Information studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field, primarily concerned with the analysis, collection, classification, manipulation, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information.
Information studies tackles systemic problems first rather than individual pieces of technology within that system: it focuses on understanding information problems from the perspective of the stakeholders involved, and then applying technologies as needed. Not only aspects of computer science are incorporated, but also aspects of research fields like cognitive science, commerce, communications, management, philosophy, public policy, and the social sciences.
The Master's programme in Information Studies at the UvA offers two tracks, Data Science and Information Systems. In the one year Data Science Master's track, you will acquire knowledge of the theories and tools used in data science. We will teach you how to use these tools for working with data in different domains. The Information Systems track is designed to give you the tools to analyse and create systems for the supply, storage and communication of information. Information Systems is based on the intelligent communication between humans and information systems.