USI Università della Svizzera italiana
Master in Data Science
Lugano, Switzerland
MSc
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
CHF 4,000 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* 30/04/26 for non-EU/EFTA; 30/06/26 for EU/EFTA
** applicants whose official residence was in Switzerland or Liechtenstein at the time of the final high school exam - Maturità - pay a reduced semester fee of CHF 2,000 per semester
Key Summary
he Master in Data Science (MDS) at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) offers students the opportunity to acquire an in-depth understanding and a solid set of skills in data science, including statistical modelling, machine learning, and high-performance computing. It provides an innovative combination of methodological and applied competencies that prepare students to operate at the forefront of modern data-driven research and industry.
The MDS fosters a synergistic advancement of all components of data and computational sciences. Students will learn to design and implement novel data-driven models, algorithms, and software systems, and to harness emerging computing architectures for large-scale data analysis and simulation. It trains students to combine mathematical insight, algorithmic innovation, and computing power to extract knowledge from complex systems and to address challenges in science, technology, and society.
A dedicated track in High-Performance Computing allows students to specialize in scalable algorithms, numerical simulation, and advanced computing methods for large-scale data and model integration.
Awarded degree
Master of Science in Data Science.
Please check out the university website and find out more about our scholarships.
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Structure and contents
The Master in Data Science (MDS) program is an exciting new approach to understanding complex systems in a broad range of knowledge areas, including the natural and physical sciences, the social sciences, the life sciences, management science and medical science. By integrating computer simulation, mathematical modelling, and data analysis, recent developments in computational science are making possible what was unthinkable only a few years ago. Problems that are inaccessible to traditional experimental and empirical methods can now be addressed thanks to new techniques in algorithmic modelling and the increasing speed of modern computers.
The MDS program combines courses from computer science, mathematics, statistics, and data analysis to build application-oriented competencies in simulation science and data science. Students enrolled in the MDS program acquire valuable and much sought-after analytical skills through direct involvement in modelling projects addressing a wide range of real-world problems spanning many interdisciplinary applications.
The program introduces students to the university's blend of innovative scientific research and real-world applications, thus providing an excellent foundation for a career in industry and science. Students may emphasize numerical software, mathematical modelling, deterministic and probabilistic theory, computer simulation, or data science. Our graduates are ready to pursue professional careers in research, engineering, scientific computing, data science, data and business analytics, computational medicine, and information systems.
For the master's thesis, students can participate in ongoing research projects at the Institute of Computing at the Faculty of Informatics or the Euler Institute. Topics include, e.g., Statistical Computing, High-Performance Computing, Multiscale Modelling, Computational Engineering, Optimization, High-Dimensional Data Analysis and Computational Finance. Interested students will also be given the possibility to participate in ongoing research projects. Elective courses and the master thesis allow students to tailor their learning experience to their individual interests and professional objectives while creating innovative combinations of knowledge across multiple disciplines.
Master of Science in Data Science
Career Prospects
Career opportunities for computational scientists are continuously expanding and changing. The future is very promising for graduates with in-depth knowledge and understanding of mathematical modelling and computer systems. The advanced technical and problem-solving skills developed by our graduates are highly valued by employers. In addition, successful completion of the MCS also provides preferential access to the PhD. programme at the USI Faculty of Informatics offered at the Università della Svizzera italiana.
The MCS programme is directed by Prof. Ernst Wit and Prof. Olaf Schenk at the Institute of Computing (CI, Faculty of Informatics), a central node in a network of advanced research institutions. Besides strong international connections, this network includes other Swiss universities such as ETH. In Ticino, other nodes of this network include the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA) focusing on machine learning, intelligent decision support systems and bio-inspired systems, the Euler Institute focused on mathematical modelling of complex systems, and the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS), home of one of the fastest supercomputers in the world; This network with global reach provides students with access to some of the most active and exciting career opportunities open today in the world of research and industry.
In Computational Science and the emerging field of Data Science, USI offers:
- Competence.
The Institute of Computing in Switzerland with research in various related disciplines of simulation and data sciences - Industrial collaborations.
Industrial collaborations with established national and international companies - Practical experience.
Student research projects in research groups and companies - Direct and individual support.
National and international summer schools, mentoring, small classes, small tutorial groups, student advisory - Interdisciplinary skills.
Teamwork, presentation techniques, management and personality training, access to university courses spanning multiple disciplines in other faculties, career services - Lugano as a versatile place of study.
Many possibilities for cultural, sporting and leisure activities - Excellent career perspectives.
Due to a shortage of skilled personnel in the field of information technology in simulation and data sciences
Employability Data
- Employed 100%
- Average Time to Job 2.2 months
(56% within 3 months: 39% before graduation)