Masters in Artificial Intelligence: The Best AI Master’s Programs

AI and machine learning are like an unstoppable tidal wave in today’s world. We’ve already seen the crest of that wave appear over the horizon with increased automation in businesses and the emergence of apps like ChatGPT. But in the coming years, the wave will engulf the world, making AI big business.

That’s supported by statistics from Statista, too, with reports that the AI market that was worth $200 billion (approx. €185 billion) in 2022 will be worth a staggering $2 trillion (approx. €1.85 trillion) in 2030. The point is that massive growth is coming in AI, and the right Master’s in AI is the key for you to be a part of that growth rather than getting stuck in an industry that gets consumed by it.

Top European Programs for Masters in AI and ML

In choosing the MSc artificial intelligence programs that appear on this list, we looked at factors ranging from the quality (and variety) of course content to who provides the degree. The three courses highlighted here are among Europe’s best to offer to European and overseas students.

Master in Artificial Intelligence (Universita di Bologna)

Though it’s held in Italy, this Master’s program is delivered in English as part of Universita di Bologna’s computer science program. It’s an on-campus course, meaning you’ll have to move to Bologna to attend.

The course provides a solid grounding in the foundations of AI over two years. You’ll get to grips with topics like machine learning and natural language processing, in addition to touching on the ethical and social issues that the rise of AI brings to the table.

The course is welcoming to international students, as it currently has a 77% ratio of international students who don’t come from Bologna. To apply, you must complete an application on the Studenti Online program, along with a mandatory form. Failure to follow this procedure leads to your application being discarded. Applicants don’t necessarily need to hold a Bachelor’s degree, though they must demonstrate a transcript of record that shows they have earned at least 150 ECTS or CFU credits in majors like computer science, mathematics, statistics, and physics.

The course page boasts that 90.5% of its 2021 graduates were happy with their degrees. It’s natural to assume most of these graduates leveraged their Master’s in artificial intelligence to move into careers in the field.

Master in Applied Data Science & AI (OPIT)

If you want to master artificial intelligence with a sprinkling of applying that mastery to the data science industry, OPIT’s course is right for you. It’s an 18-month course (though a 12-month fast-track version is available) that is fully online and delivers 90 ECTS credits. The first term covers the foundational aspects of AI, including subjects like machine learning and data science. But the second term stands out as it moves study from the theoretical to the practical by challenging you to solve real-world problems with your knowledge.

As an online program, it’s available to anybody anywhere, with entry requirements also being flexible. You’ll need a BSc degree, even one from a non-technical field, and should demonstrate English proficiency up to the B2 level with appropriate certification. Don’t worry if you don’t have an English language certification because OPIT offers its own that you can take before registering for the course.

Career-wise, the course is a good option because it occupies an interesting middle-ground between theory and practicality. The second term, in particular, equips you with skills that you can apply directly in fields as varied as IT business analysis, business intelligence, and data science.

MSc in Advanced Computer Science (University of Oxford)

Though it’s not marketed directly as a Master’s in machine learning and artificial intelligence, the University of Oxford’s program gives you excellent qualifications in both. It’s also delivered by an institution that EduRank names as the best for AI in the UK, and sixth-best in the world. The course examines advanced machine learning and computer security techniques, focusing on computational models and the algorithms behind them.

It’s a full-time program demanding 35 hours of weekly study, 15 of which you’ll spend on campus with the other 20 dedicated to self-study. It’s also a tough nut to crack for applicants, as the University of Oxford has a low 18% acceptance rate. You’ll need a first-class undergraduate degree with honors (or an equivalent) in mathematics or computer science to stand a chance of getting into one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.

Those tough entry requirements pay off later on, though, as the words “University of Oxford” on a CV immediately make employers stand up and pay attention. The wide-ranging approach of the program also means you’re not focusing solely on AI, opening up career opportunities in other fields related to math and statistical analysis.

Data Science Master – Europe’s Best Options

Data science is an industry that requires you to translate your understanding of algorithmic theory to transform complex data sets into actionable insights. It’s also an industry that’s making increasingly heavy use of AI tools, making a Master’s in data science a great companion (or alternative) to the best artificial intelligence Master in Europe. As you noticed above, OPIT’s MSc AI program includes elements of data science, though the two programs here (covered in brief) are excellent choices as standalone programs.

MSc Data Sciences and Business Analytics (Essec Business School)

This hybrid course lasts for either one or two years, depending on your background, and focuses on the application of data sciences in a business context. It’s also ranked as the fourth-best Master’s in business analytics in the world by QS World University Rankings.

That high ranking is backed up by the university’s own statistics, which state that over half of its students get jobs before they even complete the course. Essec has a 100% career success rate for graduates in less than six months from completion of the Master’s, making this a great choice for career-focused students. Google, Amazon, JP Morgan Chase, and PwC count as some of the top recruiters that keep their eye on graduates from this program.

Admission requires a degree in a related technical subject, such as engineering, science, or business, from a leading university. That degree also impacts the version of the program you take, as a three-year BSc means you take the two-year Master’s, while those who have a four-year BSc under their belts take the one-year version, assuming they meet other requirements.

Data Science, Technology, and Innovation (University of Edinburgh)

With over 13,000 international students, the University of Edinburgh welcomes overseas students who want to expand their knowledge. Its MSc data science program is no different, buoyed by the fact that it’s an online course that doesn’t require you to move to the less-than-sunny climate of Edinburgh.

It’s a part-time program that relies on self-study, though it provides you with plenty of interactive resources to help along the way. The program is something of an umbrella course as it focuses on equipping students with the knowledge they need to enter the data science field across industries as diverse as medicine, science, and even the arts.

You’ll need the equivalent of an Upper Second-Class Honors degree that has elements of programming before applying. Ideally, you’ll also have evidence of mathematical skill, either through taking math classes in your undergraduate studies or by demonstrating the equivalent of an English A-Level in math through other qualifications.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Artificial Intelligence Master’s

The five programs highlighted here all help you master artificial intelligence, with many also providing a practical grounding that puts you in good stead for your future career. But if you want to do more research (and that’s always a good idea), the following factors should be on your mind when checking other programs:

• Course Curriculum – The content of your course impacts what you can do once you have your MSc under your belt. Focus on programs that teach tangible skills applicable to the field you wish to enter.
• Faculty – Always check the credentials of the program’s creators and administrators, particularly in terms of industry experience, to confirm they have the relevant tools.
• Tuition and Financial Aid – Master’s programs aren’t cheap (you’ll pay several thousand euros for even an online course), so check you can budget accordingly for the program. Many universities offer financial aid options, from scholarships to student loans, that can help in this area.
• Location – The location isn’t really an issue if you take an online course, but it impacts your decision if you decide to study on-campus. Remember that you’ll spend at least a year of your life on the course (often two years) so you need to gel well with the place in which you’ll live.
• Networking and Industry – Does the course provider have connections to major industry players? Does it offer career advice, ideally via a specialized office or program? These are the types of questions to ask when assessing a university’s capacity for networking and career advancement.

Become a Master in Artificial Intelligence

A Master’s degree in artificial intelligence is your entry point into a growing industry that’s already on the verge of taking the world by storm. That is, assuming you choose the right program. The five highlighted here all land in the “right program” category by virtue of the tuition you receive, the reputation of the institution, and their accessibility to European and overseas students.

Research each program (and any others you consider) extensively before making a choice. Remember that it’s not always about the course or its reputation – it’s about how the course helps you achieve the specific learning goals you need to achieve to get ahead in your chosen career.