BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
EUR 2,530 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* First year bachelor's students* The statutory tuition fee of the academic year 2024-2025 for first-year bachelor's students is: €1.265
Key Summary
Introduction
Are you interested in human cognition? Are you eager to understand AI, and how the technology works? In the bachelor of Data Science and artificial Intelligence, you will develop a strong fundamental basis in computer science, mathematics, and statistics combined with advanced machine learning, cognitive science, and AI competence.
Why Data Science & Artificial Intelligence in Leiden?
Computational thinking and data science
In Leiden, we believe: that a competent AI engineer is first and foremost a skilled computer scientist. You will learn to understand how information is created, gain insights into algorithms, and learn programming skills.
Research University
Teaching is directly inspired by current research, students can participate in research projects, and they will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and develop problem-solving skills. Lectures will be given by research staff from LIACS (Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science) and the Institute of Psychology.
Why Leiden University?
You gain a strong foundation in computer science, combined with knowledge of machine learning, cognitive science, and human-robot interaction. You will learn to develop and program systems based on knowledge of the human brain.
Reasons to study this bachelor in Leiden
Computational thinking and data science
In Leiden, we believe: that a competent AI engineer is first and foremost a skilled computer scientist. Therefore you will receive a strong basis in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. This will be combined with advanced machine learning, cognitive science, and AI competence.
Research university
Teaching is directly inspired and nourished by current scientific research. Lectures will be given by research staff from the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS), the Institute of Psychology, and the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics. Insights they gain in their research are being used in their lectures.
Interdisciplinary
Students profit from several elective and mandatory courses in cognitive psychology, data science, and artificial intelligence. Also, Leiden University is part of the LDE alliance with TU Delft and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Students have the advantage of having a large number of minors in the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus context to choose from.
Ideal Students
Is this the program for you?
- This program is aimed at students who have a strong interest in programming and computer science, as well as an interest in the human brain and information processing:
- Do you want to learn how to analyse information, detect patterns and relationships, and solve problems on a complex level?
- Do you have strong mathematical skills?
- Are you interested in the functioning of the brain, and in understanding and creating intelligent self-learning systems?
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Leiden University has a number of scholarship programs for international students. There are also a range of scholarships offered by Dutch governmental and EU organizations.
Curriculum
Programme structure
The programme focuses on six learning trajectories: computational thinking, mathematical skills, basic AI, intelligent systems, cognition, and research skills.
First-year
The first year will give a thorough grounding in the mathematical foundation of data science and artificial intelligence. Mathematical support courses are needed to understand the core concepts of modelling and algorithms for implementing intelligence.
You will get familiar with the basis of logical reasoning and will be introduced to computational models, data science and artificial intelligence.
In addition, academic skills and methodology are an essential part of the first-year programme. Special attention is paid to social and ethical issues related to data science and artificial intelligence.
Second year
The second year is dedicated to further enrichment in some of the key areas of artificial intelligence and data science: search and decision-making, cognitive and behavioural data sciences, autonomous and multi-agent systems statistics, human-robot interaction, and machine learning. In addition, you will deepen your knowledge of computational models and algorithms.
Third year
Minor
Students can choose to follow a minor at Leiden University, Delft University or Erasmus University Rotterdam (LDE); follow electives offered by LIACS or study abroad.
Individual research project
The bachelor’s program is concluded with the research project (15 EC). Some students participate in existing research projects; other students do a more independent project in collaboration with one of the research groups.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The Bachelor's degree trains future computer scientists in the fields of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. When you graduate you will be ready for a range of career options.
Careers
Graduates will have developed key competencies in data science and AI. You will possess both theoretical knowledge and strong practical skills. You will be able to work as a data scientist in a wide range of industries or continue your studies after completing the Bachelor's programme.
Examples of careers are:
- Data & AI specialists/analyst/consultant/engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data scientist
- Computer Research Scientist
- Business intelligence developer
Master's programmes
Students graduating from the bachelor’s programme can continue with a master’s programme in Computer Science in Leiden, or other AI or computer science master programmes at Dutch or international universities. Leiden offers a two-year master’s programme in Computer Science with 7 specialisations:
- Advanced computing and systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Bioinformatics
- Computer Science and Education
- Computer Science and Science Communication and Society
- Data Science: Computer Science
- Foundations of Computing
Program Admission Requirements
Demonstrate your commitment and readiness to succeed in business school by taking the GMAT exam – the most widely used exam for admissions that measures your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
Download the GMAT mini quiz to get a flavour of the questions you’ll find in the exam.