Advanced Analytics for a Better World

Apply mathematical optimisation and machine learning for better decision making. Model relevant societal problems into the framework of optimisation and machine learning and solve them in small teams.

Data Science Methods

Understand fundamental methods used in data science. We also help you develop the skills to apply these methods to economic and econometric data sets.

Machine Learning and Optimisation

Understand the interaction between machine learning and optimisation at an advanced level. Develop the skills to deal with large datasets in order to solve complex global business issues.

Privacy, AI, Law & Ethics

Understand EU personal data protection (privacy) legislation. Put your insights into practice through in-class assignments: an assessment of a hypothetical project that deals with issues like a new app or AI-system that involves the processing of personal (sensitive) data.

Applied AI Research Seminar

Apply deep learning techniques for computer vision, information retrieval and multimedia. Use the knowledge from this and previous courses to address a relevant business or societal challenge. The challenges are provided by our governmental and corporate partners in the Amsterdam Data Science network, such as the City of Amsterdam.

Reinforcement and Deep Learning

Understand the exploration/exploitation trade-off via the study of multi-armed bandits and of Markov Decision Processes. Implement various reinforcement algorithms (Monte Carlo & temporal-difference) for more complex problems.

Advanced Econometrics for DSBA

Understand advanced econometric methods relevant for the empirical analysis of both predictive and causal relations in business. Interpret estimation and testing results and how to build a satisfactory empirical model. Practical experience is gained by applying regression analysis to economic, marketing and financial data.

You can choose from a selection of electives from both the Amsterdam School of Economics and the Amsterdam Business School to tailor the programme to your interests:

• FinTech: Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies & Smart Contracts - gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying concepts, methodologies and application domains.
• Advanced People Analytics - identify relevant managerial questions and how to answer them using people-related data with appropriate methods.
• Economic and Financial Network Analysis - learn about network theory, simulation and empirics from both an economic and data science point of view.
• Machine Learning in Finance - study and apply advanced machine learning techniques suitable for the context of financial time series and option price data.
• Advanced Marketing Analytics - solve marketing-related problems using consumer and/or firm-level data.
• Trustworthy AI for Business & Society – understand and apply algorithms devised for explainable machine learning and data privacy.

The Master’s thesis is the final requirement before you can graduate. It is often combined with an internship at a company, institution, public sector agency or semi-governmental organisation. This is your chance to dive deep into a new development or idea that you are enthusiastic about. When writing your thesis, you have the chance to explore it fully while simultaneously training your ability to independently conduct relevant research. You will be awarded the title Master of Science (MSc) upon graduation.

If you are a student of the Master Data Science and Business Analytics and you have a record of academic excellence, a critical mind and an enthusiasm for applied research, then our Honours programme is a great opportunity for you.