Studies & Degrees in Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence Study Programs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the branch of computing that builds systems able to perform tasks associated with human intelligence: learning from data, reasoning, understanding language, recognising images and acting autonomously. As a field of study it sits between computer science, mathematics and the study of the human mind. The University of Groningen describes its bachelor's programme as drawing on computing science, cognitive psychology, data analysis, linguistics, logic, mathematics and philosophy.
Students learn programming, algorithms and data structures, calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and logic. On this base come the core AI subjects. The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) lists knowledge representation, automated reasoning, machine learning, natural language processing of text and speech, autonomous agents, cognitive robotics and computer vision, together with training in ethics and social impact for all students. Programmes differ in emphasis: some are close to engineering and software, others to cognitive science and neuroscience.
Qualifications and levels
- Bachelor's degrees. The BSc in Artificial Intelligence of the University of Groningen lasts 36 months (180 ECTS credits) and is taught in English. Specialisations are Computational Neuroscience, Hybrid Intelligence, Language and AI, Machine Learning and Robotics. Applicants need sufficient background knowledge in mathematics. The statutory fee for EU/EEA students is €2,694 for the 2026-27 academic year; non-EU/EEA students pay €19,800.
- Spain. Official degrees consist of a bachelor's degree (grado) of 240 ECTS credits, master's degrees of 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits, and the doctorate. The bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence of the UPC, taught at the Facultat d'Informàtica de Barcelona, is an official degree of 240 ECTS credits over four academic years, with 50 places for new students. The admission cut-off mark for the 2026-27 academic year was 11.514. The university gives an approximate price of €1,061 per year, or €1,800 for students who are not resident in the EU. The language of instruction is set for each course, so check the course guides. The UPC states that it is the first university in Spain to offer complete official training in AI, with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctoral programme.
- Master's degrees. Two models exist. Research-oriented programmes take two years: the MSc in Artificial Intelligence of the University of Groningen lasts 24 months (120 ECTS credits), and the MSc of Utrecht University lasts two years, starts in February or September and is taught in English. Groningen requires a bachelor's degree in AI or a related field that covers subjects such as calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, advanced programming and machine learning. One-year programmes are common in the United Kingdom: the MSc Artificial Intelligence of Imperial College London takes one year full time and is aimed at graduates of mathematics, physics, engineering and other subjects with substantial mathematics content, for which it asks for a First-Class degree.
Where to study artificial intelligence
SpainExchange lists 13 active schools for artificial intelligence: four in Spain, four in the United Kingdom, two in the Netherlands, and one each in Australia, China and France. In Spain the list includes the UPC, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and the Universitat de Barcelona, all in Barcelona, and the Universidad de Sevilla. In the United Kingdom it includes Imperial College London, The University of Edinburgh, The University of Sheffield and the University of Kent.
The Dutch and British programmes described here are taught in English. In Barcelona, check the language of each course. Mathematics is the common entry requirement at every level. When comparing schools, look at the amount of mathematics and programming, the specialisations offered, whether the programme includes a research project or an internship, and what previous degree a master's programme requires.
Careers
AI graduates work as machine learning engineers, data scientists, software developers, robotics engineers and researchers, in technology companies and in sectors that hold large amounts of data. The University of Groningen mentions hospitals and banks, and research and development departments of multinationals. It also notes that most of its bachelor's graduates first continue with a master's programme.
The closest occupation in the official US statistics is computer and information research scientist. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that these scientists typically need a master's or higher degree in computer science or a related field, and it projects their employment in the United States to grow 22 percent from 2025 to 2035. The figure covers computing research as a whole, not AI alone.
Frequently asked questions
How much mathematics do I need to study artificial intelligence?
A solid base. The University of Groningen requires sufficient background knowledge in mathematics for its bachelor's degree, and Imperial College London asks for a degree with substantial mathematics content for its MSc.
Can I study artificial intelligence in English?
Yes. The bachelor's and master's programmes of the University of Groningen and the master's degree of Utrecht University are taught in English, as are the programmes in the United Kingdom.
How long does it take?
The bachelor's degree takes three years in Groningen and four years at the UPC in Barcelona. A master's degree takes one year at Imperial College London and two years in Groningen and Utrecht.
Can I study AI with a degree in another subject?
For some master's programmes, yes. The MSc Artificial Intelligence of Imperial College London is aimed at graduates in mathematics, physics, engineering or economics. Other programmes, such as the one in Groningen, expect a bachelor's degree in AI or a related field.