This Master's programme, offered by the Department of Informatics, focuses on core areas of modern artificial intelligence — including machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, human–robot interaction and research methods — while allowing students flexibility to pursue their own research interests. If you want to build systems that sense, learn and adapt over time, this degree trains you to design and implement intelligent adaptive behaviour for robots and software agents.
The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and state‑of‑the‑art algorithms, with modules that give a broad technical overview as well as exposure to current research. Students are introduced to ongoing research in relevant fields and can deepen their knowledge by participating in international research projects, making the programme especially suitable for those aiming for careers in academia or industry where adaptive intelligent behaviour is expected.
This is a two‑year, research‑oriented Master’s taught in English. The programme attracts both domestic and international students and promotes teamwork and cultural exchange through seminars, work groups and extracurricular activities. Its close links to active research groups provide a smooth pathway into collaborative research environments, further study or professional roles that require cutting‑edge AI skills.
Requirements and how to apply
This 120 ECTS master’s curriculum is organised to build a strong foundation in intelligent adaptive systems, deepen specialised skills, and culminate in substantial project and thesis work. Core compulsory modules (39 CP) introduce fundamental topics and current research across the field — key courses include Software Architecture, Bio‑Inspired Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Robotics, Research Methods, Neural Networks and Machine Learning. These modules are designed to give you an in‑depth understanding of different types of adaptive systems, practical modelling and implementation skills, and exposure to contemporary research questions.
You personalise your profile through a 24 CP Focus Choice and 15 CP of Extension modules. Focus modules let you consolidate expertise in areas closely aligned with the programme (examples: Language Processing, Image Processing, Robot Technology, Knowledge Processing, Cognitive Vision, User Interface Software & Technology, Speech Signal Processing). Extension modules may be taken from the Department of Informatics or other departments (including independent projects or German language classes) to broaden your perspective into related areas such as psychology or biology. All elective selections are made in consultation with an adviser to match your background and career or research goals.
Practical, collaborative research experience is central: a group project with an integrated seminar (12 CP) trains you in teamwork, scientific presentation and defence of ideas — preparing you for collaborative research environments and for choosing a thesis topic. The programme finishes with a full‑time independent research project and a 30 CP Master’s thesis. Throughout, students are encouraged to align group projects and seminar work with topics that can transition into the final thesis and to engage with ongoing research groups.
Concise requirements and structure
You must hold a completed Bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related subject. If your degree was awarded outside Universität Hamburg, it must include at least 60 ECTS credits in core computer science subjects that are comparable to the curriculum of the BSc "Informatik" at Universität Hamburg. The selection committee will judge equivalence based on the documentation you provide.
Make sure your application is complete and includes all supporting documents the committee needs to assess your background. The IAS website provides templates to document your coursework and make it easier for the committee to evaluate comparability. You must also demonstrate the required level of English proficiency by submitting an accepted test score.
For international applicants: ECTS stands for the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System—60 ECTS normally corresponds to one full academic year of study. If your transcripts, course descriptions, or other documents are not in German or English, provide certified translations. Consult the IAS admissions pages for exact document lists and any program-specific instructions.
Requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for research careers in academia (including PhD programmes) and for technical roles in industry R&D where adaptive intelligent behaviour is required. Typical positions include research scientist, machine learning / AI engineer, robotics engineer, computer vision or NLP specialist, and developer roles in human–machine interaction.
Because the programme emphasises project work, scientific communication and up‑to‑date methods, alumni are well equipped for collaborative teams in high‑tech companies, research labs or start‑ups, as well as for continuing academic research.
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