MSc Data Science

The program bridges the gap between theoretical AI research and domain-specific challenges. Depending on their background and interest, students specialize in one of the following areas:

The programme spans Mathematical and Computational Data Science, focusing on the theoretical, algorithmic, and numerical foundations of AI and machine learning, alongside its application in Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where data-driven methods support modeling, simulation, experimental analysis, and innovation in domain-specific research.

The Chemistry Data Science track is designed for students with a BSc degree in Chemistry who want to combine their strong background in Chemistry with rigorous training in data analysis and modeling, scientific programming, and machine learning for advanced chemical problems. Data Science and AI techniques play a rapidly increasing role in essentially all areas of chemistry, ranging from fundamental applications in quantum chemistry via machine-learning models for material simulations, property prediction, and synthesis planning, up to generative AI models for compound design or automated extraction of context-specific data from the literature. Courses in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and advanced Chemistry subjects are the main pillars of this MSc track. They form the basis for an interdisciplinary Chemistry Data Science project and a research-oriented Master’s thesis, in which students apply modern data-driven methods to current research questions in chemistry.

The Pharmaceutical Data Science track prepares students to apply modern methods of AI and data science within the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug discovery and development. The programme combines core competencies in statistics, machine learning, data management and software development with the pharmaceutical expertise, including medicinal chemistry, the chemical properties of active substances, their development and optimisation, and their interactions with biological targets. The programme also teaches key approaches in computer-aided drug design, such as molecular modelling and molecular docking, enabling students to analyse drug-target interactions and support the identification and optimisation of promising drug candidates. By integrating data science, AI, medicinal chemistry and computer-aided pharmaceutical research, this track equips graduates with the knowledge and practical skills required to contribute to data-driven innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Important: Sufficient knowledge of German is required for admission to the pharmaceutical Data Science track.

  • Application

    Please submit your application via the University’s official application portal and follow the instructions provided there.

    The following uploads are required:

    • Transcript of Records including your GPA (grade point average)
    • School leaving certificate (final degree certificate of secondary, senior, high or middle school)
    • Certificate of sufficient language proficiency (German and/or English depending on the degree programme)
    • For Mathematical and Computational Data Science: Application Supplement (download at the admission page)

    Application deadlines:

    Winter semester: 15 July

    Summer semester: 15 January

    You can find a detailed description of the application process here.

  • Curriculum

    The faculty of chemistry and pharmacy offers two tracks - Data Science in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Data Science. You can find detailed information on the curriculum on the central webpage.

  • Downloads

    You can find English translations of all relevant documents on the central webpage of the Master's Degree Program Data Science.

    The legally binding German versions of the program regulations can be found following this link.