

If a theoretical data scientist is somebody who’s mastered the art of extracting and analyzing large datasets, an applied data scientist is someone who can put that mastery into real-world practice. They’re insight specialists. And those insights come using techniques like machine learning and data mining to parse through extensive datasets to find patterns and outcomes.
As a prospective Master of applied data science, you may wonder if this career path is the right choice for you. It is, as long as you want to be part of a growing industry. According to Precedence Research, the data science industry is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.43% between 2022 and 2030. That CAGR translates into growth from $112.2 billion in value (approx. €103 billion) to $378.7 billion (approx. €349 billion).
That growth alone demonstrates why getting an applied data science MSc could be valuable to your career prospect. Let’s look at three of the top courses on offer to European and international students.
Top MSc Programs in Applied Data Science – Our Criteria
Before digging into the best Master applied data science programs, it’s important to establish the criteria we’ve used to make our selections. The following five factors play a role:
- Reputation and ranking – While overall university rankings denote the quality of an establishment, we’re more interested in the reputation the specific course has in the industry.
- Curriculum and Sspecialization – What will you study and how will the topics you delve into lead to further specialization? We aim to answer both questions for our selections.
- Faculty expertise – When analyzing faculty expertise, we’re looking for a combination of experienced educators and mentors with real-world experience in data science work.
- Industry connections and partnerships – You want to use your MSc in applied data science to find work. A university that has strong connections to industry leaders (either through faculty or partnerships) can propel you forward in your career.
- Career support and alumni network – Speaking of connections, a good alumni network exposes you to peers who can help your career. Combine that with in-house career support from the university, and you get a course that offers more than a basic education.
Top MSc Programs Explored
After applying the above criteria, we’ve come up with a list of three Master of applied data science programs to pique your interest.
Program 1 – Master in Applied Data Science & AI (Open Institute of Technology)
Available as a fully online course for those who value self-learning, the Open Institute of Technology’s (OPIT’s) program lasts for 18 months with costs starting from €4,950. There’s also a fast-track option available for those who can commit to more extensive studies, with that program offering the same degree in just 12 months.
The educational aspect of the course is divided across two terms. In the first term, you’ll focus primarily on principles and techniques in areas such as Python programming, machine learning, and how to use data science to solve business problems. The second term gets more practical as you start to focus on applications of data science (and AI) in the real world before digging into the ethics behind your work.
As for credentials, OPIT is an accredited institution under the European Qualification Framework and its MSc was created by Professor Lorenzo Livi. Serving as program head, Livi brings the expertise he’s developed through teaching and research at both the University of Exeter and the University of Manitoba to the program.
It’s this focus on attracting international faculty that’s the most attractive part of the course. Beyond Livi, the faculty includes professors from institutions as diverse as the University of California, University of Copenhagen, Microsoft, and the Naval Research Laboratory. This mix of academic excellence and professors with real-world experience can lead you to exciting career opportunities and connections.
Program 2 – Master of Science in Data Science (ETH Zurich)
Ranked as the ninth-best computer science university in the world by Research.com, ETH Zurich has a program that stands out thanks to its Data Science Laboratory. This dedicated facility allows students to utilize their theoretical knowledge on simulated practical problems. Process modeling and data validation get put into practice in this lab, all under the oversight of an experienced mentor.
Speaking of faculty, several members of ETH Zurich specialize in teaching data science in relation to the medical field. Both Gunnar Rätsch, a full professor at the university, and Julia Vogt, an assistant professor can directly aid students who wish to apply their data science expertise to medicine.
Career support comes in the form of a dedicated Career Center, which serves as a central hub for students and the companies with which the university partners. ETH encourages partnership through industry events, such as its Industry Day, which encourage local and national businesses to meet with and discuss the work of its students. These events may prove vital to starting your data science career before you’ve even completed your Master of applied data science.
Coming back to the program, it’s a two-year full-time course through which you’ll earn 120 credits per the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Prospective students need to have at least 180 ECTS credits from a relevant Bachelor’s degree, such as a BSc in computer science or mathematics. The program costs CHF 730 (approx. €749) per semester, with the option to make voluntary contributions to things like the university’s student union and its Solidarity Fund for Foreign Students.
