Bachelor's in Data Science for Global Challenges


What to expect
Facts & figures- Technology, Climate, Nature
- Full-time
- 3 Years
- English & Dutch
- Wageningen
Is this bachelor's right for me?
Are you fascinated by programming, AI and smart algorithms, and do you want to make an impact with that? This unique bachelor’s programme, takes data science and AI to the next level. You’ll apply your data science and AI knowledge to global challenges, like understanding climate change, predicting diseases or helping to ensure there’s enough food for everyone. Make real impact with data in the bachelor's Data Science for Global Challenges.

Discover the bachelor’s Data Science for Global Challenges!
What makes this programme unique?

Making an impact with Data Science
In this unique study programme, you will apply scientific and technological knowledge about data to themes such as climate change, health, and food security.

Technology and data science for innovation
You will develop a strong foundation in data science and work with state-of-the-art tools to maximise your expertise. Our teachers will help you learn all about the latest developments in big data, AI and algorithms.

Programme available in Dutch or English
This programme has a dual language track. You can either choose the English or the Dutch track for the whole programme depending on your preference.

Building bridges
As a data scientist, you build bridges between different fields of expertise. For example, you might use image recognition algorithm to detect deforestation through satellite imagery, or apply big data to track how diseases spread more quickly.
What you will learn
In the Bachelor's in Data Science for Global Challenges, you will learn to transform data into valuable insights to address global social and scientific challenges. You will develop skills to analyse large amounts of data and apply it to nowaday problems.

You will learn
- You'll learn the foundations of Data Science, like programming, statistical data analysis, building models and working with different types of data.
- You'll use for example information from satellites and sensors to conduct research.
- You'll apply data-analysis techniques to tackle complex challenges.
- You'll work on real cases related to food security, climate change and human health.
- You'll bridge the gap between life sciences and data science as an expert and researcher in both fields.
Your courses
In the first year, you will get a broad foundation for this programme. It contains a mix of courses in the fields of life sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science and the integration of data science for global challenges.
In your second year, you'll become more advanced. You'll learn more advanced techniques in data science and artificial intelligence and also how to apply them in a responsible way.
Would you like to go abroad or choose you own courses? The first part of the third year you can choose your own courses in the elective or minor part. You decide what you'll study; this is the elective semester. Will you take a minor? Or will you choose your own electives, for example, at another university in the Netherlands or even abroad?
The second half of the year revolves around your final major project, where everything you've learned comes together. You'll apply data science in one of the global challenges.
During this degree, you’ll take various courses that include lectures, tutorials, practicals and self-study. Part of the programme also involves group work, helping you develop your skills in interdisciplinary collaboration.
In your third year, you can choose whether to broaden or deepen your knowledge with a minor. WUR offers nearly fifty different minors, but you can also choose a minor at another university in the Netherlands or even abroad. Your study advisor will help you make the best choice. View all available minors here.
At WUR, we believe in the power of personal guidance. That's why you'll receive more support from lecturers, study advisors, and supervisors here than at many other universities. This commitment not only helps you stay on track with your studies but also makes your time at university extra valuable and motivating.
This is a unique degree at WUR and therefore has no comparable alternative.
Students about this programme
2025
Starting year19
Number of first-years-
Atmosphere (Studiekeuze123)-
Contact & Engagement (Studiekeuze123)Life after this bachelor's
After completing your Bachelor's degree, you can progress to many different Master's programmes. These Master's programmes are a good fit:
- Master's in Data Science for Food and Health
- Master's in Bioinformatics
- Master's in Biosystems Engineering
- Master's in Geo-information Science
Another Wageningen Master's programme is also an option. In that case, in the third year of your Bachelor's programme, you choose electives that will allow you to easily enter your preferred Master's program. Your academic advisor will help you determine this route, ensuring you can start without delay. Pursuing a Master's degree at another university or abroad is often also possible, as your WUR Bachelor's degree is recognised worldwide. Read more on the Pre-master's page.
After completing your bachelor's degree, you can choose a master's programme. You are eligible for various master's programmes at Wageningen University & Research, such as Bioinformatics, Geo-information Science, Biosystems Engineering, and Data Science for Food & Health. Other fields of study are also possible once you have completed certain electives.
Depending on which master's programme you have completed, you can work as a data scientist, engineer, analyst, programmer, IT specialist, geo-data specialist, epidemiologist, or researcher.
What can you become with Data Science for Global Challenges?
Consider a job as:
- Data scientist
- AI Specialist
- Geo-data specialist
- Epidemiologist
- Consumer researcher
- Programmer
Student Career Services facilitates WUR students towards the labour market. If you need help in your orientation towards your future career.
Good to know
To be admitted to the Bachelor's Data Science for Global Challenges, you should have completed a relevant high school diploma in which you studied Mathematics and (Biology or Chemistry or Physics). You should be proficient in English.
Have a look at the Application & Admission page for starting at Wageningen University & Research and check whether your prior (international) education qualifies you for this bachelor's programme.
Are you a Dutch student? Switch the language to Dutch at the top of these pages to view the admission information that applies to you.
Studying involves certain costs. Curious about an overview of these costs? You can find all the information about the costs on this page.
Studying in Wageningen also means enjoying student life. Whether it's a sporting event, a party, or a laid-back evening with friends at one of the student associations, there's always something going on. Additionally, there are parks, forests, and a river nearby, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you're in the right area. Everything you need to know about student life in Wageningen can be found here.
Questions about this study?
Curious if the Bachelor's program in Data Science for Global Challenges is right for you? Let us know! Our smart search bar will get back to you quickly, and if you have any specific questions, you can contact your study advisor for personal consultation.
MM (Marga) van Voorthuizen-Timmerman, MSc
Studieadviseur
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