The Master of Artificial Intelligence programme at KU Leuven explores and builds on the fascinating challenges of cognitive processes and models, natural language and perception. For many years, it has provided an internationally acclaimed advanced study programme in artificial intelligence. 

The multidisciplinary programme trains students from a variety of backgrounds - including engineering, sciences, economics, management, psychology, and linguistics - in all areas of knowledge-based technology, cognitive science, and their applications. The one-year programme, taught entirely in English, is the result of a collaboration between many internationally prominent research units from seven different faculties of the university. It allows you to focus on engineering and computer science, cognitive science, or speech and language technology.

About this programme:

Since 2014, the programme offers a new option: Big Data Analytics. This option is intended for graduates in Computer Science and trains them to become specialists is the analysis of Big Data. It instructs the students in Statistics, Machine Learning, Data Mining and Advanced programming techniques for dealing with Big Data. It offers a range of application domains in Information Retrieval, Bio-Informatics, Computer Vision and others.

The understanding of the principles of intelligence, the development of artificial intelligence and its many applications in different areas requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The Master of Artificial Intelligence programme is internationally and interdisciplinary oriented. It aims at educating students from a wide variety of different backgrounds. A basic introductory part of the programme consists of fundamentals of artificial intelligence and a broadening course that the student selects from either cognitive science, philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence or privacy and big data. Specific for the option big data analytics, it also contains the course data and statistical modeling. Within the programme students have the choice between three options.

Admission criteria:

All applications from students who have obtained a degree outside the Flemish Community are evaluated by both KU Leuven Admissions Office and the relevant master’s programme director. Final admission decisions will made be at the discretion of the Faculty.

• Academic background: We require at least a 4-year university (or equivalent) degree with good study results and experience with computing. To be eligible for this programme you must have obtained a Master of Science (in Engineering) in Computer Science, Master of Science (in Engineering) in Informatics, Master of Science (in Engineering) in Information and Communication Technology or an equivalent programme. Admission is granted on the basis of your application, which must contain precise information with computers and/or programming languages.

• GRE test results: in order to be considered for admission, applicants are required to submit their GRE score (at the moment, there is no minimum requirement for GRE scores). Please contact ETS requesting an original score card to be forwarded to us using the following Institutional Code: 0749. Students who obtained a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in one of the EEA countries, the UK, or Switzerland are exempted from providing GRE scores. However, submitting GRE scores might still be considered as an asset when applying.

• English language proficiency: students should have a good command of English, both spoken and written. Check the specific language requirements.

• Option selection: Upon admission, students are recommended to select the option within AI that corresponds to their background. The ECS option is only recommended for students with a degree in Science, in Engineering or Applied Economics (majoring in Informatics). Students should have thorough knowledge of at least one programming language, should master an object oriented programming and have sufficient background in Mathematics. The SLT option is open to students with a degree in Human Sciences (Economics, Psychology, Philosophy, Arts or Medicine, in addition to all above-mentioned degrees. Students should be familiar with at least one programming language. The BDA option is only recommended for students with a degree in Computer Science or Informatics.

Student profile:

As a student you should be able to formulate research goals, determine trajectories that achieve such goals, collect and select information relevant to achieve research goals and interpret collected information on the basis of a critical research attitude. When selecting the ECS option you are expected to be familiar with basic undergraduate level mathematics. When selecting the BDA option, you are expected to already have a degree in Computer Science.

When succeeding in the programme you should be able to understand the concepts, methods, and applicability of fundamentals of artificial intelligence and a broadening view on a selection of either cognitive science, philosophy of mind and artificial intelligence or privacy and big data. You will become familiar with AI programming languages and several advanced areas in AI including current research directions. 

Tuition fees:

It is worth noting that our tuition fees are cheaper than in many other European countries thanks to the generous financing of the higher education system by our government. Although all of our programmes are very affordable compared to equivalent universities around the world, the fees for any individual student are contingent upon their choice of academic programme and the nationality of the student.

For most recent and only official information on the tuition fees, check the KU Leuven - Tuition Fees.

Scholarships:

Our aim is to offer affordable tuition fees for all students, which means we only have a limited number of scholarships available for students from particular backgrounds or studying in particular fields.

Career perspectives:

With a Master of Artificial Intelligence degree, you will be welcomed in companies in the areas of information technology, data-mining, speech and language technology, intelligent systems, diagnosis and quality control, fraud detection, biometric systems. You can also work in the banking area, or give support in the areas of process industry, biomedicine and bioinformatics, robotics, traffic systems. Furthermore this degree offers opportunities to start a PhD programme.