Program 3 – MSc Data Science (IU International University of Applied Science)
Our final program takes us to Germany and one of the most flexible applied data science MSc programs in Europe. Offered in conjunction with London South Bank University, this program results in graduation with a dual degree with both German and British accreditation. You have a choice between taking the two-year program for €556 per month or a pair of part-time programs. The first of the part-time options lasts for 36 months, costing €417 per month, with the second being a 48-month course costing €329 per month.
The course itself focuses primarily on current developments in the data sector, with modules on Big Data, infrastructure engineering, and software development included. The first semester introduces you to machine learning and deep learning concepts, in addition to offering a model engineering case study so you can get your feet wet with applied data science. The second semester makes room for specialization, as you choose an elective that may focus on Big Data, autonomous driving, or smart manufacturing methods.
Faculty members include Professor Thomas Zoller, who oversees the university’s BSc in data science program in addition to contributing to its Master’s program. His expertise lies in machine learning in the context of image processing, in addition to the use of AI and advanced analytics in digital transformation.
As you move closer to wanting to start your career, IU International’s Career Office comes into play. It holds weekly group career talks, both online and on-campus, in addition to daily slots for one-to-one chats with advisors over Zoom or email. You also get access to the university’s Jobteaser platform, which puts you in direct contact with potential recruiters.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Applied Data Science MSc
The three programs highlighted above each offer a combination of a stellar education and industry connections that help you to get your data science career started. But if you want to do further research into applied data science MSc programs, these are the factors to consider.
Your Personal Goals
Though it may seem obvious to state, your personal goals play a huge role in your decision. For example, somebody who wishes to work in the medical field may favor ETH Zurich’s offering due to the expertise of its faculty, whereas that course may not be the best choice for those interested in finance. Think about what you want to achieve and which program aligns with those goals.
Program Cost
A Master of applied data science doesn’t come cheap. Most courses cost several thousand euros, though you’ll often find that online courses are more manageable from a cost perspective. Consider the program cost and research financial aid options, such as those highlighted on the EURAXESS portal, when making your choice.
Program Format
A full-time MSc in applied data science may be great for a young student with no other commitments. But it won’t work so well when you’re trying to fit your education around work, life, and your family. Think about the time commitment the program asks of you. Many find that a part-time or self-learning-driven online course is easier to fit around their schedules than a full-time on-campus program.
Location and Campus Facilities
If you opt for an online course then location isn’t an issue – you can study from home. But those studying on-campus have to consider the location (is the university situated in a business hub, for example) and the facilities offered on-site to help them further their data science careers.
Networking Opportunities
Networking opportunities can come in many forms in a Master of applied data science program. Faculty is the obvious source of connections, with many educators having worked (or still working) directly in the industry, but don’t underestimate the connective powers of your peers. Furthermore, take advantage of any career support facilities your university offers to get yourself in front of prospective employers.
Get Your MSc in Applied Data Science
Think of choosing an applied data science MSc in the same way you’d think about making an investment. You want that investment (both in time and money) to offer a suitable return. The three programs listed here offer superb qualifications and give you the real-world experience needed to forge a career in the applied data science sector. Choose the program that suits your needs, or, use the advice provided to research other programs that are closer to home or more in line with your career goals.
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During the Open Institute of Technology’s (OPIT) 2025 graduation day, the OPIT team interviewed graduating student Irene about her experience with the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI. The interview focused on how Irene juggled working full-time with her study commitments and the value of the final Capstone project, which is part of all OPIT’s master’s programs.
Irene, a senior developer at ReActive, said she chose to study at OPIT to update her skills for the current and future job market.
OPIT’s MSc in Applied Data Science and AI
In her interview, Irene said she appreciated how OPIT’s course did not focus purely on the hard mathematics behind technologies such as AI and cloud computing, but also on how these technologies can be applied to real business challenges.
She said she appreciated how the course gave her the skills to explain to stakeholders with limited technical knowledge how technology can be leveraged to solve business problems, but it also equipped her to engage with technical teams using their language and jargon. These skills help graduates bridge the gap between management and technology to drive innovation and transformation.
Irene chose to continue working full-time while studying and appreciated how her course advisor helped her plan her study workload around her work commitments “down to the minute” so that she never missed a deadline or was overcome by excessive stress.
