Frequently Asked Questions - DSS

DSS is a unique programme since it combines data-science related skills (e.g. programming, data visualization, machine learning) with questions relating to decision-making and governance, as well as societal and ethical aspects. It covers emerging issues such as algorithmic discrimination, AI ethics, income inequality, or how data creates different social classes. Most programmes focus on one of these aspects in great detail, but we have developed DSS to be especially relevant for students who want to bridge gaps between specialists in AI or privacy issues. 

In other words, this programme is ideal if you want to have a strong technical basis for a career in the data field, but also want to consider the broader societal implications of digitization, AI, and more!

You typically have around 10 contact hours per week in a block (one academic year consists of four blocks and you usually take three courses per block). You take three courses at a time, each of which normally meets twice per week.

You will also be spending time on self-study, preparing for class, and working on group projects, meaning your total workload would be around 40 hours per week (depending on the time of the semester, you may be more or less busy than usual).

The modes of assessment that you will encounter in the programme depend a little on the specialization you end up choosing. Generally speaking, DSS lecturers strive to use a good variety of assignments, such as quizzes, essays, and programming assignments, but also oral exams and group work like student-led classes and in-class group activities.

You will also be asked to present some of your assignments to your peers so you can practice what it’s like to present data-based findings in professional settings!

There are part-time jobs available in Leeuwarden in shops, restaurants, and more - often some command of Dutch is required, though not always. The faculty also has a selected number of student assistant vacancies each year, which are advertised among the student body.

Please do note that a) there are restrictions related to health insurance and the number of hours you can work that you should keep in mind and that b) your studies should take priority in order to avoid (costly) study delays.

Quite a lot! As Leeuwarden has over 20,000 students as residents, there is no shortage of activities for you to join, either in- or outside of Campus Fryslân. There are many sports you can try out and cultural events to join, as well as a variety of study and student associations - including NCF, the overarching association for Campus Fryslân students. There’s also a Data Science club, an annual symposium, and other professional development opportunities for DSS students!

The first point of contact for any question that is affecting you or your experience as a student at CF is the DSS study advisor, Hieke Hoekstra. She can help you reach mental health professionals, get necessary support for ADHD, dyslexia, etc., and is a confidential professional with whom you can discuss any questions you may have. 

DSS maintains the same deadline as other Bachelor’s programmes, namely 1 May.

The earlier you apply, the quicker we are able to process your application - you can already apply starting from 1 October!

An application fee of €100 is required if you have a non-Dutch diploma. Applications are only processed when the fee is paid on time. Find more information here.

Yes! Many students expect that they will need to have programming skills prior to starting the programme, but this is not necessary. Throughout your courses, you will be taught programming at a manageable pace so that you’re set up for success for the rest of your courses and your career afterwards!

We have specific requirements for students with a diploma from the Netherlands, the USA, the UK, or an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate.

If your diploma is from elsewhere, you will be asked to provide a description of your mathematics background. You can find all relevant information here.

If your mathematics level is deemed insufficient, you will be required to obtain one of the accepted mathematics proficiency certificates. Find a list of the accepted certificates here.

Please take the possible completion of a test to obtain your certificate into account when applying to DSS. If you have questions about this, please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Officer Maria.

The Admissions Office legally has 6 to 8 weeks to process an applicant's file and to inform them if they have been accepted based on educational background.

The earlier you apply, the quicker we are able to process an application. Early in the year it takes on average 2 weeks to process a file, while it may take 4 to 8 weeks after 1 May,

Feel free to reach out to our Admissions Officer Maria! You can reach her via:

• Email: cf-dss rug.nl 

• Phone: +31 (0)6 15 54 84 41

Because the DSS programme has been developed in collaboration with the Programme Advisory Committee (which includes companies like Microsoft and Philips), we prioritize the employability of our students by developing your skills from day one. DSS graduates are trained to be able to cover various positions that relate to data in some capacity.

For instance, you can become a data engineer or data protection specialist in the business world or for a governmental organization, but you can also choose to pursue a research career or work as a policy advisor to help organizations work with data safely and effectively. Regardless of which path you end up taking, graduates with the skills we focus on are in high demand!

Below are some examples of Master’s programmes that match well with the DSS programme, based on the specialization you choose to complete:

As a DSS student, you have access to a dedicated study advisor who can help you discover your interests and develop a plan for applying to Master’s programmes.

Not at all! We understand fully that it is difficult to decide what you want to do with your studies and career when you are only just starting your undergraduate degree. We give you the space to explore many aspects of the data science field and adjacent disciplines so that you have the knowledge to make an informed decision about your future - meaning this is also a great programme if you have a lot of different interests!

The University of Groningen does not guarantee housing, so we recommend you start looking as early as you can. If you want, you can sign up for a studio at the Kanaalstraat building, which is within walking distance of the Campus and which offers studio apartments with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and furniture like beds and desks. Incoming students will be informed about the possibility to rent from Kanaalstraat during the summer (please note that this option is also given to Master’s students and non-CF students).

There are several platforms that offer apartments, rooms, and studios for rent in Leeuwarden. Here are a few options:

• Xior student housing
• Rooms in Leeuwarden
• Kamernet Leeuwarden
• Rotsvast Leeuwarden
• Maxx Rental Leeuwarden
• Markt 058

On Facebook, there are many different groups where people offer rooms or ask for one. Some of the most popular Facebook groups are:

• Leeuwarden Housing, Rooms, Apartments
• Rooms / Housing / Huisvesting Leeuwarden
• Find Houses for Rent in Leeuwarden
• Kamers, studios en appartmenten in Leeuwarden
• Leeuwarden Housing Market
• Studentenkamers in Leeuwarden

Make sure to stay alert and be wary of scams!

Tuition fees for DSS are the same as those for other Bachelor’s programmes at the UG. The estimated fees for 2025-2026 are € 2,601 for EU/EEA students and € 13,500 for non-EU/EEA students. 

Once the tuition fees have been officially confirmed for the ‘25-’26 academic year, they will be published here: https://www.rug.nl/education/application-enrolment-tuition-fees/tuition-fee/bachelor

There are several grants and scholarships available to help cover your study costs. Search for grants through the University of Groningen or Nuffic websites.

For EU/EEA: Study finance

If you are under the age of 30 and are registered in full-time education at university level, you might be eligible to receive study finance. Your eligibility to receive study finance depends on your residence permit and/or your nationality. For more information, please consultduo.nl/particulier/student-finance