Why this programme?

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

As a bachelor’s student at Maastricht University, you will learn about Data Science and Artificial Intelligence by following classes and working on projects. You will study in an international environment with plenty of opportunities to excel during your studies.

Building bridges between theory and practice

In contrast to more traditional programmes teaching mathematics and computer programming, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence takes a targeted, practical and applied approach. You'll learn to build bridges between theory and practice and you’ll be able to apply solutions to data problems in a broad range of settings, such as logistics, robotics and medicine. You’ll use techniques from:

applied mathematics, including the practical application of major mathematical concepts, methods and techniques
programming, with an emphasis on software, programming, algorithms and logic

The programme will provide you with a broad basis in mathematics and programming, but it also includes courses on knowledge management, cognitive psychology, logic and the philosophy of science.

Project-Centered Learning

Our programme is designed around the Project-Centred Learning (PCL) teaching method. You work in small groups on complex and challenging projects, where you immediately apply what you have learned to real-life problems. This enables you to develop a variety of skills such as project management, writing, presenting and working in a team. We offer skill workshops to further develop these competences, which are also important for your future career.

Examples of student projects

Projects are based on recent research, or mirror real-life situations like those in companies and organisations. They can relate to healthcare, IT, logistics, or other fields. Recent examples of projects tackled by Data Science and Artificial Intelligence students are:

Baby echography: Students implement software that interprets ultrasound images and detects and highlights features, such as the head of the baby in the picture.

Edible Insects: Students implement an Artificial Intelligence tool that helps to find insect-based alternatives for ingredients that food manufacturers want to replace while preserving the same functionality in food.

Crazy Putting: Students invent a golf game simulator, including a course generator and a bot that uses as few shots as possible to beat the game.

Flight to Titan: Students simulate a space flight to Saturn’s moon, Titan. The simulated flight lands there and travels back home. Students design all flight phases under consideration of all physical laws.

Play It: Students implement a board game including an Artificial Intelligence opponent that can play the game against a human player.

Customer Service: Students implement a tool that detects the right time for companies to offer non-automated customer service (e.g. a chat), for instance when a customer browses through the company’s webpage looking for information.

Study in an international environment

The job market for data science and artificial intelligence experts is an international one, so chances are that you end up working overseas, or at an international company. This means you must be able to work with people from many different cultural backgrounds. Few places could be better situated for experiencing this than Maastricht. Students and staff come from all over Europe and the rest of the world, and Maastricht itself is at an international crossroads between the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Two-thirds of our students come from outside the Netherlands, and such diversity creates a strong international atmosphere.

Honours Programme for high potentials

Talented second and third year bachelor's students have the possibility to gain even more in-depth knowledge by completing their study programme with an additional honours programme. The Department of Advanced Computing Sciences Honours Programme consists of two possible tracks: a research-oriented track - MaRBLe 2.0 - and a practice-oriented track, KE@Work.

More about Department of Advanced Computing Sciences Honours Programmes

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Paula Gitu, bachelor's student Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

"Coming to Maastricht University was an unexpected decision - I was awarded a scholarship elsewhere, and only two steps were left before moving to Budapest when I decided to go here instead - but I never regretted it. Studying in such a lively, international and beautiful city, encountering so many interesting people, and working in groups at my faculty have made my stay very exciting so far! The professors are very accessible and seem dedicated to their programme and students. If you’re not sure about your decision yet, just take a leap of faith, and keep in mind that you can’t win if you don’t play."

Fabio Barbero, bachelor's student Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

"Being surrounded by motivated, fascinating students and welcoming staff is what makes the environment at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences so enjoyable. Professors are more than willing to answer all your questions and help you pursue your personal projects. As a fan of mathematics and computer science, for me this is the perfect programme to keep learning what I truly enjoy."

Katharina Schüller, lecturer

"Our educational model is 'Project-Centred Learning (PCL)', an interpretation of the university-wide Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. As the name PCL suggests, an essential part of education is a project that lasts a whole semester. In these projects, you work in small groups on applying the theoretical knowledge obtained in the courses. The advantage of that? You learn skills needed in your future career such as teamwork, communication and the ability to apply knowledge."

Pietro Bonizzi, associate professor/director of studies of the bachelor's programme

"Are you someone with a true interest in data science and artificial intelligence? Do you want to know how we can use these to make better decisions? Then our study programme will offer you a unique opportunity to learn how to combine these two fields to build algorithms and mathematical models. This will allow you to automate the transformation from raw data into useful information and knowledge."

Tessa Fox and Wendy Brandt, study advisors at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences

"Our advice for choosing a study programme? Look at the curriculum carefully. Does it match your interests? This is especially valuable advice for bachelor's students: there is a lot of mathematics and programming involved. It's important to realize that courses like Linear Algebra and Calculus form the basis for many other courses in the second and third year."