Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, FHNW School of Computer Science

Companies, public authorities and organisations across all sectors are looking for professionals like you who strategically leverage data and responsibly deploy AI systems. You will qualify for a dynamic working environment offering excellent entry-level and career development opportunities – ranging from product development to data-driven decision support.

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field. You work with algorithmic methods to extract valuable insights from data. You use this data-driven knowledge as a foundation for well-founded decisions and thereby foster innovation in business and society.

At the same time, you assume a key role in the development and application of Artificial Intelligence – one of the most significant technologies of the 21st century.

Data Science findet Anwendung in einer Vielzahl von Bereichen, darunter Forschung, Logistik, Nachhaltigkeit, Automation, Energie, Robotik, Einzelhandel, Sport und vieles mehr. Die Möglichkeiten sind schier grenzenlos. Durch den gezielten Einsatz von Data Science werden Effizienz und Leistungsfähigkeit in verschiedenen Branchen gesteigert.

The degree programme consists of eleven module groups, all of which you must complete. You are free to decide which specific modules you take within each group. There are no mandatory modules (with the exception of the Bachelor’s thesis).

There is no fixed semester schedule – you determine yourself which modules you take and when. You can also decide which module group you would like to emphasise by completing additional modules in that area.

You can complete the BSc in Data Science & AI either in full-time or part-time mode.

The standard duration in full-time mode is three years, i.e. six semesters. A full-time programme corresponds to full-time employment and is not compatible with regular professional activity.

In part-time mode, depending on your chosen study workload, you should expect a duration of four to six years. We recommend planning a minimum study workload of 50%. Each semester, you may decide anew whether to continue in full-time or part-time mode. To successfully complete the programme, it is important that you are able to organise your professional and personal commitments with flexibility.

The maximum duration of the programme is twelve semesters, i.e. six years (leave semesters are not included in this calculation).

Alongside your studies, you will often acquire relevant competences. In many modules, you can demonstrate these competences and thereby complete the module successfully.

Relevant modules from previous studies – whether completed or not – may be credited towards your degree.

Understand, develop and shape Artificial Intelligence – the most significant technology of our time.

In the BSc in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, you can design your studies according to your individual needs. Benefit from a flexible, practice-oriented study format with limited classroom instruction and a strong focus on individual learning pathways, supported by a unique coaching programme.

Experience our modern learning environments and our informal programme culture based on mutual respect – making studying both engaging and rewarding.

Contents

In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Data Science & AI, you will learn programming in Python and R, statistics, data analysis and visualisation, and explore Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning in depth. You will become familiar with applications such as Natural Language Processing, image- and signal-based deep learning, social network analysis and recommender systems.

You will acquire expertise in working with databases, cloud services and High Performance Computing, and develop efficient Machine Learning algorithms. As a Data Scientist, you will apply your knowledge to economic and societal challenges, embedding your solutions within appropriate legal and ethical frameworks.

In addition to building your subject-specific expertise, we support you in developing your 21st century skills: communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Through individual coaching, we help you strengthen your personal and social competences.

And last but not least, you will acquire the most important skill in a rapidly changing world: you will learn how to learn independently and continuously develop yourself.

Curriculum

Are social and environmental challenges important to you? You can pursue them in the Study Track “Sustainability”. Here, you gain a solid understanding of sustainability issues. You learn how to apply data science tools to develop sustainable solutions.

Are you passionate about sports and eager to take performance to the next level with data? In the Study Track “Sports", you combine your enthusiasm for sports with solid competencies in Data Science and AI. You learn how to analyze performance data, evaluate wearables, and use machine learning to optimize training, tactics, and strategies – for elite sports, grassroots sports, and sports organizations.

Study Track “Sustainability”Study Track «Sports»

Since fall 2025, the exclusive AI Tutor has been in use in the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence degree program – a chatbot with access to all course materials that supports students in their learning around the clock.

Three Data Science & AI students co-developed the AI Tutor and demonstrated that whether it’s Large Language Models, Retrieval-Augmented Generation, or Deep Learning, our graduates develop cutting-edge AI applications at the highest level.