Is data the new oil? Can facial recognition systems lead to 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!
Data is neither good, nor bad, nor neutral. In this
future-focused bachelor, you’ll explore the social aspects of
data and data-driven decisions while gaining essential technical
skills. At Campus Fryslân, you’ll grow in a hands-on,
international learning community.
Do you want an authentic look at what it’s like to be
part of this programme?
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Events:
-
Open
Day: 31 January
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) | ||||
40 hours of class and self-study per week on average
| Programme options |
|---|
| 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). |
| 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. |
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.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
VWO with Wiskunde A or B or HBO-propedeuse diploma or Colloquium doctum
|
| additional subject |
|
| 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 |
The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.
For this programme, very little to no programming experience is required; you will learn everything from scratch.
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.
Students with Dutch diploma have to apply via Studielink.nl.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
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:
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.
| 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 |
| Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 2530 | full-time |
| non-EU/EEA | 2024-2025 | € 13100 | full-time |
Practical information for:
After graduation, you can pursue a career as a data analyst in either the private or public sector. With this programme, you will acquire the skills, knowledge, and connections to work in any industry, from business and tech companies or health care innovation or politics, the sky's the limit!
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.
A Data Engineer develops, builds, tests, and maintains digital architectures, such as databases and large-scale processing systems. This is a more technical role focused on designing applications and data infrastructures.
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.
Companies and organizations increasingly need data analysts. They analyze data to uncover insights that might otherwise be overlooked. The data tells a story that they understand and can share with others in the organization. This way, smart decisions can be made that truly make a difference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Working and collaborating with the experts on campus has been amazing! We learn through interactive, hands-on classes, as well as events and internships.
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.
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.
For our Field Project, we worked with CBS to map socio-economic factors related to flooding risks to be better prepared for future floods.
Are you passionate about the power of data and its impact on society? And interested in advanced data visualization, programming, and statistics? Do you enjoy collaborating with other peers and tackling social issues? If you find yourself in these qualities, this programme is an ideal fit!
Student Profile:
You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.
You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.
