Anybody who’s ever given ChatGPT or a similar AI-powered software a whirl has seen machine learning in action. Today, we’re on the cusp of a computational revolution as computer systems are being taught to do more than simply follow processes. They can learn just like humans though they can only do so using algorithms and models designed to show them what to learn and how to draw conclusions.
Those who can master machines, or more accurately, the concepts of building digital brains for machines, stand to enjoy long and lucrative careers. Glassdoor tells us that the average machine learning engineer picks up €70,318 in Germany alone, with senior-level engineers picking up close to €90,000. But to get to the point where you can work in this field, you need a Master’s in machine learning to demonstrate that you know what you’re doing. This article looks at three of the best programs for European and international students.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Masters in Machine Learning Program
Before we dig into the courses, it’s important to highlight what we’re looking for. After all, a certificate needs to be worth more than the paper on which it’s printed, serving as tangible proof that you have the machine learning chops prospective employers desire.
- University Reputation – A certificate from a university with a bad reputation is like word-of-mouth from a shyster – nobody trusts it. Any institution you choose needs to have a stellar reputation as a provider of high-quality programs.
- Course Curriculum – The general concept of machine learning branches off into many different paths and specializations, each of which takes you in different career directions. By examining the course curriculum, you confirm that your program leads you down the right path rather than being something that’ll force you to course-correct in the future.
- Faculty Expertise – The people who teach you need to have roots in the machine learning sector. Those roots can come from their experience in industry, academic success, or research, but they need to be there if your teachers are to provide the fuel to grow your academic seed.
- Industry Connections – Machine learning already permeates through any industry that relies on data (i.e., almost all of them), so you want a university that offers links to employers. Look for internship programs, lecturers with a history of real-world experience, and careers departments designed to help you get ahead.
- Tuition Fees – There’s no getting around the fact that a Master’s degree in any subject sets you back a few thousand euros. How many thousands depends on the nature of your course and the institution, so look for something that’s affordable and (where applicable) can provide financial aid.
Top Masters in Machine Learning Programs
With what to look for established, it’s time to look at a trio of Master’s in machine learning courses that fit the bill when examined under the lens of the above five factors.
Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (Imperial College London)
Imperial College London has always held a high reputation in the UK (it was a fixture on the old show “University Challenge”) and its Master’s degree courses allow you to piggyback off that reputation. This Master’s is a 24-month program that’s offered 100% online, making it as accessible to international students as it is to English ones.
The program starts you off with theory and ethics, helping you understand the programming techniques and math that go into designing machine learning models. By the second year, you’ll start getting your feet wet with practical projects, develop mastery of unsupervised learning, and take on research projects to show you can apply what you’ve learned. The faculty has wide-ranging experience, led by Professor Michael Bronstein, the university’s Chair of Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition. His expertise has been called upon by the likes of the University of Oxford and Project CETI, meaning you’re in good hands from the course creation and guidance perspectives.
The downside is that this is an expensive course, costing international students £16,200 per year for a total of £32,400 (approx. €37,310 as of time of writing). That’s money well spent, considering you get a degree from a university that ranks sixth in the QS World University Rankings and has an alumni network that stretches to over 200,000 former students and faculty members. Financial assistance for those high tuition fees is available for Imperial’s Student Support Fund and Global Relief Fund, though both are only available to students who face unexpected financial hardship.
Master in Management of AI and Machine Learning (UBI Business School)
From a course focused primarily on theory, we move to one that takes a much more business-centric focus. UBI Business School has five-star ratings across the board from QS University World Rankings and delivers courses that help students harness their knowledge to meet the demands of modern industry.
Creating digital leads is the stated goal of the program, which it highlights through a curriculum developed by some of the world’s leading tech companies. The idea is simple – ask companies what they want and let them design a course that teaches it. First-stage students start with modules focusing on the psychology and ethics behind modern technology. By the second stage, those who choose the AI and machine learning specialization move into the fundamentals of AI, neural networks, and applying Python to large datasets. Finally, this MSc machine learning concludes with a management project, where you’ll complete a thesis and work directly either with an existing business or in the university’s Venture Creation Lab.
