Data Science and Society
Become a Data Analyst and provide solutions for societal challenges with the use of complex data sets. Add value to a team, company or organization with a combination of technical skills, knowledge about legal and ethical issues related to data science, and the ability to effectively communicate with professionals and researchers from different disciplines. Specialize by following one of four tracks: Business, Governance, Media, or Health.
Education as of September 2022
All education takes place on campus again, now that the coronavirus measures have been scaled back. Of course, we will always maintain a safe environment for our students and staff. Therefore, a few basic measures still apply. For the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation, see our FAQs for prospective students.
Program and courses
Data Science and Society is a multidisciplinary program that gives you the opportunity to specialize by offering four tracks: Business, Governance, Media, or Health. Your track will be stated on your Master's diploma.
- You are trained to identify patterns and gather insights from large and complex datasets.
- You learn how to translate those insights into actionable solutions and recommendations to meet practical needs in the chosen domain.
- Besides that, you get acquainted with laws and regulations that are relevant for data science and data scientists, particularly private and public law.
- Finally, you learn to take ethical issues into account, such as issues regarding privacy, accountability, or human autonomy in decision making.
Typical courses per track are:
-
Business
Business Intelligence and Data Management, Business Analytics and Emerging Trends, Analysis of Customer Data, Deep Learning -
Media
Computational Statistics, Complex Systems, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing -
Governance
Governance and Policymaking, Analytics for Business and Governance, Natural Language Processing, Data Science: Sustainability, Privacy and Security -
Health
Health Analytics, Complex Systems, Deep Learning, Data Science: Sustainability, Privacy and Security
-
Sandra Maat
Master's student"During the Data Science master seemingly impossible assignments become feasible due to the daily development of my skills."
-
Thijme Geene
Master's student"I feel like the study program can sometimes be challenging, while it is inspiring and rewarding at the same time. The courses provide applicable knowledge which you will likely use in a future career."
-
Isabelle Lier
Master’s student"With data science and the tools learned during this master, you'll learn how to handle complex data that on first glance seem incomprehensible."
Career prospects
As a Data Science and Society graduate you have the ability to create data driven solutions for questions that come from society, businesses and organizations.
You are well-equipped to perform the role of a strategy consultant, as well as to serve as a linking-pin between management and technical staff. Not only are you able to identify opportunities that big data and related emerging technologies offer, you are also aware of the risks.
With the programming, data processing, data analytics and data visualization skills you have developed - and your hands-on experience in working with complex data sets - you also qualify for data analytics jobs.
Graduates work or start for example as:
- Data Analyst at Eneco Holding N.V
- Data Scientist at ABN Amro Bank N.V.
- Business Intelligence Analyst at Houthoff (previously Houthoff Buruma)
- Marketing Science Analyst at KLM

Application and admission
This Master's program starts:
End of August and End of January (both the Master’s and the pre-Master’s program)
Best preparatory programs:
A Bachelor's degree in one of the following domains:
- Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology; Sociology; Human Resource Management; Organizational Sciences; Liberal Arts and Sciences)
- Humanities (e.g., Communication and Information Sciences; Linguistics, Communication Sciences)
- Law (e.g., Global Law; Politics, Law & Economics; Public Administration)
-
Economics & Business (e.g. International Business Administration, Economics, Liberal Arts and Sciences.)
Pre-Master's program
Open for both Research University students and students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (hbo).
Tuition fees and scholarships
Please check the information about the tuition fees and the scholarships available for international students.
Interested in this Master’s program?

More information on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
-
To be announced
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Discover our compact and green campus during the Campus Experience and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
-
09:30 - 17:00
Master's Open day
Interested in doing a Master's program? Find out which Master's program suits you best during our Master's Open day on November 19. Learn all about our (pre-)Master’s programs and tracks, and ask teachers, students, and study advisors your questions. Sign up for the Open day now!
Interested in the MSc Data Science and Society?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application