Bachelor in Data Science

Data Science at Aarhus University is a three-year English-taught bachelor's programme for students who want to turn raw data into evidence. The programme is academically identical to the Danish-taught Datavidenskab, and both lead to the same English-taught master's in Data Science.

What you study

You learn to extract knowledge from data and to communicate what you find. The programme covers statistics, data analysis, mathematical modelling, programming and machine learning. In the first year you take courses in algebra, calculus, statistics and probability theory, plus basic programming and data management. The second year goes deeper into statistical modelling, advanced algorithms, optimisation methods and machine learning, and you expand your knowledge of databases, data management and data structures. The second year ends with a case-based data project on real-world datasets, done in groups with research groups from across the university. In the third year you choose electives, for example advanced statistics, bioinformatics, econometrics or programming, or subjects where data science is applied, such as finance, sensor technology, healthcare or molecular biology. The programme closes with a bachelor's project on a real-world problem.

How the programme is organised

Teaching combines lectures and theoretical exercises with a strong emphasis on case-oriented activities based on real-world issues. There is continuous interaction with the job market. Theoretical exercises, known as TØ, are small-group sessions where students work through weekly assignments with an instructor, typically a senior student. You are assigned to a study group at the start. The academic centre is the Department of Mathematics, which runs the Mathematics Laboratory (MatLab), a structured study café where lecturers and senior students are available to help. Expect around 20 teaching hours per week and a similar amount of independent work, with scheduled hours decreasing later in the programme. Student societies include Datavenskab, Kalkulerbar (the Friday bar) and TÅGEKAMMERET.

Who it suits

This programme is for you if you want to work with methods such as neural networks and machine learning, combined with mathematics, statistics and computer science. You should be comfortable with mathematics at a high level and willing to spend time on problem-solving, assignments and group work. The programme is taught in English and is aimed at international students. Applicants with Danish A are advised to apply to the Danish-taught Datavidenskab as their first priority.

Admission, language and next steps

You need a qualifying entry examination with English B and Mathematics A. For quota 1 you also need a GPA of at least 6.0 on the Danish 7-point scale, including 6.0 in Mathematics A. Without that GPA, your application is assessed in quota 2, which looks at your grades in English B and Mathematics A and at relevant qualifications such as education or work experience in programming, data and software development, IT security, IT support, web development or artificial intelligence. Apply via optagelse.dk. The programme starts in August or September. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge; other students pay a fee set by the institution. The bachelor's degree gives you a legal right of admission to the master's in Data Science, and it also opens the way to master's programmes in bioinformatics and, with the right electives, computer science.

Undergraduate applications are made through optagelse.dk, with deadlines on 15 March and 5 July (12:00 CET). Which one applies depends on your qualification. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.