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Full-time degree English

M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science

Shaping the world of tomorrow with the Master Data Science – with integrated semesters abroad and internships, the program offers international experience and practical relevance, and is AACSB accredited.
Students of Data Science Master

Master of Science Business Intelligence & Data Science at a glance

Standard period of study
3 semester plus 1 semester master thesis
Semester start

September (fall term)
Tip: you can still apply if you do not require a study visa.

Study types

Full-time on campus or in Distance Learning

足球即时比分
Degree
Master of Science (MSc)
Semester abroad

One compulsory integrated?at a partner university abroad

Practical experience
12 weeks compulsory internship, workshops, excursions
Language
100 % in English
Double Degree

Optionally, get a second master's degree?from a partner university

Admission requirements

At least 15 ECTS in business courses (e.g. business administration, economics, information systems) and 10 ECTS in quantitative courses. View all entry requirements

Tuition fees
Request info flyers
Download the information material free of charge. We can also send it to you by post on request.
Contact the study advisors
Our study advisors answer your questions about ISM, programs, applications, and financing.
Applying to ISM
Register for the online admission test, upload your documents and start your dream degree program.

Master of Data Science and Business Intelligence

Analyze and make creative use of digital data

The smart use of data has become a decisive competitive factor today, so data scientists, business analysts, system architects or data consultants are in?great demand?on the market nowadays.

At ISM the data science and business intelligence students are trained to?bridge the gap between data science and management, making them highly valued for their communication and interface skills - a niche not fully covered by traditional IT programs.

Our Data Science graduate program degree usually lasts four semesters (three with the Fast-Track option) and provides you with?comprehensive methodological knowledge?for well-founded?data retrieval?as well as intelligent and automatic?data evaluation and analytics.

In addition to classical computer science-related topics (Data Management, Quantitative Methods, Linear Algebra), the Master in Business Intelligence and Data Science also covers teaching units on?business analysis, big data and data mining?and includes?practical analytics and consulting projects. This enables you to make important predictions within your future company and plays an active role in achieving corporate goals more effectively.

  • Basic know-how: IT management, software development
  • Specific expertise: linear algebra, digital process management
  • Possible career fields: Data Scientist, Consultant, Business Analyst, IT Project Manager
Master Fast Track:
In the fast lane

Get your Master's degree in 3 semesters (90 ECTS). Prerequisite: previous degree with 210 ECTS or professional experience/pre-master's degree. Decide before starting your studies – more info via study advisors.

Bring a friend &
secure 500 euro

Take advantage of the ISM “Bring a friend” program. Share our study offer with friends and earn up to 500 euros if you recommend them to us! If you're interested to know more, simply This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

足球即时比分 AACSB accreditation for ISM

Only around 6% of business schools worldwide are AACSB-accredited – an internationally recognized mark of quality for excellence in teaching, research, and social impact.
data science students at a company visit with Axciom
#In the middle of practice
Study visit to Acxiom , a leading global data service provider

Acxiom prepares big data worldwide to make business insights quickly and easily accessible. With the help of data and statistical analysis, companies understand the needs of customers and can build an efficient customer expericence. Our data science degree students were taught about digital data consulting and shown the many ways in which data can be analyzed, combined and used in practice. An exciting insight into the professional field of data scientist.

  • Integrated semester abroad at a partner university
  • 足球即时比分 Double Degree option possible
  • Fast track option - graduation in only 3 semesters

Gain international experience as a data science student

Integrated into the Business Intelligence program is a?stay abroad?at one of our?around 190 partner universities. Through your exchange semester abroad you will:

  • deepen your data scientist and business analyst knowledge?in an international context,
  • perfect your foreign?language skills,
  • get to know a foreign culture and the?intercultural peculiarities?of your host country, and
  • have the opportunity to obtain a?second international degree?(Double Degree) at a partner university, if you wish so.

Since the Master Data Science is taught?entirely in English, you will be well prepared for working internationally and across national borders after completing your studies.

Alexandra Muszal MBA alumni at ISM
A semester abroad in Scotland
I chose to upskill with a master’s in Business Intelligence and Data Science at ISM Hamburg, which led me to an enriching exchange semester at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Scotland offered the perfect blend of innovative learning and natural beauty. Beyond academics, it was a transformative experience—honing my data science skills, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and embracing self-directed study through independent projects.
Reema D'Silva, ISM student,
Master of Business Intelligence & Data Science

How can I apply for the MSc Data Science in Germany?

