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Why this programme?

Artificial Intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence master’s programme focuses on the development and application of computer systems that simulate human intelligence, learning, reasoning and collaboration. These systems are used to solve challenging problems in today's world.

Programme topics

The master's programme covers the following research topics:

  • data mining to explore relations in datasets

  • multi-agent systems of collaborating autonomous intelligent systems
  • situated agents, such as robots, that can operate in environments using uncertain observations
  • formal techniques for reasoning in agents
  • intelligent techniques for playing and solving board games and controlling virtual characters in commercial video games
  • extracting interesting and non-trivial information and knowledge from unstructured text
  • machine learning to find patterns and make predictions in and about data

High impact on society

Artificial intelligence has a high impact on society. It plays a key role in some of the technological applications that have become indispensible to us. These applications include data mining (e.g. detection of fraudulent credit card transactions), automated trading software in real markets, interactive computer games, intelligent network routing on the internet, robotic space exploration, sensor networks for medical applications and many more. This master’s programme teaches you to become an artificial intelligence expert who is capable of dealing with both current and future challenges in this highly challenging field.

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Is it for me?

You'll need to:

  • have a background in knowledge engineering, artificial intelligence, computer science and applied mathematics 
  • be fascinated by the use of intelligent computer systems for complex applications

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.

Project examples
Projects are based on recent research, or mirror real-life situations like those in companies and organisations, for example in healthcare, IT and logistics. At the end of each project you deliver a functional product and present your findings to your fellow students and the teachers. Examples of projects tackled by Department of Advanced Computing Sciences students are:

  • Vehicle routing problem: How can we maximize profit and minimize travel costs in a graph with dynamic prizes and distances, in both a single and a multi-player setting?
  • Develop an intelligent game playing agent that is able to successfully play a complex game autonomously and without human intervention
  • Create a cooperative two-member robot team capable of some basic functions using the humanoid Nao robot-platform in a soccer-game context

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Vakken en curriculum

Student research and master’s projects

Did you know that around 30% of our master's students publishes their work in academic journals and at top-tier research conferences? Project work, theses, internships and honours projects often find their way into scientific literature, and our students frequently travel to present their work.

Here's a few recent examples:

  • As a master's student Artificial Intelligence, Lianne published her internship work with the IEEE Conference on Games. She travelled to London to give a presentation. Read more about Lianne's work and her research internship.
  • Five master’s students of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for Decision Making programmes tackled AI models and looked into ways of making them interpretable. You can read the write-up of their problem statement and results in this blog.
  • Do you want to know more about project-centred learning? The student projects blog collects a selection of layman's write-ups, which is one of the tasks you're asked to complete for the projects. It features bachelor’s theses and master's projects.

Specialisation in Quantum Computing

Researcher working on a quantum computer

Quantum computing is a real buzz in computing science and beyond. Although quantum computing hardware is still in its infancy, scientists, companies and governments want to be ready for the real thing.

If you want to prepare for the advantages quantum computers may offer in computing, and specifically in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, then Maastricht University is the place to be. We are the only Dutch university offering a specialisation in Quantum Computing as part of Data Science for Decision Making and Artificial Intelligence master’s programmes. If you finish your specialisation successfully, it will be mentioned on your master’s diploma.

Read more about the specialisation

Custom-made programme

In this programme, you'll have plenty of opportunity to concentrate on specific areas of interest and specialise in a particular field. In the first year, you start by following a number of core courses which are complemented with two (semester long) projects. These projects allow you to apply your knowledge to real-life problems. From the first year, second semester onwards, you will be able to pursue your own interests by combining our core courses with a number of elective courses. In the second year of the master’s programme you can specialize in specific topics and profiles, enabling you to fit your personal needs and build towards your future perspective. You can participate in internships within a company, go on an international exchange semester at one of our partner universities or follow courses from other master’s programmes at Maastricht University. The final semester will be fully spent working on your thesis.

For more detailed information about the programme, visit the courses & curriculum page

Our differences are our greatest strength

Maastricht University is focused the development of its International Classroom, a place where our differences become our strengths. From day 1, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over Europe and the world. Your preconceptions and worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching students not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. Roughly half of all the students at Maastricht University come from outside the Netherlands. Such diversity creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by the international orientation of the programme.

Internships

At the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, we consider internships an indispensable experience. Internships give you practical experience that enhances your studies and increases your employability. Many graduates often end up working at the organisation where they intern. You'll therefore be able to do a 6-month intership in the first semester of your second year. 

Spend a semester abroad

Imagine visiting Hong Kong, or taking a long-weekend hike outside Reykjavik, all while studying at one of the top universities in the world. The Artificial Intelligence programme has exchange partner institutions in Asia, North America and Europe. Students return having had the experience of a lifetime: travelling the world, meeting new friends, learning about different cultures, and working to complete their studies.

Thesis

In the second semester of the second year, you write your master’s thesis on a topic of your interest, under the supervision of one of the academic staff members. You can choose to write your master’s thesis at Maastricht University, at a company of your choice or at one of the academic partners of the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences.

PREMIUM honours programme

PREMIUM honours programme

PREMIUM is our Honours programme for high-performing master’s students. If selected, you will work in an interdisciplinary team on a project for a real client from the public or private sector (e.g. Cisco, DHL, EcoAct). Along with guidance from a project mentor, you will receive individual coaching focused on your personal and professional development. You will also attend several workshops and events designed to cultivate valuable knowledge and skills, as well as build a network that provides you with the best preparation possible for the job market.

Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?

 More about PREMIUM  

Learn to design and create intelligent systems Apply now!

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