She said she would recommend the program to people at any stage in their career who want to adapt to the current job market. She also praised the international nature of the program, in terms of both the faculty and the cohort, as working beyond borders promises to be another major business trend in the coming years.
Capstone Project
Irene described the most fulfilling part of the program as the final Capstone project, which allowed her to apply what she had learned to a real-life challenge.
The Capstone Project and Dissertation, also called the MSc Thesis, is a significant project aimed at consolidating skills acquired during the program through a long-term research project.
Students, with the help of an OPIT supervisor, develop and realize a project proposal as part of the final term of their master’s journey, investigating methodological and practical aspects in program domains. Internships with industrial partners to deliver the project are encouraged and facilitated by OPIT’s staff.
The Capstone project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of their field and the skills they’ve learned when talking to employers as part of the hiring process.
Capstone Project: AI Meets Art
Irene’s Capstone project, “Call Me VasarAI: An AI-Powered Framework for Artwork Recognition and Storytelling,” focused on using AI to bridge the gap between art and artificial intelligence over time, enhancing meaning through contextualization. She developed an AI-powered platform that allows users to upload a work of art and discover the style (e.g. Expressionism), the name of the artist, and a description of the artwork within an art historical context.
Irene commented on how her supervisor helped her fine-tune her ideas into a stronger project and offered continuous guidance throughout the process with weekly progress updates. After defending her thesis in January, she noted how the examiners did not just assess her work but guided her on what could be next.
Other Example Capstone Projects
Irene’s success is just one example of a completed OPIT Capstone project. Below are further examples of both successful projects and projects currently underway.
Elina delivered her Capstone project on predictive modeling of natural disasters using data science and machine learning techniques to analyze global trends in natural disasters and their relationships with climate change-related and socio-economic factors.
According to Elina: “This hands-on experience has reinforced my theoretical and practical abilities in data science and AI. I appreciate the versatility of these skills, which are valuable across many domains. This project has been challenging yet rewarding, showcasing the real-world impact of my academic learning and the interdisciplinary nature of data science and AI.”
For his Capstone project, Musa worked on finding the optimal pipeline to fine-tune a language learning model (LLM) based on the specific language and model, considering EU laws on technological topics such as GDPR, DSA, DME, and the AI Act, which are translated into several languages.
Musa stated: “This Capstone project topic aligns perfectly with my initial interests when applying to OPIT. I am deeply committed to developing a pipeline in the field of EU law, an area that has not been extensively explored yet.”
Tamas worked with industry partner Solergy on his Capstone project, working with generative AI to supercharge lead generation, boost SEO performance, and deliver data-driven marketing insights in the realm of renewable energy.
OPIT’s Master’s Courses
All of OPIT’s master’s courses include a final Capstone project to be completed over one 13-week term in the 90 ECTS program and over two terms in the 120 ECTS program.
The MSc in Digital Business and Innovation is designed for professionals who want to drive digital innovation in both established companies and new digital-native contexts. It covers digital business foundations and the applications of new technologies in business contexts. It emphasizes the use of AI to drive innovation and covers digital entrepreneurship, digital product management, and growth hacking.
The MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence combines technical expertise with a focus on the ethical implications of modern AI. It focuses on real-world applications in areas like natural language processing and industry automation, with a focus on sustainable AI systems and environmental impact.
The MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity prepares students to fulfill the market need for versatile cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing hands-on experience and soft-skills development.
The MSc in Applied Data Science and AI focuses on the intersection between management and technology. It covers the underlying fundamentals, methodologies and tools needed to solve real-life business problems that can be approached using data science and AI.

In May 2025, Greta Maiocchi, Head of Marketing and Administration at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), went online with Stefania Tabi, OPIT Career Services Counselor, to discuss how OPIT helps students translate their studies into a career.
You can access OPIT Career Services throughout your course of study to help with making the transition from student to professional. Stefania specifically discussed what companies and businesses are looking for and how OPIT Career Services can help you stand out and find a desirable career with your degree.
What Companies Want
OPIT degrees are tailored to a wide range of individuals, with bachelor’s degrees for those looking to establish a career and master’s degrees for experienced professionals hoping to elevate their skills to meet the current market demand.