Data science & business intelligence studies at ISM are not restricted by a “Numerus Clausus” (NC). Rather than in your grades, we are interested in your motivation, abilities and your personality structure. In order to test these, you will have to participate in an internal admission test.?The admission test consists of preparing a?short case study presentation?in advance and an?online interview with the program director.

This program is starting in fall at the following ISM campuses:?Dortmund,?Munich,?Hamburg,?Stuttgart. We invite you to send your documents for a fast-check of your application by a study advisor and then appy for the online admission test.?

  • Bachelor's degree (at least 180 ECTS)
  • Application documents (transcript of records, bachelor's degree, English proof, etc.)
  • Successful participation in online admission process

Where can I study the Master of Data Science?

  • Dortmund
  • Munich
  • Hamburg
  • Stuttgart
  • Distance Learning
ISM Dortmund University

Dortmund Campus

Largest ISM campus, founded in 1990. Centrally located in Dortmund's Technology Park, 10 minutes from the city center.
ISM Campus Munich

Munich Campus

ISM Munich opened its doors in 2009 and is centrally located on Karlstra?e, not far from the main train station. Munich is the German economic and cultural metropolis that offers a high quality of life and a wide range of business and leisure activities.
ISM university campus Hamburg

Hamburg Campus

opened in 2010, ISM Hamburg university is centrally located in the modern HafenCity district, right next to the Speicherstadt warehouse district. Hamburg is a vibrant city, offering service world, culture and industry opportunities alike.
ISM Campus Stuttgart

Stuttgart Campus

Opened in 2016, ISM Stuttgart is conveniently located in the Heusteig area, just a few minutes' walk from the city center and offers a vibrant, urban learning environment.
ISM Distance Learning

Distance Learning

ISM Distance Learning offers you innovative, multimedia learning materials, individual support, and a modular structure for the content.
Dortmund
ISM Dortmund University

Dortmund Campus

Largest ISM campus, founded in 1990. Centrally located in Dortmund's Technology Park, 10 minutes from the city center.

Munich
ISM Campus Munich

Munich Campus

was opened in 2009 and is centrally located on Karlstra?e, not far from the main train station. Munich is an economic and cultural metropolis that offers a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities.

Hamburg
ISM Campus Hamburg

Hamburg Campus

opened in 2010, it is centrally located in the modern HafenCity district, right next to the Speicherstadt warehouse district.

Stuttgart
ISM Campus Stuttgart

Stuttgart Campus

Opened in 2016, it is conveniently located in the Heusteig area, just a few minutes' walk from the city center.

Distance Learning
ISM Distance Learning

Distance Learning

ISM Distance Learning offers you innovative, multimedia learning materials, individual support, and a modular structure for the content.

How do companies manage to turn their data into gold? The program director of the M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science program, explains why one should study this postgraduate program.
Alexandra Muszal MBA alumni at ISM
Every day we see how business intelligence reveals exciting insights for our customers, many of them industry leaders. Our experts apply process and data mining to evaluate digital traces in IT systems. For young professionals, combining data analytics with consulting skills is key: strong quantitative methods paired with soft skills and international experience. I look forward to meeting ISM graduates.
Bastian Nominacher, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Celonis SE
Questions about studying?
Contact us!

Whether via WhatsApp, in a consultation, by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or via our chatbot, we are happy to answer your questions at any time.
Or simply drop by the campus on Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. without registering and get to know ISM.

WhatsApp
Feel free to send us a message from Monday to Friday. We are available on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CET).
Request a consultation
Our student advisors are happy to answer all your questions about the ISM and our programs as well as financing options in a personal online appointment.
Your Master Study Advisors

Antonia Rudi

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
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Yosra Saleh SM Study advisor

Campus Frankfurt/Main

Yosra Salah
+49 69.66 05 93 67-49
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Michaela Feldman

Campus Stuttgart

Antonio Luna
+49 711.51 89 62-243
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Nina Weidemann

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
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Florian Dorste

Campus Cologne

Ioulia Aslanidou
+49 221.27 09 95-54
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Jana Gripshoefer

Campus Hamburg

Jana Gripsh?fer
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
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Sindy Schulz

Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
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FAQ – Master of Science in Data Science

Why pursue a data scientist degree?

