TL;DR Tired of shallow data courses. This 120 ECTS MSc in Applied Data Science offers depth, hands-on projects and a flexible format for everyone aiming at senior Data & AI roles.

Asking the right questions is key!

Tools change. Frameworks evolve. What actually lasts is deep methodological understanding and the ability to turn data into strategic decisions. That’s where this MSc comes in. Based at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in Switzerland, this is a high-level career advancement programme designed for specialists who want more: more depth, responsibility and credibility.

The campus of HSLU is located in the centre of Lucerne.

What makes this programme different?

The interdisciplinary Master’s in Applied Information & Data Science will equip you with the expertise to bridge the gap between technology, management and strategy, making you a valuable contributor to projects, teams and leadership roles. You will learn to do more than just analyse data; you will learn to think entrepreneurially, identifying trends, designing new business models and driving data-based decisions. This combination of technical competence and creative thinking will sharpen your professional profile for today's job market.

The Big Ten: Core skills in the MSc in Applied Information & Data Science

You’ll develop the capability to:

1. Question and reflect on data
2. Collect, integrate and pre-process data
3. Process, explore, analyse and interpret the data
4. Predict human and system behaviour
5. Visualise and tell stories about data
6. Design and manage data projects
7. Develop data-driven business models
8. Design data products and services
9. Apply data in a variety of settings
10. Understand legal and ethical issues

Why professionals choose this MSc

Deep expertise, not just surface knowledge

You will develop advanced methodological competence and analytical thinking, as well as a scientific foundation that will enable you to tackle complex real-world challenges. Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in data analysis and decision-making. Our programme teaches traditional data science methods and integrates AI technologies to help you identify complex patterns, enhance predictions and develop innovative solutions. Students learn to apply AI models in practice and handle this key technology of the future responsibly

Portfolio building and project-based learning 

Through hands-on industry projects, you will work on complex business problems, sharpen your professional profile, and build a project portfolio tailored to senior or lead roles. At the same time, you expand your network with our Swiss and international partner companies, which often opens doors to new career opportunities. 

We focus on innovative teaching methods, such as project-based learning. This approach bridges the gap between academia and the working world: students work on real-world business problems while acquiring specialist knowledge and soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. These projects are an integral part of the programme, are assessed with ECTS credits and enhance the practical skills and career prospects of our graduates

A challenging environment of experts and a strong community 

The supportive yet challenging environment will push you to grow while expanding your professional network. Thanks to small groups and short communication channels, you will benefit from personalised guidance and opportunities to interact with our lecturers and staff. 

A secure career upgrade 

This internationally recognised MSc degree, worth 120 ECTS, will strengthen your credibility and visibility in the job market. It prepares you for leadership roles and strategic positions, setting you up for long-term career growth in Data & AI. 

Flexible study design 

Students have a great deal of flexibility in designing their studies and can choose when to start, how long to study for and how many modules to take based on their individual needs.

Start:
You can start your studies in either the autumn or spring semester. The modules are offered every semester. This ensures that you can always complete your degree in four semesters.

Duration:
You can complete your studies within four semesters or extend them for up to eight semesters, depending on your work situation and other commitments. 

Credits for work experience:
If you are employed in a field typically related to applied data science and can demonstrate that your work relates closely to the topics covered in your courses, some of your professional experience can be converted into credits towards your degree. 

Classes:
Classes are currently scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays. Some core electives are offered as a block during the weeks between semesters when there are no regular classes

Kail is now working as a Lead Data Scientist after graduation.

Information Events, Key Facts & Registration  

Information events (online, free & without obligation):

• 9 March 2026 – English
• 13 April 2026 – German
• 11 May 2026 – English
• 8 June 2026 – German

Register for an info-event here.

Key facts at a glance

• Start dates: February or September
• Duration: 4–8 semesters (flexible; part-time possible)
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
• Application deadlines: 1 June 2026 (autumn) / 1 December 2026 (spring)

How to apply

The Master's in Applied Information and Data Science programme has a clearly structured and straightforward application process.

Entry requirements

• A Bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits)
• An interest in data, logical thinking, and new technologies
• Good English skills, as the programme is taught in English

Application steps

1. Apply online via the university website and upload your documents.
2. Complete a self-evaluation to assess whether the programme matches your expectations.
3. Depending on your profile, you may be invited to a short interview.
4. The process concludes with a brief online English test.
5. You will then receive your admission decision and be ready to begin.

Application deadlines

• Start in autumn semester 2026: apply by 1 June 2026
• Start in spring semester 2027: apply by 1 December 2026.

 

Happy to answer questions in the comments, or contact us directly:

master.ids@hslu.ch

+41 41 228 41 29

Website: Link

LinkedIn: Link