Data Science BSc

Program content

This joint bachelor brings together the best of two universities; Tilburg University's expertise in Econometrics, Business Administration and Law is combined with Eindhoven University of Technology's expertise in Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering. Both universities add their expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Statistics. You will be taking courses at both universities.

• In the first year, you are introduced to the various Data Science core fields, like computer science and data analytics. You develop a mathematical base which you will build on during the rest of your studies. You will explore the important area of law and ethics to become a responsible data scientist.  And you will also learn more about the main application domains and the broader social and economic setting of data science developments. Besides that, you complete your first Data Challenge, where you work in groups to analyze real data for real stakeholders.
• In the second year, you study the legal, mathematical, statistical, technical and business aspects of data research more in-depth. You determine part of your program yourself by selecting elective modules, which allows you to tailor your own program. You will apply all your acquired knowledge and skills in two Data Challenges. 
• Entrepreneurship plays a greater role in the third year, which features courses such as Start-ups and Business Insights. There is a more extensive choice of electives. You can -for example - choose electives that give you the best preparation for the Master’s program you are planning to take. You complete the Bachelor’s program with a Bachelor's thesis.

Typical courses are:

• Data Challenges
  Learn how to set up, execute, and evaluate scientifically sound data analyses that are adequate for particular stakeholders (i.e., users, enterprise, and society) using available data sets.
• Programming
  Learn algorithmic techniques and the principles of code quality and apply these in writing programs and designing algorithms to analyze and visualize large datasets.
• Statistical computing
  Computational Statistics is the branch of statistics that heavily relies on Computer Science for dealing with very complex challenges. You will learn how you can use computer simulations to predict the outcomes of different strategies in a complex situation.

More on the program and courses

Study Data Science in Tilburg and Eindhoven

• This joint bachelor brings together the best of two universities; Tilburg University's expertise in Econometrics, Business Administration and Law is combined with Eindhoven University of Technology's expertise in Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering. Both universities add their expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Statistics.

• Data Science can only be exploited to its fullest potential by approaching it from multiple disciplines simultaneously. This multidisciplinary character makes our data science program unique in its kind.

• Data science will only be growing in importance, given the staggering growth of data every second of every day, and will give you great career opportunities.

• A team of professionals is available to help you to get the best out of yourself and your studies, so you are well prepared for your future career.

A short impression of Data Science (video - 2:35 min)

What to expect when coming to Tilburg

• Why Tilburg University?
• International student support
• Study in Holland

Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities

Are you looking for an additional challenge? Your studies give you ample opportunity to develop personally and professionally.

• You can also join the program’s study association, D.S.A. Pattern.
• Ambitious students in this Joint Bachelor’s program are eligible for the honors programs of both universities.

Pursue a Master's degree

Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology’s collaboration in the field of Data Science has led to the creation of the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS). JADS offers a joint Master’s program in Data Science and Entrepreneurship. Graduates of the bachelor Data Science can also opt for other Master's programs. Some examples:

Career prospects

Because data science is important in many industries you can be employed in a wide range of companies and nonprofit/governmental institutions. Just some examples:

• Companies may want to know more about the purchasing behavior of their customers.
• The police uses big data to detect crime.
• Health care organizations share global data on rare diseases for research purposes.
• And data science start-ups develop all kinds of personalized and intelligent apps.

You can either choose to work as a data scientist within a company/organization, or decide to work as a data entrepreneur, running your own data science business.

Please follow the national application and admission procedure (in Dutch) if you are applying based on a Dutch vwo or hbo-p diploma, regardless of your nationality. A general description of the national application procedure is also available in English.

Admission requirements

• To be eligible for admission to a research university such as Tilburg University, you must have a high school diploma equal to the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands (the Dutch vwo diploma).
• As this Bachelor’s program is taught entirely in English, you must prove your English language proficiency. 
• A good knowledge of mathematics is important for being successful in this Bachelor’s program. In order to be admitted, you must therefore prove that you have sufficient knowledge of mathematics.

You can find more detailed information about the admission requirements on this program's 'Application and admission' page.

Go to application and admission

Related Bachelor's programs

• In line with using mathematics and statistics to optimize complex processes, and applying your analytical skills to tackle economic, societal, and organizational challenges, Econometrics and Operations Research may be of interest to you.
• Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence could also be a fit if you are interested in studying how intelligent systems work and in linking this to knowledge about the functioning of the human brain.