Calendar
Admission requirements
Documents
The Academic Committee is in charge of the admission decisions of the candidates. The criteria are: Academic Information (50%), Background and professional experience (40%) and Motivation (10%).
The criteria details follow:
Academic Information
- Final average grade for the undergraduate degree that provides access to the master's degree
- Ranking of the university issuing the previous degree, using the most common rankings (e.g. ARWU, QS World University, etc.)
- Academic performance on the previous degree
Background and professional experience
- Suitability of the candidate's previous degree. Holders of bachelor's degrees in disciplines in the field of Computer Science will be given preference
- Experience in innovation and research projects
- Additional university degrees
Motivation
- Candidate's resume and motivation letter
The Academic Committee is in charge of the admission decisions of the candidates. The criteria are: Academic Information (50%), Background and professional experience (40%) and Motivation (10%).
The criteria details follow:
Academic Information
- Final average grade for the undergraduate degree that provides access to the master's degree
- Ranking of the university issuing the previous degree, using the most common rankings (e.g. ARWU, QS World University, etc.)
- Academic performance on the previous degree
Background and professional experience
- Suitability of the candidate's previous degree. Holders of bachelor's degrees in disciplines in the field of Computer Science will be given preference
- Experience in innovation and research projects
- Additional university degrees
Motivation
Candidates's resume and motivation letter
The Academic Committee is in charge of the admission decisions of the candidates. The criteria are: Academic Information (50%), Background and professional experience (40%) and Motivation (10%).
The criteria details follow:
Academic Information
- Final average grade for the undergraduate degree that provides access to the master's degree
- Ranking of the university issuing the previous degree, using the most common rankings (e.g. ARWU, QS World University, etc.)
- Academic performance on the previous degree
Background and professional experience
- Suitability of the candidate's previous degree. Holders of bachelor's degrees in disciplines in the field of Computer Science and Mathematics will be given preference, but candidates from other disciplines are welcome
- Experience in innovation and research projects
- Additional university degrees
Motivation
- Candidate's resume and motivation letter
The Academic Committee is in charge of the admission of the candidates. The criteria are: Academic Transcripts (60%), Relevance of the Bachelor (20%), Background and professional experience (5%) and Motivation Letter (15%).
Expected Applicant Profile
For a successful development of the studies leading to the title of Master's Degree in Data Science taught at UPC, the admission profile must correspond to the following personal and academic characteristics:
Technical Competences
- Knowledge in algorithmics, data structures, programming and databases equivalent to, at least, that of a degree with a minor in Computer Science.
- Knowledge in algebra, calculus and statistics equivalent to the fundamental knowledge obtained in Computer Science, or in the first years of the main degrees of Engineering.
- Comprehension, oral and written expression in English (B2 level or equivalent).
Abilities
- Aptitude for study and organize your learning.
- Advanced skills for logical reasoning and problem solving.
Capabilities
- Ability to analyse and synthesise information.
- Ability to argue, reason and express ideas.
Attitudes
- Organised, curious, enterprising person willing to apply knowledge to real situations.
- Creative and innovative capacity in front of the evolution of technological advances.
- Interest in Information and Communication Technologies.
Recommended Bachelor Degrees
Since Data Science sits in the confluence of Computer Science and Mathematics, the main recommended entry profiles are:
- Students with a degree in Computer Science.
- Students with a degree in Mathematics.
However, there are several other degrees that would allow to successfully pursue a master's degree in Data Science. Specifically, any degree that guarantees a solid knowledge in the Computer Science and Mathematical technical competences previously mentioned. For reference, the following degrees typically meet the expected technical competences:
- Students with a degree in Physics or equivalent.
- Students with a degree in Statistics or equivalent.
- Students with a degree in Telecommunication Sciences and Technologies, Telecommunication Technology and Services Engineering, Electronic Telecommunication Engineering or equivalent.
- Students with a degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
- Students with a degree in Engineering in Industrial Technologies, Industrial Electronics and Automation or equivalent.
Given the diversity of degrees in these areas, and since this master's degree does not consider training complements, the academic committee will check the bachelor syllabus of the applicant and assess whether the study plan followed adequately covers the Mathematics and Computer Science technical skills required in order to be admitted.
Admission Calendar, September 2026
The admission period to start the Master programme in September 2026, is open from 25 February to 29 May 2026.
The admission period is divided into two periods:
1st period. From 25 February to 17 April. The decision on applications will be announced no later than 30 April.
2nd period. From 20 April to 29 May. The decision on applications will be announced no later than 16 June.
The decision may be that the candidate has been admitted, or that the candidate has been rejected or, in the case of the 1st period, that the decision has been postponed until the following period.
The notification from 16 June will include a waiting list with all the candidates whose position in the candidates list is higher than the number of places offered in the Master. The list will be ordered by candidates access mark. The candidates in that list can become admitted if some of the candidates firstly admitted decide to give up their seat.
Admitted candidates must accept their admission and confirm it with the payment of the allocation fee should be done before the date indicated in the admission message. After that day, we will understand that they give up their seat, so their admission will be revoked and the place assigned to the following candidate on the waiting list.
The official list of accepted candidates will be published on July 2026 on the FIB website, in the "Enrolment" section of each Master programme.
Admission requirements
To apply to our programmes, please ensure you meet the following criteria:
Academic Degree. You must hold a Bachelor’s degree that qualifies you for Master’s level studies. Review academic requirements.
Language proficiency. This requirement is specific to each master's degree.
- For MAI, MIRI and MDS programmes: English Proficiency: A B2 level (CEFR) is mandatory.
- For MEI programme: Spanish or Catalan proficiency: A B2 level (CEFR) is mandatory.
Certificates to prove your language proficiency
English certificates
- One of the certificates included in the table (in Catalan language) published with the decree REU/2197/2024 issued by the Ministry of Research and Universities of the Catalan Government.
Spanish certificates
- the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE), awarded by the Instituto Cervantes.
- the SIELE Global Certificate, awarded by the Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española (SIELE).
Catalan certificates
- the B2 level may be demonstrated with the Certificat de Nivell Intermedi awarded by the Institut Ramon Llull.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae.
- DNI, NIE or passport.
- Academic Personal Certificate. The certificate must detail the number of hours and credits studied and must include the grade awarded for each subject. This certificate also must contain information on the mark scheme and how grades are awarded.
- Diploma (or similar document). This document must confirm that the duration of the degree was at least three years and that is it a valid precursor to studies at postgraduate level (master’s degree) in that country. If that is not possible, it must indicate the level of higher education that the degree gives access to in the country where it was awarded.
- Language knowledge certificate (minimum B2 of Common European Framework of Reference).
- If the applicant holds other qualifications related to the subject area of the Master’s Degree course applied for and that are different from those given to meet entrance requirements, it is necessary to include the original certificates and copy (or official copy) with the application.
- If the degree that gives access to the master was obtained in a foreign country, official statement of equivalence of the average grade obtained.
- Motivation letter of at most two pages containing a brief description of your trajectory, academic interests and reasons for applying to this specific Master. Please detail also your career objectives.
Specific Country requirements
- Pakistan: All the academic documents issued by Pakistani institutions must be attached together with the electronic validation of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC).
- China: All the academic documents issued by Chinese institutions must be attached together with the China Credentials Verification of the Center for Student Services and Development (CSSD).
Translation and legalisation
According to Spanish legalisation, at the time of enrolment,
- All documents issued outside Spain or in non-Spanish-speaking countries must be translated into Spanish or Catalan.
- All documents issued in countries outside the European Union must be diplomatically legalised or bear the appropriate apostille. More information on the translation and legalisation of documents.