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The Master's programme in Applied Artificial Intelligence combines practical and research-oriented specialisations in the field of artificial intelligence. Students learn to apply and further develop AI in fields such as medicine, technology, logistics and economics. They can choose between two specialisations: ‘Application’ and ‘Research’.

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Overview

Degree: Master of Science
3 Semester: 90 ECTS
Language: English
Location: Heilbronn TechCampus / Heilbronn Bildungscampus
Study form: Full-time
Start: First intake in Summer Semester 2026
Deadline: January 15 & July 15

Content

The Master's programme in Applied Artificial Intelligence offers two specialisations: Application and Research. Students can either focus on the practical development and application of AI technologies or engage intensively in scientific research in the field of artificial intelligence.

The aim of the programme is to educate specialists who not only understand AI, but can also apply and further develop it in various industries. The content covers key topics such as machine learning methods, data analysis and neural networks. The knowledge gained can be used in areas such as healthcare, engineering, logistics, business informatics and software engineering.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme are qualified for a wide range of careers in artificial intelligence, from AI engineer, machine learning engineer and data scientist to consulting or management positions such as AI consultant or chief AI officer.

Thanks to the interdisciplinary training, career paths open up in industries such as the automotive industry, the healthcare sector, the financial and energy industries, and Industry 4.0. The close practical relevance, cooperation with research institutions, and integration into the Heilbronn Artificial Intelligence Innovation Park (IPAI) also strengthen opportunities on the international job market.

Programme Structure & Focus

The Master's programme in Applied Artificial Intelligence (M.Sc.) aims to provide a solid education in artificial intelligence (AI) and offers the opportunity to specialise in practice-oriented applications or scientific research. In the first semester, students choose between two areas of study:

1. Application: offers practice-oriented projects in which AI technologies are developed and implemented in realistic applications. Students acquire practical skills for solving specific problems in an industrial or business context and attend thematically coordinated lectures.

MAAI-Studienaufbau_Application

2. Research: focuses on scientific projects to deepen theoretical knowledge and develop new scientific insights. Appropriate lectures complement the research project.

MAAI-Studienaufbau_Research

In the second semester, students deepen their knowledge of artificial intelligence and continue their projects.

  • Application students continue to work on their practice-oriented project, which they complete with a written thesis. In addition, they choose a specialisation (e.g. health, logistics, robotics) in the ‘Domain Profile’ module and take corresponding courses.

  • Research students continue their research project and prepare scientific publications.

Both study tracks can take additional elective courses in the ‘Elective Courses’ module – for example, to deepen their knowledge of AI, expand their domain knowledge or develop soft skills.

Master’s thesis (independent scientific work to further develop a topic related to AI) with colloquium.

Admission Requirements and Application Procedure

Relevant criteria for your admission

The Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence is feasible for you, if:

  • you own a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, economics or closely-related field, or

  • you own a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in another field, and can submit proof of academic and/or vocational experience in computer science gained over a period of at least three years.


Please note: 

  • the admission process will be based on the first degree/BA degree. Master degrees will not be taken into consideration.
  • Applicants without a Bachelor's certificate must submit a provisional Bachelor's certificate in accordance with the regulations of Heilbronn University of Applied Science

Applicants should have an excellent or good European first degree – a German average grade of 2.5 or better or an ECTS-Grade "B" according the rules of the European Commission.

In special cases, exceptions to the grade requirement may be permitted if special aptitude is demonstrated through training, professional experience or previous knowledge. These exceptions may account for a maximum of 20% of the admission capacity. The selection committee decides on the exception in a selection interview.

Please note: 

  • the certificate of the "Studienkolleg - Center for International Students" is mandatory for non-EU applicants.
  • the admission process will be based on the first degree/BA degree. Master degrees will not be taken into consideration.
  • Applicants without a Bachelor's certificate must submit a provisional Bachelor's certificate in accordance with the regulations of Heilbronn University of Applied Science

We require a first degree of 210 ETCS credits. Applicants with a first degree in computer science, engineering, economics or related fields who have achieved a minimum of 180 ECTS credits may also apply! They will be requested to obtain an extra 30 ECTS credits before registering for the Master's thesis.

Please note: 

  • in addition, at least 50 ECTS credits in mathematics, computer science and artificial intelligence are required, with at least 10 ECTS credits in each area. Applicants must submit an application form to assess their professional suitability.

As the Master´s program is entirely delivered in English, it is particularly suitable for applicants from the EU and overseas who are eligible for postgraduate studies in Germany. 

You have to prove your English skills by

Please note: 

  • the proof must not be older than four years by the application deadline.
  • in the case of an English-language high school diploma, another English-language university entrance qualification equivalent or a professionally qualifying university degree with English-language coursework amounting to at least 180 ECTS credits, the obligation to provide proof does not need to be fulfilled. 
  • if the proof is not submitted with the application, admission is subject to conditions.

Two steps ​to your study place

Step 1Online Application at Studienkolleg Konstanz
Mandatory for non-EU applicants! The closing dates are: December 1st for summer term, June 1st for winter term.
Apply at Studienkolleg
Step 2Online Application at Heilbronn University
The Online portal is currently closed and is expected be open in mid-December.
Apply at HHN