The sheer amount of data that is being produced each and every day is redefining our world: according to IBM, 90 percent of all current data has been created in the last two years alone. The collection and evaluation of this data can transform behaviours, business models, markets and every imaginable organisational structure. The Data Science Programme at Dalarna University prepares you to be at the centre of this transformation working within private companies, public organisations and research institutions.
A Programme for Fast-Paced Data Management
Our programme provides you with both hands-on training in the collection and interpretation of data as well as broad knowledge and an understanding of how data analysis is used for decision-making within organisations. You will gain a unique cross-disciplinary skill-set that will prepare you for jobs both in the present day and in the future.
Should you apply?
If you want to have an impact on data-driven decisions that affect the daily operations of companies and organisations, then you will find your calling in our Data Science Programme. If you have previously received a degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems or IT from an internationally recognised university and if you have documented knowledge of English proficiency, then you are strongly encouraged to apply to our Data Science Programme.
Please note that if you have a degree in Statistics, Economics or Business then you can apply for our Master's Programme in Business Intelligence with the possibility of continuing to the second year of the Master's Programme in Data Science.
*Please note that admission to this programme is incredibly competitive. Therefore you should pay careful attention to the selection criteria listed in the "Check if you are eligibile" information and list this programme as your first priority to increase your chances of being admitted.
What will you study?
This programme is a two-year Master's Programme in Data Science. All courses are taught in English.
The programme comprises 120 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) and commences twice a year, in January and late August. The semester courses are offered is denoted by "f" (fall) or "s" (spring).
The following courses are mandatory for the name of the programme (Data Science) to be included on the degree certificate:
- Business Intelligence (s)
- Statistical Learning (s)
- Data Collection and Data Quality (f)
- Data-Driven Leadership (f) OR Economics of Leadership (f)
- Machine Learning (f)
- Master's Thesis (30 credits) (f/s)
The following courses are also available within the Data Science programme.
- Data Analysis and Visualization (s)
- Python- and R- programming (f/s)
- Risk Analysis (f)
- Data Warehousing (f)
- Logic & Maths (s)
- Spatial Data and Geographical Information Systems (s)
- Internship (f/s)
- Complexity and Operations Research Methods (s)
Degree Awarded
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits), Main Field of Study: Microdata Analysis
The programme name can be added to your degree certificate subject to submitting a request in the online application for qualification.
After graduation (work and study opportunities)
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.
Check your eligibility and what documents to submit when applying
Entry Requirements (2024)
- Completed bachelor's degree with a major in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems or Data Science, equal to a Swedish Bachelor degree comprising at least 180 credits (60 credits = 1 academic year full-time study), or an equivalent degree.
- Documented English language proficiency equivalent to English B/English 6 at Swedish upper-secondary school (more information below).
Selection Criteria
This programme uses two selection processes to determine applicant admission.
1. Letter of Motivation
The first and main selection is based on a letter of motivation that you must write and upload to your user account on UniversityAdmissions/Antagning.se no later than September 1st, 2023 (for the spring 2024 intake) or no later than February 1st, 2024 (for the autumn 2024 intake). The letter should not exceed 3000 characters (including spaces). It should state your academic and professional history, with relevance for the programme, as well as provide a statement as to how the programme will benefit your future career. There is no letter template that you need to use.
The motivation letters are reviewed and given a score between 10 and 50. The higher the score your letter receives, the more likely you are to be admitted.
2. Fee-Paying Status
The second selection is determined by your fee-paying status. A number of spaces will be allotted to students who are required to pay tuition fees and a number of spaces will be allotted to students who are exempt from tuition fees.
Documents to Submit:
- Proof of a completed bachelor’s degree, equal to a Swedish bachelor's degree in one of the approved subject areas. It is also possible to apply if you are currently completing the final year of studies leading to such a degree.
Be sure to read the information specific to the country where you previously studied to know how to submit the appropriate documents. - A letter of motivation, if provided will be used as part of the selection process (see above).
- Proof of English language proficiency equal to an IELTS result of 6.5 overall with no part of the test below 5.5
In some cases your previous studies may fulfill the English proficiency requirement. Please check the University Admissions information on English Language Proficiency to see if you are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result.
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 2024, Dalarna University has made a temorary 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.
Tuition fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees
270 000 SEK (total)
*EU/EEA Citizens are not required to pay tuition fees.
Tuition fees are paid in one-semester installments and the first payment (67 500 SEK).
In order to have a reasonable time to process a residence permit application you should pay the tuition fee be paid no later than June 1st for the programme starting in the autumn term and no later than November 10th for the programme starting in the spring term. Later payments are allowed but may affect your ability to get a residence permit in time to commence your studies.
Visit our Tuition Fee website for more information about paying tuition fees and what is included in the fee.
If you have any questions about tuition fee payments, please e-mail tuitionfees@du.se.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available for successful applicants to the Data Science Programme who are not EU/EEA citizens.
For more information about scholarships, please visit our webpage about international student scholarships or contact us using the contact form on this website.