Tuition may be a sticking point because you need to pay €11,900 for the course, though you can get a discount if you pay upfront. UBI also offers scholarships based on merit and for special groups (i.e., people with special political associations). International students can also benefit from global inclusion and refugee scholarships designed to make education more accessible. The teaching staff, led by Dean and Professor Gaston Fornes, includes people who have over 15 years of professional experience, five of which are spent in senior leadership roles.
Master in Applied Data Science & AI (OPIT)
Don’t let the lack of the term “machine learning” in the degree’s name fool you – OPIT’s course leans heavily into machine learning. In the first term alone, you’ll learn about feature engineering, different machine learning models, and how to visualize data through Python and relevant coding libraries. But you’ll learn all of that in the context of how machine learning applies in data science, making the program ideal for practical people with one eye turned toward a data science career.
That focus on practicality continues in the second team, where you can study the applications of machine learning more directly. The third (and final) term is your thesis, which is your choice between a research project or an internship with a real-world company. Speaking of associations with companies. OPIT’s team of teachers boasts experience working with some major players, with former Google and Microsoft employees among their numbers. Again, that feeds into the applied approach brought to this Master’s in machine learning as you’ll learn from people who’ve actually applied what they’re teaching you.
Tuition fees are also reasonable for this 18-month course. Most can expect to pay €6,500, though early bird discounts are on offer to bring the price closer to the €5,000 range if you apply several months before the October intake. You can also pay in installments.
Other Notable Masters in Machine Learning Programs
The three courses highlighted above all offer something different, with one being more theory focused, another taking on the business angle, and the third falling somewhere in between. But beyond those three, here are a few more good MSc machine learning universities to consider.
Carnegie Mellon University
As one of the world’s top-ranked AI institutions, Carnegie Mellon is ideal for those who want to study in the United States. Learning from top researchers gives you a solid pedigree that makes you more desirable to employers after your studies.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford’s low 18% acceptance rate belies its reputation as the UK’s foremost academic institution. Simply having the word “Oxford” on your CV opens doors that other degree programs can’t.
KU Leaven
Don’t let KU Leaven’s reputation as one of the oldest Catholic universities in the world trick you into thinking it’s not the best place for the sciences. It’s a world leader in research, especially in AI and biomedical science fields.
Guide the New Wave of Machines With an MSc Machine Learning Degree
By choosing to pursue a Master’s in machine learning, you’ve put yourself on track for a career that will be lucrative and has the potential for enormous growth as more companies adopt AI. You’re also getting yourself in on (or near) the ground floor of a metaphorical building that’s going to be so high that we may not ever see the top.
The three courses here (plus the universities touched upon at the tail end of the article) offer differing paths into machine learning. But all three give you the same result – an MSc machine learning qualification you can use to build a superb career.
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Computer Science is fast becoming one of the most valuable fields of study, with high levels of demand and high-salaried career opportunities for successful graduates. If you’re looking for a flexible and rewarding way to hone your computing skills as part of a supportive global community, the BSc in Computer Science at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) could be the perfect next step.
Introducing the OPIT BSc in Computer Science
The OPIT BSc in Computer Science is a bachelor’s degree program that provides students with a comprehensive level of both theoretical and practical knowledge of all core areas of computer science. That includes the likes of programming, databases, cloud computing, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Like other programs at OPIT, the Computer Science BSc is delivered exclusively online, with a mixture of recorded and live content for students to engage with. Participants will enjoy the instruction of world-leading lecturers and professors from various fields, including software engineers at major tech brands and esteemed researchers, and will have many paths open to them upon graduation.
Graduates may, for example, seek to push on with their educational journeys, progressing on to a specialized master’s degree at OPIT, like the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation or the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence. Or they could enter the working world in roles like software engineer, data scientist, web developer, app developer, or cybersecurity consultant.
The bullets below outline the key characteristics of this particular course:
- Duration: Three years in total, spread across six terms.
- Content: Core courses for the first four terms, a student-selected specialization for the fifth term, and a capstone project in the final term.
- Focus: Developing detailed theoretical knowledge and practical skills across all core areas of modern computer science.
- Format: Entirely online, with a mixture of live lessons and asynchronous content you can access 24/7 to learn at your own pace.
- Assessment: Progressive assessments over the course of the program, along with a capstone project and dissertation, but no final exams.
