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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Artificial Intelligence
Header image Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

What is intelligent behaviour? How do computers recognize faces and objects? In this programme, you will learn how to design and implement intelligent systems.

This Master's programme has a selection procedure. The application deadline is 1 May. For more information about the selection procedure, please check here .

These technologically advanced systems can perceive and respond to the world around them. Intelligent systems can take many forms, from facial recognition at security checks to automated vacuums and OpenAI's DALL-E that generate digital images from natural language descriptions. The Master's programme in Artificial Intelligence is made up of three core topics, reflected in three specializations: Computational Learning, Multi-Agent Systems, and Robotics.

Computational Learning
Automated translation between languages, face recognition, automated satellite image processing, or self-driving cars are all based on 'intelligent' computer algorithms. These algorithms are based on insights obtained in the cognitive and neurosciences on the one hand and are guided by fundamental principles of statistics, formal logic and dynamical systems theory on the other hand.

The courses taught in this specialization cover cornerstone topics of this interdisciplinary field, including machine learning, artificial neural networks and pattern recognition.

Robotics
A robot taking samples and collecting information on the moon is an example of an autonomous system. It operates and carries out missions independently. Regardless of its surroundings, it responds with a certain intelligence. While traditional AI focuses on cognition and reasoning as isolated abilities, we strongly believe in perception as an active behaviour, which is integrated into general cognition.

The courses taught in the area of cognitive robotics are related to research in social/domestic robotics, human-robot interaction, and how robots can extend their knowledge over time by interacting with non-expert users.

Multi-Agent Systems
When a team of robots play football they have to communicate and cooperate with each other. This is an example of multiple agents acting concurrently; a multi-agent system. When designing these systems, techniques from computing science and logic are combined with knowledge about the interaction amongst humans and animals.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Artificial Intelligence
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
66981
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Be part of a selective programme with excellent reviews
  • Challenging graduation projects
  • Our faculty is the home of the 2016 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Ben Feringa, and the Nobel Prize winner in Physics, Frits Zernike
Programme

Curriculum

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

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage.
Programme options
Computational Learning (specialization)
Robotics (specialization)
Multi-Agent Systems (specialization)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

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.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Artificial IntelligenceAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree programme is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This Master's degree programme is selective, please read the information about the selection procedure.

Human Movement SciencesUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Data Science & SocietyUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
PhysicsUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Computing ScienceUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
AstronomyUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Applied MathematicsUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Psychology (NL)University of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Applied PhysicsUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Information ScienceUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
MathematicsUniversity of GroningenVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Cognitive Science and Artificial IntelligenceTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Communication and Information StudiesTilburg UniversityVia a pre-master
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceMaastricht UniversityAdditional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Communication and Information StudiesUtrecht UniversityVia a pre-master
Information ScienceUtrecht UniversityVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Computer ScienceUtrecht UniversityVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Information ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Computer ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Cognition, Language and CommunicationUniversity of AmsterdamVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceLeiden UniversityAdditional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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.

Registration 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:

  • Provide at least one reference letter and/or contact (name and research institute) we may approach for a reference.
  • By answering the questions in the Motivation table, explain why you choose to apply for this Master's degree programme.
  • Describe your pre-education.
  • Provide a bachelor thesis or another individually written report in English of an academic assignment. If you have not completed such a report, an assignment will be given to you by the Board of Admissions.
  • Curriculum Vitae.

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

Selection procedure

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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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 via Admission and application (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 http://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.


Registration procedure

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:

  • Provide at least one reference letter and/or contact (name and research institute) we may approach for a reference.
  • By answering the questions in the Motivation table, explain why you choose to apply for this Master's degree programme.
  • Describe your pre-education.
  • Provide a bachelor thesis or another individually written report in English of an academic assignment. If you have not completed such a report, an assignment will be given to you by the Board of Admissions.
  • Curriculum Vitae.

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

Selection procedure

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.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

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 investigat

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.

Job examples

  • PhD research position
  • Industrial Research & Development
  • Software Engineer
  • Data Analyst
Research

Be part of a Programme with Excellent Reviews

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:

  • Autonomous Perceptive Systems
  • Cognitive Modeling
  • Multi-Agent Systems



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Contact

  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl

Study associations

Cover

Cover is the study association for all students of AI, CS, and CCS here at the UG. We offer fun activities, a room to hang out, and support for you to pass all your upcoming courses.
A study association is an organisation run by a team of students from the respective bachelor’s and master’s degree programme(s). We organise many activities for students, including introductory camps and monthly “borrels” (informal social gatherings with drinks). Our activities follow our 3 main pillars: education, social, and career. Hence, we organise course support lectures, symposia, educational talks, parties, informal gatherings, career day, company visits, company talks, and many more.If you decide to study AI, CS, or CCS, be sure to sign up for Cover at www.svcover.nl/join, so you can attend all our awesome activities even after the Kick-off Week! And, about the Kick-Off Week, we always organise a treasure hunt, a barbecue, a borrel, and an introduction camp that spans an entire weekend for the first years.
https://www.svcover.nl/
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