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M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence Engineering

Degree awarded Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Duration and credits 4 semesters; 120 ECTS credits
Starts in April (summer semester)
and October (winter semester)
Language of instruction English

Webinar How to apply via uni-assist

You have acquired your university entrance qualification abroad and would like to apply for a degree programme at the University of Passau? Join our webinar on Tuesday, 12 November 2024 at 10.30 a.m. CET !

About the programme

Artificial intelligence (AI) now permeates all areas of our lives and holds enormous potential for the future. Mathematics and computer science provide the foundations for understanding and developing core AI technologies.

In the Master of Science programme in Artificial Intelligence Engineering (AI Engineering) you will deal with scientific theories, algorithms and methods for designing and developing AI-based systems. You will also acquire the ability to integrate artificial intelligence into existing real-world systems (e.g. media systems, information systems, industrial processes) or to develop these yourself.

In addition, you will study artificial intelligence from the perspective of other academic disciplines, as the widespread use of AI-based systems raises not only technical but also legal, ethical, social and economic questions.

Features

  • Research-oriented master's degree leading to excellent career opportunities in a multitude of industries
  • Study a subject at the interface between computer science and mathematics and gain insights into a wide range of cross-disciplinary areas of application (e.g. media, Industry 4.0, mobility)
  • Broad selection of state-of-the-art subjects with an international outlook
  • Superb staff-student ratio: study in small learning groups
  • The chairs and institutes maintain excellent relations with industrial and business partners
  • The whole programme is taught in English

Career prospects

The demand for AI competencies in the labour market is increasing significantly. With a master's degree in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, you are able to work independently or take on executive positions and challenging jobs in the private and public sectors or academia. This degree opens up outstanding career opportunities in a wide range of industries, such as:

  • systems development and data analysis in the area of digital media
  • software engineering and IT systems development
  • data analysis in the financial and service sectors
  • development of AI-based solutions in the transport and mobility sector
  • control of industrial plants; Industry 4.0
  • the medical and pharmaceutical industries as well as life sciences
  • insurance companies and banks

Finally, the degree opens up an academic career path if you continue studying for a doctorate in artificial intelligence development.

Programme details

Video introducing the degree programme

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The M.Sc. AI Engineering programme is divided into compulsory and compulsory elective module areasIn the compulsory area you will attend the Introduction to AI Engineering lecture (with accompanying exercise course) as well as an AI Engineering seminar. You will also write your master's thesis in this area.

You can find all the modules in the module catalogue.

Compulsory elective modules

The compulsory elective area is divided into the following six module groups:

1. Algorithm Engineering and Mathematical Modelling

You will study the construction of deterministic and stochastic algorithms, their implementation, evaluation and optimisation as well as the modelling and complexity analysis of discrete and continuous problems using mathematical methods. In addition, you will acquire fundamental knowledge of mathematical logic, stochastics, functional analysis and discrete mathematics to enable a deeper algorithmic mathematical understanding of AI-based systems.

2. Artificial Intelligence Methods

You will examine methods and algorithms of symbolic and sub-symbolic artificial intelligence and machine learning (e.g. reinforcement learning, knowledge representation and deduction systems). Furthermore, you will study underlying theories of learning systems and the application of algorithmic and mathematical principles for the realisation of artificial intelligence.

3. Artificial Intelligence System Engineering

You will learn methods and structured process models for the development of AI-based systems. In particular, these include testing and evaluation strategies (e.g. generative adversarial testing or simulation), data and knowledge modelling methods, methods and systems for operationalising AI-based systems and the evaluation of properties such as security, traceability, reliability, explicability and transparency.

4. Artificial Intelligence Applications

You will gain insight into different application areas and possibilities of artificial intelligence, such as speech, text and media analysis, business information systems or energy informatics. Also covered are the specific characteristics of the application domains and their influence on the selection of AI methods and the development of AI-based systems.

5. Cross-Cutting Concerns

You will learn about the legal, ethical, social and economic considerations involved in using AI-based systems and reflect on the societal impact of AI. Language courses and writing workshops, soft-skills seminars and practical courses will complement your academic studies and prepare you for your professional life.

6. Research Seminars

You will learn to familiarise yourself independently with the current state of research in the AI Engineering field, collate this information and deliver oral presentations. You will acquire in-depth knowledge of research work in the field of artificial intelligence and get the preparation for a future research role.

To apply successfully, you need to have an undergraduate university degree in computer science or mathematics or a related discipline with a computer science/mathematics component of at least 120 ECTS creditsYou should have been ranked among the best 70% of graduates within your cohort, or the final grade for your first degree should be (equivalent to) 2.7 or better under the German grading scale.

Out of these 120 ECTS credits:

  • at least 35 ECTS credits must have been earned in mathematics modules/courses, including theoretical computer science
  • at least 40 ECTS credits must have been earned in computer science modules/courses

Your degree must have been earned over a course of study of a standard length of three years or more. If you completed a four-year non-ECTS degree, the 120 ECTS credit requirement is deemed to be met if approximately two-thirds of your credit points were earned in computer science/mathematics related modules/courses.

If you have not yet received your final results and certificates at the time of application, you may apply using your Transcript of Records or other preliminary transcript. If you are successful in your application, you must then submit your final transcript and degree certificate no later than the 10th week of lectures

As part of the application you must submit an English or German-language abstract/summary of your undergraduate dissertation/bachelor's thesis/final year project. If you did not write a dissertation/thesis as a formal part of your prior degree programme, you may instead submit an academic research paper or publication that demonstrates your ability to solve a scientific research problem independently.

Please note that we only recognise degrees awarded by universities with 'H+' status in the Anabin database of the German Central Office for Foreign Education. You can check the Anabin database online or contact the  International Coordinator of the faculty by e-mail for advice.

English language requirements

You should provide proof of English language skills equivalent to level B2 CEFR.

German language requirements

This degree programme can be completed entirely in English. However, to be able to get by in Germany, students are nonetheless required to have German language skills at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not meet this requirement at the time of your application, you will be offered a free beginner's German course during your first year of study. By the end of that year, you have to be able to present a German language certificate at level A1 CEFR.

Application periods and deadlines

Application period for the winter semester:

  • 15 April - 31 May (direct applications)
  • 1 April - 31 May (applications via uni-assist e.V.)

Please use the interactive application guide to find out which application method you can use. 

Application period for the summer semester:

  • 1 November - 15 December

What our students say

What our students say

By playing the video, I consent to establishing a connection to YouTube and to the transmission of personal data (such as the IP address).

By playing the video, I consent to establishing a connection to YouTube and to the transmission of personal data (such as the IP address).

Short description of the video

In this video, Meher Aisha, Sababa Usmani, Evren Can and Dmitry Tsyu-zhen-tsin talk about what it's like to study A.I. Engineering at the University of Passau.

Contact person for international students and applicants:

Wolfgang Mages
Wolfgang Mages
Room ITZ/IH 239 (Innstr. 43)
Innstr. 33
Phone: +49(0)851/509-3066
Fax: +49 851/509-3002
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