Are you curious about how computers recognize patterns, understand language, or collaborate to solve problems? How AI systems adapt to new situations and make decisions? The Master's programme in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Groningen provides a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of AI, preparing you to explore these questions in depth.
2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.
For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/66981
| Programme options |
|---|
| Machine Learning (specialization) Focuses on developing algorithms that allow computers to learn from and make decisions based on data.. Courses include Deep Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning Practical, and Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning. |
| Hybrid Intelligence (specialization) Integrates human and machine intelligence to create systems that leverage the strengths of both.. Courses focus on areas like Advanced Hybrid Intelligence, Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence, and Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces. |
| Robotics (specialization) Combines AI with robotics to create intelligent systems capable of performing tasks autonomously.. Courses include Cognitive Robotics, Control Methods for Robotics, and Human-Robot Interaction for Social Robots. |
| Multi-Agent Systems (specialization) Studies systems where multiple autonomous entities (agents) interact, collaborate, or compete. Courses cover topics like Arguing Agents, Collective Intelligence, and Computational Game Theory. |
| AI Engineering (specialization) Emphasizes the practical aspects of AI development, including system design, implementation, and deployment.. Courses offered include Cloud Computing and Cloud-based Applications, Machine Learning Systems Deployment and Operations, and Scalable Computing. |
| Science, Business & Policy Track (track) The Science, Business & Policy Track is an optional component of the programme. It combines advanced coursework in Artificial Intelligence with practical training focused on real-world impact.. Through a six-month internship in business, government, consultancy, or non-profit sectors, you'll gain hands-on experience and build professional networks. This track is ideal if you want to apply your AI expertise beyond academia and help bridge the gap between science, society, and policy. |
Exchange is possible, for example as part of your Master thesis. All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
This Master's degree programme has a selection procedure; read the information below. An academic Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence or a related field including the following key subjects: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Programming, Machine Learning, Advanced Logic, Neural Networks, Research Methodology Skills. The Admission Board determines whether the specific contents of courses meet the admission requirements of the Master programme. Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students with a Dutch BSc degree (academic or HBO) is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission |
| other admission requirements |
The Artificial Intelligence Master programme is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation. After you have registered via www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission (before May 1st), your application will be reviewed by the Board of Admissions of the programme. BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Astronomy | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Physics | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Data Science & Society | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Biomedical Engineering | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Econometrics and Operations Research | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Information Science | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Bewegingswetenschappen | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Applied Physics | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Applied Mathematics | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Computing Science | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Mathematics | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Psychologie (NL) | University of Groningen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Information Studies | Utrecht University | Via a pre-master |
| Information Science | Utrecht University | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Computer Science | Utrecht University | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Information Studies | Tilburg University | Via a pre-master |
| Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Information Science | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Computing Science | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Cognition, Language and Communication | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Leiden University | Additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Maastricht University | Additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:This Master's degree programme is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure. |
The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
Please fill out this checklist and provide the requested documents:
Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Do not wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision no later than:
Application – Decision:
1 December – 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May – 15 June
This means that an applicant must both meet the admission requirements and successfully complete a selection procedure in order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
This Master's degree programme has a selection procedure; read the information below. An academic Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence or a related field including the following key subjects: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Advanced Programming, Machine Learning, Advanced Logic, Neural Networks, Research Methodology Skills. The Admission Board determines whether the specific contents of courses meet the admission requirements of the Master programme. |
| language test |
MAKE SURE TO VISIT http://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores. |
| other admission requirements |
The Artificial Intelligence Master programme is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation. After you have registered (before May 1st), your application will be reviewed by the Board of Admissions of the programme. BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.
|
This programme has a selection procedure, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to to the programme.
Please fill out this checklist and provide the requested documents:
Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Do not wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision no later than:
Application – Decision:
1 December – 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May – 15 June
This means that an applicant must both meet the admission requirements and successfully complete a selection procedure in order to be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
Once you have obtained your Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, you can apply your research & development skills in workplaces such as air traffic and space labs, to ensure that intelligent and innovative technologies are included in the design process. You could also opt for a research role, either at a university (PhD study) or a research institute like Applied Scientific Research (TNO).
This Master's programme excels thanks to its dedicated staff, who are experienced in investigating and teaching across the full breadth of AI. As a result, students interested in machine learning, logic, and cognition – in any hybrid combination that is so essential for future innovations in AI – will feel at home with us.
Where do graduated master's AI students work at the moment? Bram Wiggers and Daniëlle Metz both graduated recently from this programme.
Bram works for a start-up where he uses AI techniques to reduce the energy usage of data centers. Next to that, he started a company to give workshops on neural networks.
Daniëlle Metz works for a Data Consultancy where she applies the problem-solving and group project skills she learned in the AI Master to do Data Science, Data Engineering, and even Data Governance at several companies in the Financial Sector.
Most of the teachers in the Master's programme also participate as researchers in the research institute Bernoulli. The content of the courses taught are closely linked to the research themes of the teachers.
The mission of the Bernoulli Institute is to perform outstanding academic research and teaching in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence, and to maintain international leadership herein; to foster these disciplines as a living body of knowledge, and to make it relevant to society in its broadest sense. The symbiosis between pure and applied science, and between mono- and multidisciplinary research and teaching, is a distinguishing characteristic of our institute. As an important part of this mission we aim to transfer our results to other areas of science and technology, and initiate and expand inter- and multi-disciplinary research collaborations.
The following research groups within the institute focus on Artificial Intelligence:
