Description

The world is increasingly directed by data, and the need for data-driven solutions is present across domains: sustainability and environmental issues, the economy, politics, and medicine and health care.

As one of the English-language majors in the Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology, Data Science will provide you with the skills required to become a digitalisation expert in the fields of trade and industry, science or technology.

Data Science focuses on the study of scientific methods used to extract knowledge from data and build models to reckon with the complex problems of modern knowledge society. It is a multidisciplinary field that employs techniques and theories drawn from the broad domains of mathematics, statistics, machine learning, information sciences and computer science.

These studies emphasise the foundational principles of mathematics, statistics, and computation – all while building a strong background in data science itself. This will not only familiarise you with the existing techniques but will also give you the tools to follow the rapid developments in the field throughout your career.

During your studies in Data Science, you will acquire:

• a solid knowledge of mathematics, statistics, information sciences and computing
• skills in computer programming
• understanding in the basics of machine learning, statistical analysis and Artificial Intelligence, and how these can be applied and developed
• skills to manage large volumes of data, make sound inferences from data and optimise processes
• skills to build data-driven models that provide accurate predictions or make intelligent decisions
• academic skills in research and writing for further academic studies

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology and the Data Science major is English. The programme is conducted entirely in English, meaning that all courses and exams are in English. For students with sufficient proficiency in Finnish, it is also possible to study the 20–25 credit minor subject of the bachelor’s degree in Finnish.

Studies at the master’s level can also be completed entirely in English.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 12 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

The bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) is composed of basic studies of the programme (65 ECTS mathematics, programming, industrial engineering and management, obligatory languages, Aalto studies, orientation), the major in data science (65 ECTS including the BSc thesis and seminar), the minor (20–25 ECTS) and elective studies (25–30 ECTS).

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student Guide.

During their first year of studies, students build a solid basis in mathematics and programming, and continue deepening their knowledge in their second year of studies through courses that cover topics such as optimisation, human-computer interaction, statistical inference, machine learning and computation. The third year of studies consists of the bachelor's thesis and seminar as well as optional courses on topics such as algorithmic techniques, supervised machine learning and data mining.

The multidisciplinary studies in the major Data Science provide students with the basics of mathematics, statistics, machine learning, information sciences and computer science. The knowledge is acquired through a diverse set of study methods that include, for example, lectures and project work that foster both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience.

Specialisations

The major in the bachelor's degree is Data Science. With Aalto’s broad selection of minor and elective studies you can either deepen or broaden your knowledge and skills in the fields of your choosing.

Internationalisation

The study environment in Aalto University is strongly international, and studies are conducted in multicultural groups. Indicatively, in the departments of Computer Science and Mathematics and Systems Analysis, around 20% of the professors are from outside of Finland.

Aalto University also offers diverse possibilities for developing one’s global competence by, e.g., completing part of the degree abroad at an international partner university, conducting practical training abroad, taking a summer course abroad or acting as a tutor for first-year students.

Further study opportunities

This bachelor’s degree gives you a solid basis for further studies in Aalto University master’s programmes. These could include majors in Master’s Programme in Computer, Communication and Information Sciences (CCIS), Master’s Programme in Mathematics and Operations Research, Master’s Programme Life Science Technologies, or Master’s Programme in Electrical Engineering. As a student in the Data Science major, you are entitled to continue your studies at the master’s level. Graduates are also eligible to apply abroad for further academic studies.

More information can be found in the Student Guide.

Career opportunities

In today’s knowledge society, there is a growing demand for leading experts in data science. The major Data Science aims to educate professionals in a diverse range of activities. Graduates will have the necessary background to begin their working life as data scientists, engineers, or technology entrepreneurs, among other professions.

Graduates will also be well-equipped to pursue master’s level studies in engineering, science and mathematics. This will prepare students for professions in consulting, engineering science, business analysis, industrial research, technology leadership, technical management in cross-disciplinary teams, and more.

Graduates typically find employment in small and medium-sized enterprises, consultancies or research institutes across various fields.

Research focus

Aalto University is a world-class research institute in data science and related fields. Students will have the opportunity to interact with leading researchers in their respective fields and get involved in pioneering research projects.

Co-operation with other parties

The affiliated departments of Computer Science and Mathematics and Systems Analysis co-operate closely with national and international companies and research institutes in the field of data science. For example, Aalto University is a leading partner of the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence (FCAI), which involves collaboration with companies that have an interest in AI. This interest may include cutting-edge research, education of personnel, student collaboration and recruitment of young talents, and technology transfer.

Aalto University is well-known for bridging the disciplines of business, arts, technology, and science. The lively campus and freedom in elective courses across the university bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts, and gives birth to friendships, professional networks, and – every so often – start-ups.

Contact information

Learning Services of Aalto University School of Science

In case of programme-specific questions and inquiries, please contact the Learning Services of Aalto Bachelor’s Programme in Science and Technology

[email protected]

Admission Services

If you have open questions about the admissions and application instructions, you can reach out to Admission Services

[email protected]