The Netherlands has become one of the most prominent places in Europe and globally to not only practice artificial intelligence (AI) but also study. A while back, we looked at some of the best universities in the US to study and gain degrees in the field of AI and machine learning. However, the Netherlands has also emerged as a great place to learn AI in Europe.
In the Netherlands, there are a number of bachelor’s degrees offered by universities that help students develop intelligent devices, such as robots, knowledge systems and multi-agent systems. Apart from robotics, AI fields such as image recognition and data mining are also taught in great detail. With AI and ML evolving at a breakneck pace, here are some of the universities in the Netherlands that can put you at the leading edge.
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen offers a bachelor’s degree in the field of artificial intelligence. The programme offers a fixed number of places and a selection procedure takes place to select candidates for this class. Once selected, the enrolled bachelor’s students will first investigate the existing intelligence of humans and animals.
Based on this investigation, students will embark on the process of developing new intelligent computers and robots. The programme also encourages students to develop user-friendly products, and it shouldn’t be a surprise if a group of students at University of Groningen develop an autonomous car. The 36 months course offered as part of science and engineering faculty follows an interdisciplinary curriculum and focuses on practical applications.
Utrecht University
Utrecht University offers a two year master’s programme leading to a MSc degree in artificial intelligence. The programme focuses on the application of the latest techniques in the design of modern AI. The AI programme at UU also draws from the joint expertise of four departments: computer science, psychology, linguistics, and philosophy.
Artificial Intelligence learning at Utrecht University differs from other universities in the Netherlands by offering a wide range of courses. The course also focuses on theory and logical thinking, which makes it less technical. It also considers those who do not meet the entry requirements for its master’s programme for a pre-master’s programme.
University of Amsterdam
University of Amsterdam needs no introduction and its bachelor’s programme in artificial intelligence (offered in Dutch) is one of the best. The programme is designed with the intent of helping students study and analyse intelligence from different fields. Students at University of Amsterdam studying AI do research on how computers can imitate or perform better human thinking and actions.
The students are also encouraged to think about how everyday actions can be made more efficient using computer technology and algorithms. Like other universities offering AI programmes in the Netherlands, University of Amsterdam also makes AI interdisciplinary with focus on mathematics, computer science and programming, cognitive psychology, logic, linguistics, and philosophy.
Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS)
JADS is a cooperation between the Province of North Brabant, the Municipality of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Jheronimus Academy of Data Science offers a number of data science programmes including bachelor and master programmes.
The one area where JADS differs is in its approach to bring researchers and students together and make them work closely with the business community. This unique cooperation is not meant to create people who learn about AI and data science but instead people who take a data-driven approach and become entrepreneurs.
Radboud University
Radboud University offers a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, a three year programme designed to understand and simulate the brain. With electives, Radboud University also allows students to personalise the programme and has a number of close collaboration with several world-renowned research universities.
At Radboud University, the AI programme is not just about learning but an experience where students get to choose to complete part of their programme studying abroad. The first year students intake is between 150 to 180 per year and involves 18 to 22 hours per week. The course is designed to study human cognition and model artificial intelligence by applying mathematics, computer science, and other exact sciences.
Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, the faculty of science and engineering offers a bachelor’s degree in data science and artificial intelligence. The programme was called data science and knowledge engineering until September, 2020, and students study logic, intelligent search, and machine learning in this programme.
The course allows students to collect and organise relevant information using mathematics and smart computer techniques. Students also get to use models and computers for data analysis and the ultimate objective of the students is to develop user-friendly software and intelligent systems. The students learning data science and artificial intelligence at Maastricht University can be seen building the next major development in the field of healthcare, IT, robotics, and commercial gaming.