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Data Science for Global Challenges

Bachelor's 3 years Dutch
  • Climate
  • Food
  • Nature
  • Technology

Are you passionate about (big) data, AI, algorithms, and programming?  
Do you want to use data science to tackle real-world challenges?  
Then our new bachelor’s programme Data Science for Global Challenges, starting in September 2025, is made for you! 

In today’s world, data is a driving force—and its impact is only growing. During this programme, you’ll collaborate with top lecturers to develop innovative solutions for pressing global issues like food security, climate change, and healthcare.  
You’ll learn how to harness the power of data to create meaningful change and provide valuable insights for organisations worldwide. 

With a strong data science foundation and a focus on global issues, you’ll be ready to make a real difference. The world needs data experts like you—are you in?

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What will you study at Data Science for Global Challenges?

You will be trained as a ‘bridge builder’ between data science and life sciences using data to solve complex societal and scientific challenges worldwide.

As a data scientist, you analyse information from various sources and translate it into practically usable insights for research and businesses. In doing so, you contribute to solving the major challenges that our world faces.

This is how you develop skills in using satellite images and addressing challenges in food production, such as determining a sustainable footprint of food products.

Play the key role in predicting future trends using advanced techniques and algorithms.

Why this study?

  • In this unique program, you will apply your science and technology knowledge to climate, health, and food security.
  • You will build a strong foundation in data science and work with state-of-the-art tools to take your expertise to the next level.
  • This program is offered bilingually (Dutch/English), preparing you well for a global career.

Request a Brochure

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Year 1

In the first year you learn the broad data science basics (mathematics, statistics, computer science and data science) but also the basics of life sciences. Additionally, you learn the basics about applying this knowledge to better understand or solve global challenges in life sciences.

Year 2

The second year continues with life sciences and shifts towards more advanced data science and AI topics, and further integrating the domains. With the disciplinary grounding of the first year, the focus gradually shifts from understanding the domains and analysing problems to finding common ground and working on challenges and solutions.

Year 3

The first half of the third year allows students to broaden or deepen their scope by following a minor, choosing electives or partaking in an international exchange opportunity. The second half of the third year aims to integrate the different perspectives from the domains in an individual research project.

Study guidance

At WUR we find a personal supervision important. Study advisers and supervisors will help you during your studies to make informed choices e.g. about electives, thesis topic and continuation masters.

After completing your bachelor’s programme, you can opt for a master’s programme. You have direct access to a number of master’s programmes at Wageningen University & Research, such as  Bioinformatics, Geo-information Science, Biosystems Engineering en Data Science for Food & Health. There are also other master’s in Life Sciences possible if you have taken certain electives. 

Depending on your master’s choice, you can pursue a career as a data scientist, engineer, analyst, programmer, IT specialist, consultant, geo-data specialist, epidemiologist, or consumer researcher.

What can you become with Data Science for Global Challenges?

Think of jobs like:

  • Geo-data specialist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Consumer researcher
  • Data scientist
  • Programmer

Connecting master’s with Data Science for Global Challenges

Many students pursue a master’s after completing their bachelor’s, since it deepens knowledge and skills. The following master’s are a good fit:

There are also other suitable master’s programmes at Wageningen University. In the third year of your bachelor’s, you can choose optional courses that allow for an easy transition into the master’s programme of your choice. Your study adviser will assist you in your planning to ensure you can progress without delay. Pursuing a master’s at another university, either in the Netherlands or abroad, is often possible too, as your bachelor’s degree at Wageningen University is recognised worldwide.