses "Advanced Mathematics" and "Programming with Python" or can prove comparable prior knowledge. You can take the courses at IU free of charge before starting your studies.
For the 120 ECTS variant, the following is also required:
- You can demonstrate at least 1 year of qualified work experience
- You can prove knowledge in basics of industrial software engineering and statistics. If necessary, you can take appropriate bridge courses before starting your studies at the IU.
In addition, you can choose whether you complete this Master's programme in German or in English. If you choose the English-language variant, prove your English skills via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English test, Cambridge certificate or similar. If you wish, you can also take a free English course at the IU at level B2.
In addition, you can have extensive prior achievements recognised in order to shorten the study time in distance learning and to save tuition fees. For example, achievements you have made in previous Master's programmes can be recognised. The university can also recognise extensive professional experience in the field of data science. It is best to submit your application for recognition together with your application.

This is what you will study in the Data Science online degree programme
This Master's degree at IU comprises about 7-16 modules, which you take and complete in the course of 2-4 semesters of standard study time. Each module has a scope of 5-10 credit points (ECTS) and concludes with an examination such as a term paper or a written exam. In total, you will earn 60-120 credit points from module to module and from semester to semester.
In the 60 ECTS variant, the full-time study programme is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Advanced Statistics, Use Case and Evaluation, Seminar: Current Topics in Data Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Case Study: Model Engineering
- Semester 2: Elective A, Master Thesis
As a specialisation, you can choose from these exciting modules: Big Data and Software Engineering, Production Methods Industry 4.0 and Automation Technology, Applied Autonomous Driving.
In the 120 ECTS variant, the full-time study programme is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Data Science, Advanced Mathematics, Seminar: Data Science and Society, Advanced Statistics, Use Case and Evaluation, Project: Data Science Use Case
- Semester 2: Programming with Python, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Big Data Technologies, Elective A
- Semester 3: Cyber Security and Data Protection, Case Study: Model Engineering, Software Engineering for Data Intensive Sciences, Elective B, Seminar: Current Topics in Data Science
- Semester 4: Master Thesis
The special feature of the Master's programme in Data Science at IU is the many opportunities to delve into topics according to one's own interests and professional fields in the elective area.
As the first specialisation, you can choose from these exciting modules: Business Analyst1, Data Engieer1, Data Science Specialist1, Technical Project Lead.
As a second specialisation you can choose from these exciting modules: Applied Autonomous Driving1, Cognitive Computing1, Consumer Behaviour and Research1, Corporate Finance1, Industrial Automation and Internet of Things1, Innovative and Change1, Management1, Sales, Pricing and Brand Management1, Self Learning Systems.
This is how flexible the standard period of study is in the Data Science distance learning programme
At IU International University of Applied Sciences, you can choose one of 3 study models for your part-time distance learning programme:
- In the full-time study, the standard period of study is 2 semesters for the 60 ECTS variant and 4 semesters for the 120 ECTS variant. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. The full-time study programme in Data Science is particularly suitable for those who do not work or only work a few hours a week.
- In the Part-time study I, the standard period of study is 3 semesters for the 60 ECTS variant and 6 semesters for the 120 ECTS variant. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Part-time study I is suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
- In Part-time study II the standard period of study is 4 semesters for the 60 ECTS variant and 8 semesters for the 120 ECTS variant. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters at no additional cost. Part-time study II is particularly suitable if you are heavily involved in your career alongside your distance learning.
By the way, you can also take a vacation semester during the course of your studies, at no additional cost.
How does online study at IU work?

In the Master's Distance Learning Data Science programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences, there is no compulsory attendance - you study continuously from home, in the library of your choice or wherever you can learn best.
You take your modules and courses when you want. This means that you can usually arrange your study plan and semester schedule flexibly yourself.
Central to the IU distance learning programme are your interactive learning scripts. You receive the scripts in printed form as well as digitally as a PDF and for your tablet. The smart app IU Learn gives you access to the scripts for your study in Data Science as well as scripts from all other distance learning programmes at IU.
You can also access additional materials, such as videos, via myCampus, IU's online campus. You can exchange information with your lecturers and fellow students in virtual live formats, for example, about the interactive courses.
And exams? If you wish, you can write them as online exams. You can take an online exam around the clock as soon as you feel sufficiently prepared for the subject matter. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the IU's numerous exam centres throughout Germany.

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