OPIT’s degrees establish the foundation of the key technological skills that are set to reshape industries shortly, in particular artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Stefania shared how companies recruiting tech talent are looking for three types of skills:
- Builders – These are the superstars of the industry today, capable of developing the technologies that will transform the industry. These roles include AI engineers, cloud architects, and web developers.
- Protectors – Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $10.5 trillion by the end of 2025, which means companies place a high value on cybersecurity professionals capable of protecting their investment, data, and intellectual property (IP).
- Decoders – Industry is producing more data than ever before, with global data storage projected to exceed 200 zettabytes this year. Businesses seek professionals who can extract value from that data, such as data scientists and data strategists.
Growing Demand
Stefania also shared statistics about the growing demand for these roles. According to the World Economic Forum, there will be a 30-35% greater demand for roles such as data analysts and scientists, big data specialists, business intelligence analysts, data engineers, and database and network professionals by 2027.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, meanwhile, predicts that by 2032, the demand for information security will increase by 33.8%, by 21.5% for software developers, by 10.4% for computer network architects, and by 9.9% for computer system analysts. Finally, the McKinsey Global Institute predicts a similar 15-25% increase in demand for technology professionals in the business services sector.
How Career Support Makes a Difference
Next, Stefania explained that while learning essential skills is vital to accessing this growing job market, high demand does not guarantee entry. Today, professionals looking for jobs in the technology field must stand out from the hundreds of applicants for each position with high-level skills.
Applicants demonstrate technical expertise in relevant fields by completing OPIT’s courses. They also need to prove that they can deliver results, demonstrating not just what they know but how they have applied what they know to transform or benefit a business. Professionals also need adaptability, adaptive problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. OPIT’s final Capstone projects can be an excellent way to demonstrate the value of newly acquired skills.
Each OPIT program prepares students for future careers by providing dedicated support and academic guidance at every step.
What Kind of Support Does Career Services Offer?
Career Services is specifically focused on assisting students in making the transition to the job market, and you can make an appointment with them at any time during your studies. Stefania gave some specific examples of how Career Services can support students on their journey into the career market.
Stefania said she begins by talking with students and discussing what they truly value to help them discover the type of career that aligns with their strengths. With students who are still undecided on how to start to build their careers, she helps them craft a tailored job and internship search plan.
Stefania has also worked with students who want to stand out during the job application process among the hundreds of applicants. This includes hands-on help in reframing resumes, tailoring LinkedIn profiles, and developing cover letters that tell a unique story.
Finally, Stefania has assisted students in preparing for interviews, helping them research the company, develop intelligent questions about the role to ask the interviewer and engage in mock interviews with an experienced recruiter.
Connecting With Employers
OPIT Career Services also offers students exposure to a wide range of employers and the opportunity to build relationships through masterclasses, career talks, and industry roundtables. The office also helps students build career-ready skills through interactive, hands-on workshops and hosts virtual career fairs with top recruiters.
Career Services also plays an integral role in connecting students with companies for their Capstone project in the final phase of their master’s program. So far, students have worked with companies including Sintica, Cosmica, Cisco, PayPal, Morgan Stanley, AWS, Dylog, and Accenture. Projects have included developing predictive modeling for natural disasters and fine-tuning AI to answer questions about EU tech laws in multiple languages.
What Kinds of Jobs Have OPIT Graduates Secured?
Stefania capped off her talk by sharing some of the positions that OPIT graduates have now fulfilled, including:
- Chief Information Security Officer at MOMO for MTN mobile services in Nigeria
- Data Analyst at ISX Financial in Cyprus
- Head of Sustainability Office at Banca Popolare di Sondrio in Italy
- Data Analyst at Numisma Group in Cyprus
- Senior Software Engineer at Neaform in Italy
OPIT Courses
OPIT offers both foundational bachelor’s degrees and advanced master’s courses, which are both accessible with any bachelor’s degree (it does not have to be in the field of computer science).
Choose between a BSc in Modern Computer Science for a strong technical base or a BSc in Digital Business to focus on applications.
Meanwhile, courses that involve a final Capstone project include an MSc in Applied Data Science and AI, Digital Business and Innovation, Enterprise Cybersecurity, and Responsible Artificial Intelligence.
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