About this programme
Master in Data Science is a Master's Degree programme at University of Oslo in Oslo, taught in English. It runs for 2 years and carries 120 ECTS credits. The register gives Oslo as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master. University of Oslo is a state university in Oslo.
How it compares
Master in Data Science is one of 4 English-taught Data Science programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 4 institutions. 2 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland, from NOK 176,300 to NOK 295,000; this programme lists NOK 295,000 a year. 3 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students. The same programme title is offered at 3 institutions, so compare the content, campus and requirements before you choose.
What you will study
What you study
Data Science is about pulling knowledge and insight out of data. At the University of Oslo the master's combines mathematics, statistics and informatics, so you work across disciplines rather than staying inside one.
The programme builds on statistics (probability theory, inference, machine learning) and computer science (algorithms, visualisation, databases), with general mathematics underneath. Modern data brings volume, variety and velocity: numbers, text and video, collected fast and needing processing. The tools exist, but knowing what they do and how to adapt them to a specific problem takes methodological depth across the whole data science chain, from defining the problem through extraction and preprocessing to analysis and presenting results.
You choose one of five specialisations:
- Statistics and Machine Learning
- Database Integration and Semantic Web
- Data Science and Life Science
- Language Technology
- Digital Image Processing
The programme covers both breadth and specialisation. Master's thesis projects are tied to real problems in industry, the public sector and other scientific fields, channelled through the research-based innovation centres BigInsight and Sirius and through contacts inside and outside the university.
Admission, language and next steps
Everything is taught in English, and the degree is a Master of Science worth 120 ECTS over two years in Oslo. The semester opens with a joint meeting for all new students, with practical information and a welcome from those responsible for the programme. Attendance at that welcome meeting is mandatory.
If you are academically ambitious, you can add an honours certificate of 20 credits alongside the master's. Exchange is possible through the university's key agreements, preferably in the second or third semester, or you can spend time abroad while working on the thesis.
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland are normally exempt from tuition fees at state institutions. Other degree students normally pay a fee set by the institution. Entry requirements, deadlines and the application system are set by the University of Oslo, so check the programme page for the exact details before you apply.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Doctoral research (PhD) at the University of Oslo or a university abroad, for students with very good academic results
- Roles in technology companies and institutions in Norway linked to master's thesis projects
- Private sector data and analysis work
- Public sector data and analysis work
- Further work in the fields the programme names: medicine, finance, environment and social media
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to University of Oslo, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme. Deadlines are set by each institution for each programme, so confirm yours. Entry requirements and language tests are also set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, study permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Norway register, the official English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. "Not listed" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in Data Science taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Norway register, run by HK-dir, lists it as an English-taught programme at University of Oslo. Only English-taught degree programmes are included here.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study and 120 ECTS credits. Sixty ECTS credits are one academic year of full-time study.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Oslo as the campus town for this programme at University of Oslo.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through the national admission service (NUCAS). Study in Norway states that you need a bachelor’s degree comparable to a Norwegian bachelor’s degree (180 ECTS), including courses equal to at least one and a half years of full-time study relevant to the programme, and some programmes require a minimum grade average. University of Oslo publishes its requirements on the programme page.
When is the application deadline?
Each institution sets and publishes its own deadline for each programme, and the dates can differ between applicants from outside the EU/EEA, EU/EEA applicants and Nordic applicants. Confirm the date for your own situation on the programme page at University of Oslo.
What does it cost?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay NOK 295,000 a year, as University of Oslo lists it. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in NOK as the institution lists them. Every student also pays a semester fee of about NOK 1,000 to the student welfare organisation linked to the institution.
Do I need a permit to study there?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need a study permit from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI). UDI asks for proof of admission, housing and funds of NOK 15,488 a month or NOK 170,368 a year (2026/27), on top of any tuition fee. A study permit allows work of up to 20 hours a week during term and full time in the holidays. Students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland register with the police within three months of arrival instead.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Norway register at studyinnorway.no, the English-programme list run by HK-dir, the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. The programme page at University of Oslo is linked from this page so you can compare.
Same subject and level at other institutions
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