National Institute of Applied Sciences of Lyon

Master's in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Master Minds

Practical learning and interactive experiences

The program emphasizes hands-on learning through interactive experiences:

• In the second semester of the first year, students tackle group challenges proposed by industrial partners, enhancing teamwork and real-world application skills.
• A major project during the second semester explores broader societal issues, such as the intersection of digital society and sustainable development, encouraging students to address the societal dimensions of AI innovation.
• The first semester of the second year concludes with a hackathon, enabling students to apply specialized knowledge in a dynamic, immersive setting.

Flexible research and Master Thesis options

The master’s thesis can be pursued at the institution hosting the third semester or any other location, provided collaborative agreements are in place. This flexibility allows students to align their research and practical experience with their career aspirations.
Master MINDS provides graduates with both the technical expertise and global outlook needed to lead in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

The Common Core in M1 – Semesters 1 and 2

The first year of the program, conducted by INSA Lyon with visiting professors from partner universities, comprises a common core that establishes the foundations of key AI domains, including data science and engineering, cybersecurity, computer vision, and robotics. Additionally, 15% of the curriculum is dedicated to humanities, entrepreneurship, and digital society, addressing fundamental topics such as ethics, deontology, sustainability, and the frugality of artificial intelligence.
The humanities curriculum also includes linguistic studies in French, as well as German, Italian, or Spanish, depending on the student’s planned mobility during the second year and their proficiency level in French.
Two projects enhance the first-year curriculum by enabling students to apply their acquired knowledge on a larger scale:

• A group project in the second semester, addressing challenges proposed by industrial partners.
• A year-long Capstone project, developed individually by students under the guidance of a faculty member.

This structure ensures a balanced blend of theoretical and practical learning.

Master MINDS Program

The Master MINDS program offers students the opportunity to obtain an INSA diploma along with a diploma supplement summarizing their specific academic path (specialization and mobility).

The Specialization in M2 – Semester 3

Following the first year of the master's program, students specialize during the first semester of the second year in one of the following AI domains at one of the partner universities: AI for Engineering at the University of Passau, AI for Cybersecurity at the University of Milan, and AI for Computer Vision & Robotics at the University of Catalonia. This semester concludes with a Hackathon week at INSA Lyon, where students work in groups on a collective challenge, applying their specialist knowledge in a collaborative and dynamic setting.

The Master Thesis in M2 – Semester 4

The final semester is dedicated to the Master's Thesis, allowing each student to deeply investigate their chosen specialty. The internship is supervised by at least two advisors—either both from academia or a combination of academic and industry professionals. Co-supervision by specialized researchers promotes strong team cohesion while also reinforcing academic partnerships between the involved parties.

Upon completing the Master’s Thesis, students receive a diploma from INSA Lyon, accompanied by a diploma supplement that provides a detailed record of their entire academic journey, including their mobility during M2 at the university where they studied for at least six months.

Strengths of the Curriculum

The three specializations are taught by faculty members (researchers and professors) who are domain specialists, ideally positioned to identify and address cutting-edge topics in AI research and applications. The program offers innovative educational approaches, particularly in the realm of digital humanities, through methods such as inter-university challenges, specialist seminars involving industrial partners, group projects, and year-long projects that explore scientific themes through the lens of their societal impacts and challenges.

In addition to its focus on AI specializations, the program features courses in humanities, emphasizing topics related to digital society, languages, and entrepreneurship. This multidisciplinary approach ensures students gain a comprehensive understanding of the societal and ethical dimensions of AI.
The program also boasts a unique mobility structure within Europe, allowing students to study in at least two countries during their master's journey. This unparalleled mobility enhances intercultural skills and positions the program as a leader in international AI education.
Furthermore, the program is highly inclusive, fostering collaboration between businesses, companies, and academia to create an alliance that actively contributes to the advancement of European initiatives in AI and education.

Main Professional Opportunities

Graduates of this curriculum are well-prepared for roles that require a strong understanding of modern AI concepts and technologies, such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Generative AI, and Natural Language Processing. Additionally, their expertise extends to security systems, Computer Vision and Robotics, and advanced AI- based software engineering.
Career opportunities span a range of sectors, including the digital industry, academia, and research. This broad skill set positions graduates for success in cutting-edge fields and interdisciplinary roles.