Artificial Intelligence Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

The Bachelor's programme in Artificial Intelligence (Lifestyle Informatics) at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has two tracks: Intelligent Systems and Socially Aware Computing. You decide which option is best for you. The first year is the same for both tracks, the second year shares 40% of their programmes. This means you can switch very easily!

Intelligent Systems track

• The Intelligent Systems track of the AI Bachelor’s degree programme focuses on building intelligent systems, i.e. on developing, applying and evaluating new intelligent algorithms. You will study how computers are able to learn automatically and how they accumulate, represent and apply knowledge on a large scale. 
• This programme teaches you three main aspects: essential informatics skills and knowledge, such as programming, databases and algorithms; a sound foundation in mathematics in order to use and evaluate new methods, such as logic, algebra or statistics; and general AI methodology and technology, such as automatic learning and building intelligent systems. 

Socially Aware Computing track

• This track is unique in the Netherlands: you can only study Socially Aware Computing at VU Amsterdam. This programme focuses on helping people by using artificial intelligence. You will learn how to develop the tools and programmes that make people’s everyday lives more pleasant, safer and healthier.
• For example, you could develop an intelligent living environment for the elderly, smart training programmes for athletes, or intelligent sensors and devices to help deal with stress. We are seeing more and more applications of artificial intelligence in our daily lives. 

Career Prospects

As a graduate in Artificial Intelligence you will be in demand on the job market. Nearly all graduates find a job very quickly. For example, you could be developing a new device for education or healthcare, like Alice, the care robot. 

It could be an application supporting people with depression, or e-learning applications; you could opt for a career as an Applications Developer for a technology start-up, or as a Knowledge Manager or Information Analyst at a company or healthcare institution. You could opt for a career in science, by taking a doctoral post in our research department.