MSc in Artificial Intelligence Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS)

All courses are taught in English.

Our English-taught, consecutive, and research-oriented Master's in Artificial Intelligence equips you with in-depth knowledge of artificial intelligence applications and methods and teaches you how to conduct scientific research. It is specifically designed to foster a systematic understanding of artificial intelligence and the ability to apply it both practically and methodically.

In this Master's programme, you will critically examine the key principles and methods of artificial intelligence, focusing on machine learning and mathematical foundations. You will also explore how such basic concepts can be transferred and adapted to relevant applications of artificial intelligence.

This Master's programme opens up numerous career opportunities in AI, data science, cognitive computing, and many other fields. After graduating, you will be well prepared for developing AI systems in science, research, or industry. You will also be qualified for management roles to take responsibility for the development, integration, and safe operation of AI technologies.

The application period runs from 15 October to 15 December. We strongly recommend that applicants from non-European countries submit all application documents between 15 October and 15 November to ensure that the documents can be checked early enough so there is enough time left to fix potential visa issues!

This Master's programme considers the implications and applications of artificial intelligence in practice. The knowledge and skills acquired are methodically and systematically applied in continuous scientific work. The ability to conduct independent scientific research includes, in particular, critically assessing existing solutions, transferring existing knowledge to new and unknown problems, and taking a structured approach to describing and solving problems based on a profound methodological understanding.

The courses in the first semester cover key mathematical and methodological concepts in artificial intelligence, in particular, focusing on machine learning. Moreover, a "Scientific Seminar" module prepares for the scientific research students will carry out in subsequent semesters. The second semester emphasises specific applications and questions in AI, such as robotics, natural language processing, and computer vision, and it addresses ethical and legal implications. The competencies acquired in the second semester are consolidated and applied in teams during practical projects that are worth credits equivalent to two courses. Elective modules are also on offer in the first and third semesters for students to acquire specialised knowledge in their fields of interest. The Master's thesis in the third semester is for students to independently work on a topic of their choice, thereby applying scientific methods and the knowledge they have learned.

We strongly encourage students to study abroad. We recommend going abroad during the third semester, typically when the Master's thesis is completed. An external Master's thesis can be undertaken either at a foreign university or company. Our faculty facilitates this through numerous partnerships with foreign universities.

No tuition fees

168.50 EUR, including a semester ticket with which you can get around in Würzburg for free using the trams and buses

700 to 850 EUR

A completed university degree with 210 ECTS and an overall grade of 2.5 or above in computer science from a German university or an equivalent degree

The less your Bachelor's degree is related to computer science, the more critical it is that you can credibly demonstrate how your studies have focussed on computer science / mathematics.

We expect good to very good grades in all subjects relevant to the Master's degree programme, i.e. especially in mathematics and computer science (see below). Proof of this must be provided by submitting your Bachelor's degree certificate/transcript. Course certificates obtained outside of the Bachelor's programme cannot be considered proof. Letters of recommendation from teachers or school reports cannot be considered proof.

The following content-oriented requirements must be met from your Bachelor’s:

1. At least 20 ECTS should have been earned in mathematics from the Bachelor's preliminary studies, which provide sufficient knowledge in statistics/probability theory, (linear) algebra, and calculus.
2. At least 15 ECTS in computer science should have been earned from the Bachelor's preliminary studies, which provide sufficient knowledge both in practical computer science (e.g. demonstrated by courses in databases, operating systems, software engineering, or distributed systems) and in theoretical computer science (e.g. shown by courses in algorithms and data structures, automata theory, complexity theory or logic).
3. We strongly recommend ready-to-use programming skills (e.g. in Python), typically demonstrated by work samples from programming projects, internships, or laboratories. For this purpose, you can either upload your own source code to public repositories (Github, GitLab, bitbucket, etc) or, in the case of work experience, you can provide a qualified employer's reference stating your programming experience.
4. We strongly recommend providing access to the applicant's final thesis as proof of his or her scientific work (if possible, with the corresponding source code).

