The master’s specialisation Artificial Intelligence offers future-oriented topics in computer science with a focus on machine learning, optimization algorithms, and decision support techniques.
What does this master’s programme entail?
Artificial intelligence techniques are capable of making incredibly accurate predictions on the basis of data they themselves have gathered. In other words, computers can learn without intervention once they have been pre-programmed by humans. In this specialisation we explore the borders of what a revolutionary new generation of Artificial Intelligent algorithms can achieve. The specialisation also deals with applications of these algorithms to sieve out knowledge from data that is hard to extract for humans, and to search for the best combination of a variety of factors in some production process.
Why study Artificial Intelligence at Leiden University?
The main focus is on Machine Learning, Data Mining and Optimisation Theory, which represent the unique expertise of two different research groups of Leiden University.
The strength of the programme is the individual possibility for each student of studying other future-oriented topics in Advanced Computing Systems, Foundations of Computing and Data Science.
The programme provides you with a thorough computer science background that will allow you to pursue careers in research or industrial environments.
Career prospects
With an MSc in Computer Science you are well prepared for broad array of career prospects in research or industry. The master’s degree is an excellent stepping stone for pursuing a PhD degree.
With a Leiden degree in Computer Science you will have cultivated an analytical mind and a problem-solving attitude. Based on these qualities, you enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities, in research as well in commercial or industrial environments.
Career
Your job perspectives with a master’s degree in computer science are excellent and diverse. They range from software engineer to product manager, from researcher to IT-manager, and from engineering to financial applications, from business intelligence specialist to service manager or consultant. And the demand is constantly growing. With this education, 96.9% of all graduates have a full-time job, and they find a job within an average time of 1.3 months.
Expected October 2026
Start date
February 2026
Leiden University
Rapenburg 70,
LEIDEN,
Zuid-Holland,
2311, Netherlands
If you have a bachelors degree in computer science or Artificial Intelligence, or in a Computer Science-related programme from a foreign research university with a level similar to Dutch universities, you are eligible to apply under the condition that you have accumulated at least 90 EC (or the equivalent thereof) in courses/projects in the domain of Computer Science.
The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of the Dutch BSc degree in Computer Science.
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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