You will work with large and complex datasets and learn how to analyse, interpret, and model data using statistical and computational methods. The programme combines programming, analytical methods, and practical applications connected to industry, organisations, and research environments.
Data Science for Analytical Problem-Solving
The programme combines statistical methods, programming, and machine learning with practical applications in industry, organisations, and research environments. You will learn how to collect, analyse, visualise, and model complex data using computational and analytical methods.
Courses combine theory with practical applications in areas such as machine learning, statistical learning, data mining, programming, and data analysis.
Programme delivery
Teaching mode: Campus-based
Language of instruction: English
Duration: Four semesters, 120 credits
Intakes: Autumn and spring
Should you apply?
This programme is suitable for students who want to work with advanced data analysis, modelling, and data-driven problem-solving.
You may be a suitable applicant if you have a background in:
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- a related subject with substantial computing and programming components
Please note that applicants with a degree in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics or Business should apply for our Master's Programme in Business Intelligence with the possibility of continuing to the second semester of the Master's Programme in Data Science.
The programme combines analytical methods, programming, and business understanding with practical applications in organisations and industry. You will learn how to collect, analyse, visualise, and interpret data to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Programme Structure
The programme includes mandatory and elective courses that combine technical, analytical, and organisational perspectives on data-driven decision-making.
Mandatory courses
- Business Intelligence (7.5 credits, spring)
- Statistical Learning (7.5 credits, spring)
- Data Collection and Data Quality (7.5 credits, autumn)
- Data-Driven Leadership (7.5 credits, autumn) OR Economics of Leadership (7.5 credits, autumn)
- Machine Learning (7.5 credits, autumn)
- Master's Thesis (30 credits, autumn/spring)
The programme also includes elective courses such as:
- Data Analysis and Visualization (7.5 credits, spring)
- Python and R Programming (7.5 credits, autumn/spring)
- Risk Analysis (7.5 credits, autumn)
- Data Warehousing (7.5 credits, autumn)
- Logic and Mathematics (7.5 credits, spring)
- Spatial Data and Geographical Information Systems (7.5 credits, spring)
- Internship (7.5 credits, autumn/spring)
- Complexity and Operations Research Methods (7.5 credits, spring)
Note: 1.5 credits = one week of full-time study.
Degree awarded
Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Master of Science (120 credits), Main Field of Study: Microdata Analysis. If you complete the mandatory courses listed above, the programme name Data Science will also appear on your degree certificate.
Tuition fees
Total for programme: 300,000 SEK*
*EU/EEA citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees are paid one semester at a time. The first payment (75,000 SEK) needs to be paid before you can apply for a residence permit.
More information about tuition fees and payment procedures is available on:
Our Tuition Fee website
Scholarships
Students admitted to the Master’s Programme in Data Science may be eligible for several scholarship opportunities.
Dalarna University offers scholarships both for newly admitted students and for students currently enrolled in the programme. Applicants from eligible countries may also apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals (SISGP).
Choose Dalarna First Scholarship
If you rank the Data Science programme as your first choice on Universityadmissions.se and are admitted to the programme, you are eligible for a one-time scholarship of 5,000 SEK.
To receive the scholarship, you must also submit a scholarship application no later than September 15th (spring intake) or February 15th (autumn intake). The scholarship amount will be deducted from your first semester tuition fee.
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Students in the Data Science programme may also qualify for Academic Excellence Scholarships which recognise outstanding academic achievement during the programme.
- Semester Award: Receive 10,000 SEK per semester when you meet the criteria for outstanding academic results.
- Programme Distinction: An additional 30,000 SEK may be awarded if you receive the Semester Award in every semester of the programme.
For full eligibility details and how to apply for Dalarna University's own scholarships, visit our Scholarships Overview webpage.
Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
A limited number of students from select countries may be eligible to apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP), a national scholarship programme managed by the Swedish Institute. This scholarship is highly competitive and awarded independently of Dalarna University.
Specific entry requirements
To meet the entry requirements, you must have a Bachelor’s degree (180 credits) in Computer Science, Information Systems, Informatics, or a related subject.
English language requirements
You must also demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to English 6/Level 2 in the Swedish upper-secondary school system.
If you need to take a test, the following minimum results apply:
- IELTS (academic): 6.5 overall, with no part below 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 4.5 with no section less than 4
For more details, see the English documentation webpage (UniversityAdmissions.se).
If you have taken an English proficiency test that fulfills the requirements listed on the UniversityAdmissions.se website then you can ignore the information below.
For 2027, Dalarna University has made a temporary local exemption to the English proficiency requirements listed on the UniversityAdmissions.se website.
If you previously studied in India or Sri Lanka
Applicants from India and Sri Lanka should submit your upper-secondary documents to show your English proficiency as explained on the UniversityAdmissions website.
This will fulfill the formal English proficiency requirements for most courses and programmes at Swedish universities.