What You’ll Learn
Students enrolled in the BSc in Computer Science course at OPIT will enjoy comprehensive instruction in the increasingly diverse sectors that fall under the umbrella of computer science today. That includes a close look at emerging technologies, like AI and machine learning, as well as introductions to the fundamental skills involved in designing and developing pieces of software.
The first four terms are the same for all students. These will include introductions to software engineering, computer security, and cloud computing infrastructure, as well as courses focusing on the core skills that computer scientists invariably need in their careers, like project management, quality assurance, and technical English.
For the fifth term, students will have a choice. They can select five electives from a pool of 27, or select one field to specialize in from a group of five. You may choose to specialize in all things cybersecurity, for example, and learn about emerging cyber threats. Or you could focus more on specific elements of computer science that appeal to your interests and passions, such as game development.
Who It’s For
The BSc in Computer Science program can suit a whole range of prospective applicants and should appeal to anyone with an interest or passion for computing and a desire to pursue a professional career in this field. Whether you’re seeking to enter the world of software development, user experience design, data science, or another related sector, this is the course to consider.
In addition, thanks to OPIT’s engaging, flexible, and exclusively online teaching and learning systems, this course can appeal to people from all over the globe, of different ages, and from different walks of life. It’s equally suitable for recent high school graduates with dreams of making their own apps to seasoned professionals looking to broaden their knowledge or transition to a different career.
The Value of the BSc in Computer Science Course at OPIT
Plenty of universities and higher education establishments around the world offer degrees in computer science, but OPIT’s program stands out for several distinctive reasons.
Firstly, as previously touched upon, all OPIT courses are delivered online. Students have a schedule of live lessons to attend, but can also access recorded content and digital learning resources as and when they choose. This offers an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility compared to more conventional educational institutions, putting students in the driving seat and letting them learn at their own pace.
OPIT also aims not merely to impart knowledge through lectures and teaching, but to actually help students gain the practical skills they need to take the next logical steps in their education or career. In other words, studying at OPIT isn’t simply about memorizing facts and paragraphs of text; it’s about learning how to apply the knowledge you gain in real-world settings.
OPIT students also enjoy the unique benefits of a global community of like-minded students and world-leading professors. Here, distance is no barrier, and while students and teachers may come from completely different corners of the globe, all are made to feel welcome and heard. Students can reach out to their lecturers when they feel the need for guidance, answers, and advice.
Other benefits of studying with OPIT include:
- Networking opportunities and events, like career fairs, where you can meet and speak with representatives from some of the world’s biggest tech brands
- Consistent support systems from start to finish of your educational journey in the form of mentorships and more
- Helpful tools to expedite your education, like the OPIT AI Copilot, which provides personalized study support
Entry Requirements and Fees
To enroll in the OPIT BSc in Computer Science and take your next steps towards a thrilling and fulfilling career in this field, you’ll need to meet some simple criteria. Unlike other educational institutions, which can impose strict and seemingly unattainable requirements on their applicants, OPIT aims to make tech education more accessible. As a result, aspiring students will require:
- A higher secondary school leaving certificate at EQF Level 4, or equivalent
- B2-level English proficiency, or higher
Naturally, applicants should also have a passion for computer science and a willingness to study, learn, and make the most of the resources, community, and support systems provided by the institute.
In addition, if you happen to have relevant work experience or educational achievements, you may be able to use these to skip certain modules or even entire terms and obtain your degree sooner. OPIT offers a comprehensive credit transfer program, which you can learn more about during the application process.
Regarding fees, OPIT also stands out from the crowd compared to conventional educational institutions, offering affordable rates to make higher tech education more accessible. There are early bird discounts, scholarship opportunities, and even the option to pay either on a term-by-term basis or a one-off up-front fee.
The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) provides a curated collection of courses for students at every stage of their learning journey, including those who are just starting. For aspiring tech leaders and those who don’t quite feel ready to dive directly into a bachelor’s degree, there’s the OPIT Foundation Program. It’s the perfect starting point to gain core skills, boost confidence, and build a solid base for success.
Introducing the OPIT Foundation Year Program
As the name implies, OPIT’s Foundation Program is about foundation-level knowledge and skills. It’s the only pre-bachelor program in the OPIT lineup, and successful students on this 60-ECTS credit course will obtain a Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology upon its completion. From there, they can move on to higher levels of learning, like a Bachelor’s in Digital Business or Modern Computer Science.
