This English-taught, in-service Master’s programme trains students in computational models of cognition and the design of intelligent systems and services. It is aimed at professionals who want to continue working while studying: the curriculum links up-to-date research in AI and digitalisation with practical, real-world applications and allows close cooperation with students’ employers. Learning is supported by advanced e‑learning tools and short intensive block courses that let students complete a module over a few days, while individual study plans are developed to fit each student’s circumstances.
The programme requires completion of 120 ECTS (including the thesis) and is structured to accommodate workplace collaboration: a substantial share of credits may be earned through projects conducted with the employing company. Students undertake a one-year study project either at the institute or in partnership with their employer, and the degree is completed with a 30‑ECTS Master’s thesis in the fourth semester, which can also be carried out in cooperation with the company.
Course selection is flexible and personalised. Students build an individual set of courses drawn from core and adjacent areas such as artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics, computational linguistics, computer vision, NeuroAI and (computational) neuroscience, enabling them to tailor their studies toward research or applied development in cognitive and intelligent systems.
Key programme facts and requirements
This two-year (four-semester) Master's program totals 120 ECTS credits, with coursework and research components organized to develop both advanced theoretical knowledge and hands-on research experience. Instruction and course documentation are provided in both German and English following the ECTS framework. A substantial research element is built into the middle semesters: students typically undertake a one-year study project across the second and third semesters and finish the degree with a 30 ECTS Master’s thesis.
Key curricular components are designed to be flexible while ensuring depth in cognitive computing. Ninety ECTS are earned through taught and project work: a 24 ECTS one-year study project, 44 ECTS from selected courses drawn from the programme’s core areas, and 22 ECTS of free electives that allow you to broaden or specialize your skillset. Support is available from student mentors who provide guidance on study planning and other academic questions.
Learning outcomes
Completing the programme prepares you to design and run substantial research or development projects in cognitive computing, to synthesize knowledge from selected advanced courses, and to pursue independent research culminating in a 30 ECTS thesis. The mix of structured coursework, a year-long project, and elective options fosters technical depth, project-management experience, and academic writing/presentation skills applicable in international research and industry contexts.
Requirements (concise)
This programme expects applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field. Relevant backgrounds include (business) informatics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, (computer) linguistics, mathematics, natural sciences or engineering — or another degree the admissions committee judges equivalent in relevance.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English. Make sure you can supply whatever evidence the admissions office requires to verify your language ability.
There is an in-service format designed for professionals who remain employed while studying. That track is intended for students who are sponsored by their employer: the collaborating company usually covers the programme fees and arranges for partial release from work so the employee can attend classes and complete course requirements. If you are applying as a sponsored professional, discuss funding, work release and any administrative coordination with both your employer and the university before applying.
Requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared to design and implement innovative intelligent systems and services across industry and research settings. The programme’s applied orientation and the option to carry out project work within a company make it particularly suitable for advancing in roles related to AI/ML engineering, data science, computational linguistics, computer vision, and related R&D positions.
Because the course is structured for employed professionals, many participants use it to deepen domain-specific expertise, take on leadership or specialist roles within their current organisation, or transition into higher-responsibility positions in industry and technology companies.
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