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Deutsch Who is the Master’s Degree in Applied Artificial Intelligence suitable for?
The Master's programme in Applied Artificial Intelligence is aimed at graduates of technical, scientific, mathematical, or economic fields who wish to specialise in the area of Artificial Intelligence. The programme is designed for working professionals who want to expand and deepen their expert knowledge in AI application areas alongside their job in a practice-oriented manner. It is particularly targeted at individuals with initial practical experience in computer science, mathematics, or data processing who aspire to leadership roles or demanding development, analysis, or consulting positions in the AI environment.
What formal admission requirements must you meet?
To be admitted to the Master's programme in Applied Artificial Intelligence, you need a first professional university degree (Bachelor’s, Diploma, or degree from a state-recognised vocational academy) with at least 180 ECTS credits in one of the following subject areas:
- Engineering Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Economic Sciences
If your first degree is in another field but at least 90 ECTS credits can be attributed to achievements in one of the listed areas, it is also possible to apply for admission.
Personally, you should have a
Also helpful are analytical thinking skills, a structured way of working, and the ability to grasp complex problems and implement solutions-oriented approaches.
Which content and skills can you expect in the Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence?
In the Master's programme in Applied Artificial Intelligence, you will develop practical knowledge in modern AI methods. You will be enabled to independently plan, develop, and evaluate AI systems. The focus areas include:
- Machine Learning and Deep Learning: You will learn how to develop and analyse learning algorithms for image, text, and speech processing.
- Programming skills: The programme teaches you the professional use of Python as well as handling relevant frameworks such as Tensorflow and Spark.
- Big Data Processing: You will deal with large data volumes and the technical infrastructure required for working with AI.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): A central module is the automated processing and analysis of natural language, from chatbots to text mining.
- Fairness and ethics in AI: Social, legal, and ethical issues are addressed, which are becoming increasingly important in the development and application of AI systems.
- Software engineering and data management: You will gain insights into modern software development methods and the efficient management of databases for AI applications.
In the elective area, you can specifically expand your knowledge – for example in business intelligence, cloud computing, knowledge-based systems, information security or AI law. Through project-based modules, you will gain experience in the implementation and presentation of complex AI projects.
How is the distance learning structured and organised?
The programme is designed for six semesters (three years) with 120 ECTS and enables you to undertake a part-time course of study. At the start of each semester, you will receive extensive learning materials for self-study. The estimated weekly time commitment is approximately 18 hours.
- Course start is always in the winter semester (September), with the degree awarded as Master of Science.
- Online presence sessions generally take place every two weeks on Saturdays (approximately 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Attendance is recommended but not mandatory.
- Examination formats: You will demonstrate your knowledge through written exams, oral exams, presentations, and written assignments. The master’s thesis in the sixth semester completes the programme, supplemented by a colloquium.
- Module-based structure: Each semester you work on three to four modules. The content builds on one another academically and covers both core and elective areas.
- Project work: Group and individual projects are a central component in several semesters to practically train implementation and presentation skills.
The online concept combined with regular on-site phases optimally supports your learning success – even alongside your job.
Which degree profile and career prospects can you expect?
As a graduate of the Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence, you will belong to the most sought-after specialists in the job market. You are qualified for numerous fields of activity in companies, public institutions, and research:
- AI developer in companies: You design, implement, and operate AI solutions in development departments, production, or IT.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Building and training models for image recognition, text analysis, and speech processing.
- Consultant for AI and Data Science: Advising companies on the introduction and use of AI technologies for process optimisation.
- Business Intelligence Analyst: Analysing complex data for strategic decisions within companies.
- Expert in ethical and legal aspects of AI: Developing concepts for fairness and compliance in autonomous systems.
- Research & Development: Access to doctoral studies and an academic career in artificial intelligence.
- Public service: The degree qualifies you for higher-level civil service.
With your sound knowledge of AI, big data, and software development, you will have above-average salary and career advancement prospects in various industries including IT, industry, healthcare, and finance. The path to self-employment, for example in consultancy or software development, is also open to you.
How high are the costs and what financing options are available?
For the part-time Master's in Applied Artificial Intelligence, semester fees of 210 € apply, plus a media and service fee of 84 € per semester. For the entire duration of the programme (6 semesters), this results in a total amount of 1,260 € for the semester fees plus an additional 504 € for media and service charges (status: December 2025). Prices may be updated in accordance with the university’s regulations.
- The fees are very reasonable compared to private providers, making the programme financially attractive for professionals.
- Additional expenses (e.g. for learning materials, travel to examinations) may occur individually.
- Financing: Tuition fees can be paid monthly or per semester. As the programme is part-time, many employers support further education financially. The fees can generally be deducted as tax-deductible work-related expenses.
- The state of NRW and the federal government offer education loans, scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium) or funding programmes to support part-time study formats. Applications are made individually.
Overall, the programme offers a very good price-performance ratio for a scientifically sound and labour market-relevant qualification in the field of artificial intelligence.
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