If you do not have the required proof of English proficiency from your upper-secondary studies and you have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree majoring in a technical or science subject (such as engineering, IT or physics) which is equal to a Swedish bachelor’s degree, then you will not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
If you previously studied in Nepal
If you have not taken a TOELF or IELTS and you have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree majoring in a technical or science subject (such as engineering, IT or physics) which is equal to a Swedish bachelor’s degree, then you will not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS result.
When applications are open, you can begin your application by clicking the green “Apply” button on this page.
You will then be directed to UniversityAdmissions.se, Sweden’s national application portal for higher education.
The application process consists of two steps:
- Apply to the programme through UniversityAdmissions.se.
- Submit the required documents to show that you meet the entry requirements:
- A diploma or certificate showing completion of a relevant Bachelor’s degree programme (final-year students may apply but must show proof of graduation before the programme starts)
- Officially issued academic transcripts showing completed courses and grades
- Proof of English language proficiency (see details above)
- A motivation letter (see “What are the selection criteria?” below)
We strongly recommend checking the country-specific instructions on UniversityAdmissions.se before submitting your application, as document requirements and submission methods vary depending on where you completed your studies.
More information is available on the Universityadmissions.se website:
Admission to the programme is competitive, and many qualified applicants are placed on the reserve list.
Qualified applicants are placed into one of two selection groups based on tuition fee status:
- applicants required to pay tuition fees,
- applicants exempt from tuition fees.
Places are allocated separately within each group.
Within each selection group, applicants are assessed based on their motivation letter.
Motivation letter
What guidelines are there for the motivation letter?
Please submit a personal motivation letter in your own words. The letter should not exceed 3,000 characters (including spaces). There is no required template.
Your letter should reflect your motivation, background, and future goals. You may use the following questions as guidance:
- Why are you applying to this programme?
- What in your previous studies or experience has prepared you for it?
- Describe a project, paper, job, or experience that shaped your interest in the field.
- How does the programme fit with your future goals?
- What would you contribute to the programme and your fellow students?
- Is there anything else relevant to your application that you would like the admissions committee to know?
These questions are intended as guidance only. You do not need to answer each one separately.
When and how should the motivation letter be submitted?
The motivation letter must be uploaded to your UniversityAdmissions.se account no later than:
- September 1, 2026 (spring 2027, first admission round)
- November 1, 2026 (spring 2027, second admission round)
- February 1, 2027 (autumn 2027, first admission round)
- May 1, 2027 (autumn 2027, second admission round)
Please upload your motivation letter to your UniversityAdmissions.se account as a separate document and name the file:
Motivation Letter DU - (Programme name)
How is the motivation letter assessed?
Motivation letters are reviewed and scored as follows:
- 30 points – Highly competitive
- 20 points – Competitive
- 10 points – Less competitive
- 0 points – No motivation letter submitted (unlikely to be admitted)
Applicants with the highest scores are prioritised for admission. Applicants with scores of 30 or higher are generally offered admission if they rank the programme as their first choice on UniversityAdmissions.se. Applicants with lower scores may also be offered admission depending on the number of available places in each selection group.
The Master's Programme in Data Science from Dalarna University will prepare you for work in an expanding global industry as well as for further studies at the PhD level, including Dalarna University's PhD Programme in Microdata Analysis.
Possible future positions for our graduates are as follows:
- Data Warehouse Developer
- Growth Trends and Peak Business Periods Analyst
- BI Manager
- Architect and Developer in Business Intelligence
- Marketing Database Analyst
Data Science: a Career for the 21st Century
The short- and long-term outlook for graduates of Dalarna University's Data Science Programme is extremely favourable. In the "The Future of Jobs Report" published in 2018, the World Economic Forum writes that "Four specific technological advances—ubiquitous high-speed mobile internet; artificial intelligence; widespread adoption of big data analytics; and cloud technology—are set to dominate the 2018–2022 period as drivers positively affecting business growth"
Dalarna University's Data Science Programme will provide you with the practical and theoretical knowledge in machine learning, AI and big data analytics to make you an attractive candidate for a variety of job positions.
Stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating
You can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in Sweden and look for work after you complete a degree programme of at least 60 credits. International students are encouraged to stay in Dalarna and look for a job after graduating from the Master's Programm in Data Science.
During the past few years the majority of our students who graduate from the Data Science programme have been able to find relevant work in Sweden.
Using your degree overseas
The degree awarded by Dalarna University for this programme is internationally recognized and has been used by previous students to attain employment or pursue further studies outside of Sweden.
You can also apply to receive an Erasmus+ grant for an internship, even up to 12 months after completing your studies. This opportunity is available to all students in the programme, regardless of nationality, who pursue an approved internship within an Erasmus+ programme country other than Sweden.
At Dalarna University, our teaching is closely connected to active research in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and decision support. Our researchers work in collaboration with industry partners to explore how data can be used to solve real-world challenges and support sustainable development.
Meet our experts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields.
