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Design hybrid intelligence to make humans and AI collaborate

Artificial Intelligence

Toekomst
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As AI gets more powerful every day, the real challenge is in designing intelligent systems that collaborate with humans. In this Master’s you combine a strong technical foundation with insights in human behaviour and societal needs, to create AI that is effective, trustworthy and socially responsible.

In this two-year programme, you build a strong technical foundation in core AI topics, including machine learning, deep learning, reasoning and natural language processing. You also explore the human and societal dimensions of AI. Going beyond machine learning engineering, you develop the expertise to bridge technology and society.

You can tailor the programme to your interests and ambitions through the following components:

  • Specialisation: Choose between Cognitive Science and AI for Health or stick to the Main AI programme.
  • Electives: Explore a large variety of topics within AI and related disciplines, including Social Robotics, Health Sciences, Bioinformatics, Cognitive Science, Language Technology, and Deepening AI.
  • Research project: Conduct research with the support of the researchers of our department.
  • Internship: Gain hands-on experience by addressing real-world challenges with industry partners.

This two-year programme offers considerably more depth and flexibility than alternative one-year programmes. It gives you the opportunity to specialise, broaden your expertise, gain professional experience, and conduct academic research.

Due to the international character of this programme, courses are taught entirely in English.
The start date of this programme is September 1st.
For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

VU Online Master's Event

Thursday 26 November 2026

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Curriculum

You may choose to stick to the Main AI programme or follow an interdisciplinary specialisation in Cognitive Science or AI for Health, each of which includes its own compulsory courses.

Whether or not you choose a specialisation, you will have the opportunity to tailor your programme through elective courses. The number of elective credits available depends on whether you pursue a specialisation and, if so, which specialisation you choose.

For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

Main AI programme

Want to shape your own AI profile? The Main AI programme gives you the freedom to tailor the programme to your interests. Instead of following a predefined application domain such as healthcare or cognitive science, you personalise your curriculum by choosing advanced electives across artificial intelligence and computer science. Whether you are interested in AI for Climate, Bioinformatics or Socials Robotics, you can combine electives that match your ambitions.

For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

Summary

What makes the human mind intelligent? How do we perceive the world, reason through complex problems and make decisions? Developed in collaboration with the Department of Cognitive Psychology, this interdisciplinary specialisation explores these questions by bringing together insights from artificial intelligence, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, mathematics and computer science.

You will learn to combine empirical research with computational modelling to investigate the processes that shape human thought and behaviour. Experimental findings help build better models of cognition, while computer simulations open up new directions for psychological research. This dynamic interplay allows you to explore the mind from multiple perspectives and develop a versatile set of research skills at the intersection of cognitive psychology and AI.

For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

Summary

How can artificial intelligence help improve healthcare? How can medical images and clinical language be transformed into insights that support better decisions? Developed in collaboration with Medical Informatics at AUMC, this interdisciplinary specialisation explores the rapidly evolving field of AI for Health.

You learn the fundamentals of medical informatics and apply AI techniques, such as medical imaging and clinical natural language processing. You will also explore how machine learning and reasoning methods can be combined to develop intelligent, reliable solutions for healthcare. Two courses are taught at AUMC, giving you the opportunity to study in a leading academic medical environment.

For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

  • Cognitive Science

    Summary

    What makes the human mind intelligent? How do we perceive the world, reason through complex problems and make decisions? Developed in collaboration with the Department of Cognitive Psychology, this interdisciplinary specialisation explores these questions by bringing together insights from artificial intelligence, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, mathematics and computer science.

    You will learn to combine empirical research with computational modelling to investigate the processes that shape human thought and behaviour. Experimental findings help build better models of cognition, while computer simulations open up new directions for psychological research. This dynamic interplay allows you to explore the mind from multiple perspectives and develop a versatile set of research skills at the intersection of cognitive psychology and AI.

    For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

  • AI for Health

    Summary

    How can artificial intelligence help improve healthcare? How can medical images and clinical language be transformed into insights that support better decisions? Developed in collaboration with Medical Informatics at AUMC, this interdisciplinary specialisation explores the rapidly evolving field of AI for Health.

    You learn the fundamentals of medical informatics and apply AI techniques, such as medical imaging and clinical natural language processing. You will also explore how machine learning and reasoning methods can be combined to develop intelligent, reliable solutions for healthcare. Two courses are taught at AUMC, giving you the opportunity to study in a leading academic medical environment.

    For a detailed overview of courses visit the study guide.

Professional Advisory Board

To ensure you are equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills required in today’s labour market, the curriculum is reviewed annually by our Professional Advisory Board. The board consists of experienced professionals, who ensure the programme aligns with the latest developments in professional practice.

Members of the Professional Advisory Board

Change your future with the Artificial Intelligence programme

The majority of AI alumni find a job within three months of completing their Master’s. They are employed by all kinds of organisations, ranging from large corporations and consultancies to small start-ups.

Explore your future prospects
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