FAQ Bachelor Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Why Should I study AI and Machine Learning?

Artificial Intelligence is not new technology but in recent years there have been huge breakthroughs in its performance. We now have machines that can perform as well as humans or better in many tasks, such as computer vision, self-driving cars, automatic translation, medical diagnostics etc. 

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Almost all industries are realizing the huge potential of this technology and are investing heavily. AI really is a key technology of the future. A qualification in AI and machine Learning will enable you to participate in and contribute to this new wave of innovation, and to work on exciting projects later in your career.

Why Should I study AI and Machine Learning at Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology?

The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is the first Hochschule in Switzerland to introduce a Bachelor in AI and Machine Learning. We are leading the way in AI education with a unique interdisciplinary approach that covers more than just technology and computer science. 

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We take a holistic approach to AI education which also covers topics like the philosophy of intelligence, how does the brain work, what are the ethics of AI, and business skills related to the deployment of AI in industry. Additionally, HSLU is located at our beautiful new campus in Zug-Rotkreuz, and is easily reached by train from Luzern, Zug or Zurich. Come and see it for yourself!

What Qualifications do I need to be admitted to the AIML Bachelor?

The most typical qualification of our students is a “Technische Berufsmatura”. However, this is not the only way to join our program. If you have a non-technical Berufsmatura, (e.g. Commercial) you can also join us, but you will be required to do a short preparatory course in mathematics (only German), and/or other technical subjects (only German). 

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You can also join with a “Gymnasiale Matura” provided you have at least one year work experience in a professional environment. We also accept international students with the requirement that you have at least a C1 in German, and meet the requirements for your country defined by swissuniversities.ch.

Can I study Part-time? Can I work while I am studying?

Yes! We offer the opportunity to study part-time, and you can also work up to 60% while you are studying - more about the individual time models you can find here. 

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For part-time students we have arranged the timetable so you will have classes on two fixed days per week, and possibly also some other evenings and/or Saturday morning. This leaves 3 days per week free for other activities.

Do I need to bring computer programming experience?

No! We do require that you have familiarity with IT and computer hardware/software. For students without this background, we offer a short preparation course (only German) in advance of the studies. 

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However, you do not need to bring any programming experience. We teach the AI and Machine Learning Bachelor mainly through the Python programming language. You will be given a full beginners introduction and education in Python in your first Semester. There is a quite lot of computer programming over the duration of the Bachelor, as AI and Machine Learning are technical disciplines.

Is there a lot of mathematics?

At the beginning, yes. AI and Machine Learning are really cool technologies, and really powerful. But they are built on some really clever concepts, which require a good understanding of standard mathematical topics like statistics and linear algebra. 

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We give a good foundational introduction to mathematics in your first 2- 3 Semesters, which most students navigate quite well. There is less mathematics, and more focus on applications and programming in the later Semesters. However, if you really do not like mathematics, maybe this is not the right program for you!

I already have attended University. Is it possible to receive an exemption from some modules I have already studied?

Yes! If you have studied relevant subjects previously, you do not have to repeat them in our program. We can recognize the academic credits (ECTS) from other universities. 

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However, in order to qualify, the modules you have studied must have a high degree of overlap with the modules in our AI/ML bachelor. And you must have received a grade of 5.0 or higher.

I am a bit older, already many years in industry. Is it possible to join the AI/ML bachelor as a mature student?

Yes! We welcome mature students in our program.

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 If it is many years since you previously studied at University, we will may require you to take refresher courses in computer technology and/or mathematics, depending on your background.

Will I be able to study abroad for a Semester?

Yes. We are building a network of partner universities in Asia, Europe and North America. Our students have the chance to spend a Semester abroad. 

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Additionally, we also offer the opportunity to participate in shorter, international projects and summer schools, for students who prefer to spend less time overseas. In the future, we also aim to offer a dual-degree program with our partner universities. Watch this space!

Is there a possibility to do a Masters degree after the Bachelor?

Yes. For students who get good final grades, we offer a Master program in Data-Science, which is a great extension to the AI and Machine Learning Bachelor.

 

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On this Master program you will get to do more advanced studies and research in topics such as deep learning, computer vision and natural language processing.
We also have a highly successful AI research team, and the best Master students are selected work on industry projects with our partners across Switzerland. This is great real-world exposure to AI and applied machine learning.

What career opportunities will I have after my studies?

There are really great opportunities in AI at the moment, and this looks set to continue in the coming years. More technical students have opportunities to apply their AI talents in Software Engineering, Product Development and Data Science.

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For students interested in a business career, there are great opportunities in AI consulting, or even as an AI entrepreneur in founding your own business leveraging these technologies. There has never been a better time to study AI, and this is also reflected in the high salaries for AI specialists in Switzerland and across the world. You can find more information here.