MSc in Human-Centred Intelligent Systems (HCIS)

This English-taught MSc programme trains students to tackle emerging technical and economic challenges that lie at the intersection of computer science, software engineering, next-generation communications and intelligent systems. Its curriculum is organised around three principal thematic blocks—Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Human-Centred and Interactive Technologies; and Use and Societal Impact—with mandatory introductory courses that ground students in learning systems, data science, and interaction design. The course mix is designed to balance core theoretical foundations with human-centred perspectives so you can build intelligent systems that are technically robust and appropriate for real users and contexts.

A distinctive feature of the programme is its strong practical and research orientation: many modules are delivered as lab courses embedded in ongoing basic and applied research at the Fraunhofer Institutes of Applied Information Technology (FIT) and Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS). You can also complete an additional lab at the university, at one of the Fraunhofer institutes, or in collaboration with industry, giving direct exposure to applied projects and research teams. The syllabus also explicitly addresses societal and ethical dimensions of AI (for example, courses such as "AI Ethics") alongside technical topics, preparing graduates to consider impact, accountability and real-world deployment.

Major course topics cover a wide technical spectrum—data science, advanced text mining and pattern matching, machine learning, visual computing and animation, speech/image/video processing, virtual/augmented reality, explainable AI, business process intelligence, cooperative work environments, and designing interactive systems. Methodological training spans software engineering, usability and interaction design, information and knowledge management, and aligning technical solutions with business requirements, equipping you with both the engineering skills and the design thinking needed for human-centred intelligent systems.

Program requirements (curricular components)

• Three main thematic blocks:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Human-Centred and Interactive Technologies
  • Use and Societal Impact
• Two mandatory introductory courses: "Introduction to Learning Systems and Data Science" and "Designing Interactive Systems"
• Third-block courses addressing societal aspects (examples include "AI Ethics")
• Optional small fourth block for additional interests within general computer science
• Significant proportion of research lab courses tied to Fraunhofer FIT and Fraunhofer IAIS
• Ability to complete an extra lab at the university, a Fraunhofer institute, or in cooperation with industry
• Coverage of methodological aspects: software engineering, usability, interaction design, information/knowledge management, and business requirements integration

Curriculum overview

This is a two‑year, full‑time master’s curriculum spread over four semesters. You will typically earn about 30 ECTS credits each semester (≈120 ECTS in total), gained through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory work and project courses. All teaching units are structured as modular offerings that can be combined flexibly to match your interests and career goals, and they are fully integrated into the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, which can be completed in close cooperation with industry partners if you choose. Throughout the program you will engage in practical lab work and seminar‑based discussion as well as taught courses, giving a balance of hands‑on experience and theoretical foundations that support both research and applied development.

Key learning outcomes include the ability to integrate knowledge from multiple areas to design, evaluate and implement human‑centred intelligent systems; to carry out independent, supervised research culminating in a master’s thesis; and to translate research results into practical, industry‑relevant solutions. The modular, ECTS‑aligned structure also supports academic mobility and recognition across Europe.

Requirements (summary)

• Standard duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
• Typical load: ~30 ECTS per semester (≈120 ECTS total)
• Course types: lectures, seminars, labs, project courses (modular and flexible)
• Final requirement: Master’s thesis in the 4th semester (industry cooperation possible)
• All modules are ECTS‑integrated to facilitate credit transfer and programme flexibility

Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary technical roles that combine machine learning, human‑computer interaction and systems engineering. Typical career paths include positions in R&D or engineering teams in industry (e.g., AI/ML engineering, interaction and UX design, multimedia and VR/AR development), roles in applied research organisations, and product or technical roles that require assessing societal and ethical impacts of intelligent systems. The programme’s close collaboration with Fraunhofer institutes and the option to conduct an industry‑linked thesis also support transitions into industry projects or continued academic research and doctoral studies.