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Artificial intelligence: what bachelor’s degree suits me?

How do you build a working algorithm? How can we use artificial intelligence (AI) to make predictions about the weather, the spread of diseases, or cyberattacks, for example? And what about the ethical questions surrounding AI? With artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly prominent part of our daily lives, these are important questions – meaning there’s also a growing demand for AI experts. Are you curious whether a degree in artificial intelligence might be a good fit for you? In this article, we highlight a few options.

Photo of UT Stories Editorial Team
UT Stories Editorial Team
Two students of the University of Twente look at a laptop and smile.

Worldwide, there is a wide range of bachelor’s programmes related to AI. That can feel overwhelming, but it also has its benefits: you can approach artificial intelligence from many different angles, and there’s always a direction that matches your interests.

This means that you could dive into the mathematics behind algorithms, for example, or focus on developing software that uses AI in smart ways. Or perhaps you are more interested in applying AI responsibly and meaningfully. Whatever direction you want to take, the University of Twente offers a broad range of bachelor’s degrees related to AI, which give you access to various master’s options in AI, robotics, data science and interactive technology.

Curious which bachelor’s programme suits you best? Below, we have listed a few possibilities.

  1. Applied Mathematics
  2. Technical Computer Science
  3. Creative Technology
  4. Business Information Technology
  5. Industrial Engineering & Management
  6. Applied Physics

Applied Mathematics

Do you enjoy mathematics and want to use your skills to discover new AI possibilities? In the Bachelor’s in Applied Mathematics, you explore the mathematical principles behind artificial intelligence and big data. You learn how to analyse and model data in smart ways, and how to optimise the systems behind machine learning – essential building blocks of effective AI.

Alongside the theory behind artificial intelligence, you also work on making algorithms even smarter and more efficient, with the goal of applying them in sectors like healthcare, economics and transport. Applied Mathematics gives you a broad foundation that opens doors to many different fields, both inside and outside data science and AI.

Interested in Applied Mathematics?

Technical Computer Science

Perhaps the most straightforward choice if you want to study AI: Technical Computer Science. This bachelor’s programme immerses you in the world of computer science and covers artificial intelligence in the broadest sense, from the basic principles of AI and prompt design to the mathematical theories behind AI and the development of smart algorithms and self-learning systems.

With this knowledge, you become a future-oriented computer scientist who can independently build high-quality and secure software applications. You also learn to understand not only the opportunities but also the risks of AI, and how to handle them responsibly – expertise that is highly sought after on the job market. Sounds like a match? Then, Technical Computer Science might be the right choice for you.

Interested in Technical Computer Science?

Creative Technology

Are you interested in AI, but also creative and motivated to tackle societal challenges? Then Creative Technology might be your perfect fit. This bachelor’s programme brings together design, technology, artificial intelligence and human behaviour, and challenges you to create innovative solutions for real-world problems. Think of a smart lamp that helps the elderly remember to take their medication.

You explore the full design cycle, from beginning to end. You learn the basics of electrical engineering, programming and AI to create working prototypes, and you discover how technologies like AI influence our behaviour. So you consider not only how effective your design is, but also its ethical and human aspects: after all, people need to actually use the solution you created.

Interested in Creative Technology?

Did you know that you can also study Creative Technology at VU University Amsterdam? In that case, you will attend most of your lectures at VU University Amsterdam. Occasionally, you will travel to Enschede to work on larger projects and use the high-tech labs on the UT campus. You will eventually graduate with a degree from the University of Twente.

Business Information Technology

Artificial intelligence is booming in the commercial and financial sectors, too. Companies need to integrate AI to stay competitive. In the Bachelor’s in Business Information Technology, you learn how emerging technologies such as AI influence business operations and how organisations can respond to these developments in a positive and future-proof way. This includes building smart business software and making data-driven decisions.

This bachelor’s programme offers the best of both worlds: IT and business administration. With your knowledge of organisations, AI and computer science, you help companies get the most out of new technologies and prepare for the future – for example, by developing smart software that addresses complex business challenges.

Interested in Business Information Technology?

Industrial Engineering & Management

Are you interested in business administration and good at mathematics, but not necessarily passionate about computer science? Then Industrial Engineering & Management might be right for you. In this bachelor’s programme, you work with big data and AI to make business processes stronger, smarter and more efficient.

You learn how to use mathematical models and optimisation techniques to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation and explore which changes can lead to better performance. And of course, you use modelling and AI to estimate the effects of those changes.

Interested in Industrial Engineering & Management?

Applied Physics

Applied Physics may not be the most obvious choice if you’re looking for an AI-related programme, but it’s still worth considering. This bachelor’s programme teaches you everything you would expect from a degree in physics, while also helping you develop important AI-related skills for your research. Think of analysing data, modelling physical processes and simulating complex systems using AI.

You become a physicist first and foremost, but your skills go beyond that. Thanks to your knowledge of artificial intelligence, you know exactly how to work with real-world data in your projects and research. So if you love physics and want to conduct innovative research with meaningful impact, Applied Physics could be a great match.

Interested in Applied Physics?

The next step: are you eligible?

When it comes to studying artificial intelligence, there are plenty of options. But before you decide, it’s important to check whether you meet the admission requirements. Engineering programmes usually require specific mathematics qualifications, and some also require physics. Be sure to check the exact entry requirements for your chosen programme on our website

Still unsure which degree is the best fit for you? Come and experience student life at the University of Twente! Plan an online meet-up with a student, where you’ll attend lectures alongside a current student in your chosen programme. It is a great way to get a feel for the course and compare different options. Or visit the Open Day on campus to gather even more information! Read up, try out different options and then make your choice. Whichever study programme you end up picking, with a degree in AI, you’ll be well prepared for a bright future on the job market.

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