Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Applied Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Maastricht, Netherlands
- Heerlen, Netherlands
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Jul 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 11,850 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU | non-EU: 1st June
** for non-EU students | for EU students: €2601 per year
Key Summary
Help doctors to detect and predict diseases in an early stage. Or accelerate the energy transition by developing intelligent systems that predict our energy needs. Applied Data Science and AI are not just about numbers and algorithms, but about crafting solutions that enhance our daily lives. Get ready to challenge real-world problems with a practical approach, using logic for instance. Technology is important, but there’s more to it. Embrace curiosity and creativity as part of your identity. You're not just learning about AI; you're shaping it. What is the impact of AI on society? What about ethics? Dive into understanding and influencing how humans and society interact with AI. If blending tech-savvy with a human touch excites you, then Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is your calling.
Kick off your week with captivating lectures, where you and your international peers explore new topics. In group discussions you dive deeper into the material with your group, always guided by a lecturer. You need to dedicate about 40 hours a week to your studies, mostly working on innovative projects. Initially, these are practice projects, but soon you'll be working on real-world regional innovations. This often involves collaborating with companies like those of our partner at the Brightlands campuses.
Guidance
You will have a personal study coach to help you with any questions or concerns you have. This ensures that you always have someone to turn to for advice and support.
As a student of Applied Data Science & AI, you become part of a vibrant learning community, receiving both individual guidance and support. Our community offers opportunities to network with industry professionals and participate in workshops and events that prepare you for your future career. Furthermore, we also organize social activities, which strengthen bonds among students and our local community.
In your first year, you'll establish a solid foundation in the core areas of Data Science and AI. You'll get familiar with programming, algorithms, and data structures. But it's not just about tech; you'll also explore how people, data, and machines interact. And let's not forget about math; an important component in year one.
Courses 1st year
- Introduction to Applied Data Science and AI
- Programming fundamentals,
- Discrete mathematics
- Introduction to human-data-computer interaction
- Cognitive science
- Evolutionary AI
- Introduction to software engineering
- Data structures and algorithms
- Linear algebra
- Introduction to data engineering
- Design of interactive systems,
- Calculus
The second year takes you deeper. Machine learning, statistics, and interaction design equip you to tackle increasingly complex problems. Ever heard of ‘deep learning’? After this year you will. Year two also introduces topics like eXtended Reality and responsible research and innovation, enhancing your understanding of the field's ethical aspects.
Courses 2nd year
- Machine learning
- Probability and statistics
- AI-Ops
- Deep learning for communication
- Extended reality
- Responsible research and innovation
- Simulation, reasoning, and planning
- Intelligent search
During the first part of the third year, you learn in your internship at a regional organization. The second part is dedicated to electives. Electives offer you the chance to broaden or deepen your knowledge through a variety of options. In total, you get to follow four electives (two in year 3 and two in year 4). You’ll follow at least two electives within our program. We offer four electives: Multi-Agent Robotics, Beyond Desktop, Data Driven Business Intelligence, and Explainable AI.
Your final year includes two more electives, allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals. The culmination of your Applied Data Science & AI studies is your bachelor thesis. You can use your skills and knowledge to solve a specific problem by applying data science and AI techniques.
Electives 3rd/ 4th year: Multi agent robotics; byond desktop; data driven business intelligence; explainable AI
Internship 3rd year: 5 months
Graduation project: 5 month
Data scientists and AI engineers are in high demand in the Netherlands, with a growing number of job openings and increasing salaries. According to LinkedIn's 2023 Emerging Jobs Report, Data Scientist is the third most in-demand job in the Netherlands.
- AI Translator: The ‘bridge’ between AI and society/industry.
- Data Scientist: Data scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets to extract meaningful insights and inform business decisions.
- Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers build and maintain machine learning models, ensuring they function effectively and meet specific requirements.
- Business Intelligence Developer: Business intelligence (BI) developers design and build BI dashboards, reports, and data visualizations to help businesses make informed decisions.
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer: Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers develop and implement AI-powered solutions, such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and image recognition systems.