Master's Programme in Data Science – Image Analysis and Machine Learning

120 credits

Do you want to shape the visual intelligence of tomorrow’s machines? The Master's Programme in Data Science, with a specialisation in Image Analysis and Machine Learning, equips you with knowledge in pattern recognition, visual data processing, and artificial intelligence. You will develop the skills to address challenges across diverse fields such as medicine, life sciences, the humanities, robotics, astronomy, and materials science.

Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.

Autumn 2026 Autumn 2026, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

31 August 2026

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is:

80 credits in mathematics and computer science;
30 credits in mathematics including linear algebra, single variable calculus and statistics and probability;
30 credits in computer science including 10 credits in basic programming.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies, a curriculum vitae (CV) and a statement of purpose.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees

If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 75,000
Total tuition fee: SEK 300,000

About the programme

The Master's Programme in Data Science, specialising in Image Analysis and Machine Learning offers a comprehensive understanding of its two core disciplines – both in theory and in practice. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for roles such as software developer, researcher, or project manager.

The applications of your expertise are vast and impactful. You could help doctors plan patient-specific surgeries, support them in early detection and treatment of cancer or rare diseases, track environmental changes through satellite imagery, or assist historians and archaeologists in analysing extensive archives of historical documents.

During the programme you can expect to:

learn about modern image analysis techniques and their applications,
gain a robust and comprehensive understanding of machine learning from both a practical and theoretical perspective,
work near leading experts and researchers in the field.

Student profile

You have a solid theoretical foundation in computer science and mathematics, complemented by a strong interest in developing intelligent systems that can assist humans through efficient processing of visual data across a wide range of applications.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Data Science as the main field of study.

Content

The programme consists of three main parts.

Part 1

During the first semester you will study core courses, such as ethics, introduction to image analysis and machine learning, alongside students from the programme’s other two specialisations. Depending on your academic background, you will also have the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge foundation by taking complementary courses in computer science or mathematics.

Part 2

In the second semester, you will engage in advanced theoretical studies that build upon the foundational courses from the first semester. The curriculum includes deep learning – an advanced machine learning technique that plays a pivotal role in contemporary image processing and analysis. Additionally, you will explore a variety of digital imaging systems and gain insights into the principles and applications of computer graphics.

Part 3

Starting from the third semester, you will gain hands-on experience by applying your knowledge and skills to complex, real-world problems in fields that rely heavily on image analysis and machine learning, such as medicine and life sciences. A key component of this semester is a collaborative team project conducted in partnership with industry stakeholders, designed to strengthen a broad range of technical and interpersonal competences.

In the fourth semester, you will undertake an extensive degree project, which offers a valuable opportunity to apply your acquired expertise within a relevant context – whether in the industrial or healthcare sector, or within an academic research environment – addressing pressing societal challenges.

Courses within the programme

This is a new specialisation based on the previous Master’s programme in Image Analysis and Machine Learning. For a preliminary study plan with the courses within the programme, see the previous programme's outline.

Learning experience

Students are expected to participate and actively contribute to teaching sessions while also assuming responsibility for their own learning.

Instruction consists of lectures, practical assignments, seminars, and projects. A large part of the programme is spent studying on your own or in a study group outside the classroom, and as such, you must take a proactive role in structuring your studies. You are often encouraged to present your work and ideas and discuss different kinds of study material with your classmates, while the teacher supports the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.

All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions. For teamwork projects, you will complete the work together with your classmates outside the classroom. This way, you learn from each other, and you train to be a team player.

Courses will include exam forms such as written examinations, oral examinations, lab sessions and project assignments with group examinations, case studies and written assignments.

The programme is intimately tied to contemporary research, and the courses closely follow current developments in image analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

The language of instruction is English.

Career

Data scientists continue to enjoy strong demand in the labour market, both in Sweden and internationally. As automation and digitalisation accelerate across industries and society, the need for skilled professionals in data science is expected to grow even further. This makes data science one of the most sought-after qualifications today.

In Sweden, research institutions such as SciLifeLab and MAX IV generate vast amounts of data – particularly image data – that require advanced analytical expertise. As a graduate of this programme, you will be well-positioned to contribute to such cutting-edge research, or to pursue a career in industry with excellent employment prospects.

If you are interested in continuing your academic journey, the programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies. Uppsala University's Faculty of Science and Technology hosts several active research groups, and PhD positions in data science, computerised image processing, and related fields are regularly available.

Sweden’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, with around 80,000 new companies founded each year, also offers exciting opportunities for entrepreneurship. Whether you choose to join a startup, contribute to established industries, or pursue a research career, this programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.