These requirements must be understood as minimum requirements for successfully studying and completing the Master's programme.

All non-native English speakers must prove their English language proficiency (https://www.thws.de/en/services-and-support/application-enrolment-exams-internship/admission-and-enrolment/language-entrance-requirements/) at level B2 (CEFR). However, we strongly recommend English language skills at level C1 or above!

We also strongly recommend that applicants with an English-language university or high school diploma provide proof of English language proficiency in the form of an appropriate language certificate: https://www.thws.de/en/services-and-support/application-enrolment-exams-internship/admission-and-enrolment/language-entrance-requirements/.

All non-native German speakers must demonstrate knowledge of the German language at A2 level of CEFR or above. This proficiency level with a corresponding certificate can also be achieved within the first two semesters of your studies.

The application period runs from 15 October to 15 December. We strongly recommend that applicants from non-European countries submit all application documents between 15 October and 15 November to ensure that the documents can be checked early enough so there is enough time left to fix potential visa issues!

No

In order to finance your living expenses during your studies, you can look for a student job. However, please note that your focus should always be on your studies.

Students from non-EU countries may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. If you work as a student assistant at a university or a company, the amount of days may be higher.

Students from EU countries: There are no restrictions.

Several halls of residence are located in Würzburg within short distance to the campuses, which offer facilities such as furnished rooms, Internet connection, and common areas.

https://international.thws.de/en/thws-international/ways-to-thws/formalities-and-finances/accommodation/

The International Career Service at THWS offers events and information for students in English. Our events help students with the following:

• studying successfully
• transitioning into professional life

In addition, we offer plenty of information about the following topics:

• application
• job interview
• links to online job portals

https://international.thws.de/en/thws-international/ways-to-thws/international-career-service/

About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) was established in 1971, with campuses in two locations in Würzburg and Schweinfurt. Today, the THWS is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria (southern Germany). As a public university, we guarantee an excellent academic education recognised throughout the world.

Course offerings
With its 10 departments and more than 40 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as six research institutes, the THWS offers a broad, practice- and future-oriented course programme. Within the THWS i-Campus concept, English-language Bachelor's programmes add to the wide range of German-language programmes. Courses take place in modern lecture rooms and laboratories equipped with innovative technology and state-of-the-art appliances.

Low student-teacher ratio
Studying at THWS is characterised by small study groups and a low student-teacher ratio. Through a great share of seminar papers, students learn to work independently. Additionally, project work promotes the students' team-working abilities.

Education with a special focus on application and practice
More than 200 professors with solid professional experience from industry and business provide scientific education with special relevance to application and practice. The university collaborates closely with regional and transregional businesses. Students benefit from this close collaboration by being able to do internships and having the possibility to write their Bachelor's theses in one of these companies. Moreover, they have the chance to build a network for their future careers.

International focus
THWS excels due to its international orientation. For more than 30 years, the university has welcomed students from over 80 countries. Worldwide, THWS is associated with more than 230 universities.

Located in Bavaria
The university's location in Würzburg is situated in one of the most beautiful regions of Germany. Franconia, in the northern part of the federal state Bavaria, offers high recreational value as a region of cultural and culinary delight. Due to the favourable geographic location. Würzburg is a perfect starting point to discover Germany and Europe. The international airports of Frankfurt am Main and Munich are within easy reach.

City of Würzburg
Würzburg is an extremely vibrant student city. With approximately 133,000 inhabitants, it is one of the largest cities in the federal state of Bavaria. Lying amidst the vineyards, the climate in Würzburg is pleasant and mild all year round. Wine is part of the cultural heritage here – as proven by the many wine festivals in and around the city. Countless landmarks and places of interest characterise the cityscape: imposing Marienberg Fortress, the city’s landmark, sits high upon a hill overlooking the city and bears testament to Würzburg’s more than 1,000-year history. The sumptuous Würzburg Residence is one of the most significant palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.