In other words, the Foundation Program provides a gentle welcome into the world of higher technological education, while also serving as a springboard to help students achieve their long-term goals. By mixing both guided learning and independent study, it also prepares students for the EQF Level 4 experiences and challenges they’ll face once they enroll in a bachelor’s program in IT or a related field.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the OPIT Foundation Program course involves:
- Duration: Six months, split into two terms, with each term lasting 13 weeks
- Content: Three courses per term, with each one worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60
- Focus: Core skills, like mathematics, English, and introductory-level computing
- Format: Video lectures, independent learning, live sessions, and digital resources (e-books, etc.)
- Assessment: Two to three assessments over the course of the program
What You’ll Learn
The OPIT Foundation Program doesn’t intensely focus on any one particular topic, nor does it thrust onto you the more advanced, complicated aspects of technological education you would find in a bachelor’s or master’s program. Instead, it largely keeps things simple, focusing on the basic building blocks of knowledge and core skills so that students feel comfortable taking the next steps in their studies.
It includes the following courses, spread out across two terms:
- Academic Skills
- Mathematics Literacy I
- Mathematics Literacy II
- Internet and Digital Technology
- Academic Reading, Writing, and Communication
- Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
Encompassing foundational-level lessons in digital business, computer science, and computer literacy, the Foundation Program produces graduates with a commanding knowledge of common operating systems. Exploring reading and writing, it also helps students master the art of communicating their ideas and responses in clear, academic English.
Who It’s For
The Foundation Year program is for people who are eager to enter the world of technology and eventually pursue a bachelor’s or higher level of education in this field, but feel they need more preparation. It’s for the people who want to work on their core skills and knowledge before progressing to more advanced topics, so that they don’t feel lost or left behind later on.
It can appeal to anyone with a high school-level education and ambitions of pushing themselves further, and to anyone who wants to work in fields like computer science, digital business, and artificial intelligence (AI). You don’t need extensive experience or qualifications to get started (more on that below); just a passion for tech and the motivation to learn.
The Value of the Foundation Program
With technology playing an increasingly integral role in the world today, millions of students want to develop their tech knowledge and skills. The problem is that technology-oriented degree courses can sometimes feel a little too complex or even inaccessible, especially for those who may not have had the most conventional educational journeys in the past.
While so many colleges and universities around the world simply expect students to show up with the relevant skills and knowledge to dive right into degree programs, OPIT understands that some students need a helping hand. That’s where the Foundation Program comes in – it’s the kind of course you won’t find at a typical university, aimed at bridging the gap between high school and higher education.
By progressing through the Foundation Program, students gain not just knowledge, but confidence. The entire course is aimed at eliminating uncertainty and unease. It imbues students with the skills and understanding they need to push onward, to believe in themselves, and to get more value from wherever their education takes them next.
On its own, this course won’t necessarily provide the qualifications you need to move straight into the job market, but it’s a vital stepping stone towards a degree. It also provides numerous other advantages that are unique to the OPIT community:
- Online Learning: Enjoy the benefits of being able to learn at your own pace, from the comfort of home, without the costs and inconveniences associated with relocation, commuting, and so on.
- Strong Support System: OPIT professors regularly check in with students and are on hand around the clock to answer queries and provide guidance.
- Academic Leaders: The OPIT faculty is made up of some of the world’s sharpest minds, including tech company heads, experienced researchers, and even former education ministers.
Entry Requirements and Fees
Unlike OPIT’s other, more advanced courses, the Foundation Program is aimed at beginners, so it does not have particularly strict or complex entry requirements. It’s designed to be as accessible as possible, so that almost anyone can acquire the skills they need to pursue education and a career in technology. The main thing you’ll need is a desire to learn and improve your skills, but applicants should also possess:
- English proficiency at level B2 or higher
- A Secondary School Leaving Certificate, or equivalent
Regarding the fees, OPIT strives to lower the financial barrier of education that can be such a deterrent in conventional education around the world. The institute’s tuition fees are fairly and competitively priced, all-inclusive (without any hidden charges to worry about), and accessible for those working with different budgets.
Given that all resources and instruction are provided online, you can also save a lot of money on relocation and living costs when you study with OPIT. In addition, applicants have the option to pay either up front, with a 10% discount on the total, or on a per-term basis, allowing you to stretch the cost out over a longer period to ease the financial burden.
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