A data science degree opens doors to one of today’s fastest-growing and most in-demand fields. Companies, governments, and organizations rely on experts to collect, analyze, and interpret data for better decision-making. Through a Master’s in Data Science, you gain essential skills in programming, machine learning, and statistics, while learning to solve real-world challenges.

Moreover, according to a Forbes article, Data Scientist is one of the best-paying careers that also offers good work-life balance and helps avoid burnout. The role mostly involves working independently with flexible schedules. The work is analytical, which means there are clear objectives and measurable outcomes, so there's less ambiguity, which can lead to stress. This makes it not only a smart academic choice, but also a wise lifestyle decision.

If you have a good understanding of statistics, mathematics, are eager to understand machine learning, and have an analytical mind, then this program might be the right one for you!

What is a data scientist?

A data scientist's or data analysts job is to analyze data for gaining better understanding of a business and help the business management make better informed decision based on mathematical and statistical data interpretation.?

Working as data analyst requires - besides a passion for data mining - patience and persistence as well as some statistics and software engineering skills. Some of the most important data scientist skills are:?statistical analysis, machine learning, processing data sets, mathematics and some programming.

What is a business intelligence analyst?

Business intelligence analysts retrieve, use and analyze data and recommend course of action for a company. They also use big data to help businesses make well-informed decisions and understand their customers better. Business analysts are proficient in computer machine learning and programming technologies, and systems. Also, you do not need a background in IT in order to become a business analyst.

What are the key advantages of studying data science at ISM?

High quality education - first-class teaching, internationally AACSB-accredited and with unlimited state accreditation (FIBAA).

Interdisciplinary & future-oriented - students are trained to bridge the gap between data science and management, making them highly valued for their communication and interface skills.

Strong internationality - we have students of 84+ nationalities. An integrated semester abroad at one of 20+ partner universities.

A personal teaching atmosphere - you'll study in small groups, enjoy individualized support and learn from the best professionals in their field.

Gender-balanced & inclusive - attracts both men and women equally, encouraging tech-savvy candidates to enter the data science and business analytics field.

Close to industry practice - national, international & guest lecturers who are experts in the business & IT world.

Why join a data science degree program in Germany?

Here in Germany, strong industry connections, more? affordable tuition fees, and an increasing number of English-taught programs make studying data science and business analytics especially attractive for international students. With major sectors like automotive, finance, and tech actively seeking young talent, Data Science graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities.

Data science and business analytics programs are currently in higher demand in Germany as companies increasingly use large amounts of data to solve business problems, optimioze processes and adapt to fast-changing customer demands or in order to configure their business decisions strategically and more future-oriented.

Not only are data scientists and business analysts highly requested, but also German and international companies are willing to pay above average salaries to recruit the best employees in this field.

What career opportunities do I have after graduation of the Data Science Master degree?

As a graduate of Data Science and Business Analytics, you can pursue a wide range of careers options.

Data scientist and business analyst are some of the most lucrative career options nowadays. In 2023 alone, there were expected to be?over 2,7 million new jobs?for professionals with data science skills.

A data science degree from ISM can help you successfully enter this career field with lots of?hands-on practical experience?gained through?business case studies, workshops and internships. You’ll graduate with in-demand big data skills, and will be ready to join fellow data analysts and statisticians across many industries.

Amonth the data science careers paths you may decide to take count: Junior Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Information Officer, Data Officer, Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Senior Analyst etc.

What support does ISM offer data science students?

ISM offers comprehensive support from a dedicated team of faculty, lecturers, study advisors or coaches. In addition, there are various offers such as support in selecting and appying for a semester abroad by the 足球即时比分 Office, internship selection and career counseling by the?Career Center, and networking events with peers and alumni (by?Alumni Services) to support students in their personal and professional development.

AACSB accreditation logo

The first AACSB-accredited private German university of applied sciences

CHE University ranking
Excellent results for lecturer quality & practical relevance
Logo Universum
Ranked as one of the best private German universities
Excellent results in the Global Multirank