Master Data Science (MSE)
In the Data Science profile, you will learn how to use data engineering, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to generate tangible value from data. You will combine a solid theoretical foundation with hands-on projects in close collaboration with industry and research partners. In doing so, you will benefit from the OST Institute’s excellent infrastructure and extensive expertise for your own research and development projects.
Program at a Glance
Degree
Master of Science in Engineering with Specialization in Data Science (90 ETCS)
Program Start
Spring semester: 22 February 2027
Autumn semester: 20 September 2027
Duration
3 semesters fulltime full-time or 5-6 semesters part-time
The degree program can be completed alongside professional employment.
Tuition
CHF 1,000 per semester
Campus
Rapperswil-Jona or Buchs: You select one of these locations for your area of specialization.
Zurich: Theory and Context Modules
Admission
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the field of Data Science. Academic performance across the entire Bachelor’s program must correspond to an ECTS grade of A or B.
More Information on Admission
Accepted Bachelor's degrees:
BSc Data Science
BSc Computer Science with Specialization in Data Science
Additional requirements:
Suitable applicants who do not hold one of the accepted degrees (or who hold a Grade C) may be eligible for an assessment based on their portfolio («sur Dossier»). Please contact us for a preliminary review.
Prior knowledge in the following areas:
Advanced mathematics
Statistics
Algorithms and data structures
Databases and data storage
Programming language skills
Machine learning
Admission Deadline
Spring semester: 30. November 2026
Autumn semester: 30 April 2027
Advantages of MSE Data Science:
- Study on a personalised and flexible basis: Two-thirds of the degree programme can be tailored to your individual needs. This allows you to tailor your study programme specifically to your interests and career goals.
- Sound theory with a clear focus: The course provides a solid theoretical foundation and focuses on the essentials. You will gain exactly the knowledge you need for challenging data science tasks.
- A strong focus on practical application rather than pure theory: Through practical projects, you will tackle real-world problems from industry and research and gain valuable experience.
- Direct links to industry: Thanks to the advisors’ close links with companies in the region, you will work on relevant projects and forge important contacts. A part-time role at an institut can serve as the ideal springboard for your career.
- A wide range of applications thanks to three campuses: OST’s three campuses cover a wide range of subject areas, from engineering and economics to computer science, spatial planning and nursing. This allows you to choose from a diverse range of topics for your specialisation projects and Master’s thesis within the field of data science.
- Advisor support: During their Master’s programme, students receive individual support from an advisor, a professor in their chosen field. The advisor ensures that the students’ academic goals are achieved through the appropriate choice of modules.
Data Analytics
In the Data Analytics specialisation, you will learn to apply statistical methods to describe and analyse data, and to draw robust conclusions despite random influences. You will use data mining, machine learning and deep learning to develop data-driven models. You will also plan and design modern experimental designs that enable you to achieve meaningful, comprehensible and practically relevant results.
Data Engineering
In this specialisation, you will learn how to collect and organise application-relevant data from various sources, such as IoT sensors, relational databases, unstructured data sets and streaming sources. You will plan suitable storage solutions, taking into account bandwidth, security and scalability, and develop applications that process data streams, extract features and apply models to them.
Data Services
You will learn to develop data products that translate analytical results into tangible business value and action. You will focus on the reliable and efficient provision and operation of data services, including in conjunction with machine learning models. You will also take into account ethical, legal and security-related requirements and design data services in such a way that they comply with these framework conditions within companies and public institutions.