Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence , 120 ECTS
Artificial intelligence is at the heart of today's most significant technological breakthroughs – from large language models and intelligent assistants to autonomous vehicles and from robotics to generative AI for images, video, and audio. Systems like AlphaFold are revolutionizing the life sciences, while multimodal models seamlessly integrate text, images, and speech. AI is transforming every industry, and professionals with strong AI skills are in high demand worldwide.
By studying AI at UniDistance Suisse, you gain more than practical skills—you develop a genuine understanding of how intelligent systems are built from the ground up. With a strong foundation in theory and core methods, you'll be equipped to think critically, adapt to new developments, and contribute meaningfully to a field that's constantly advancing.
This programme prepares you to be a confident, future-ready professional, whether your path leads to research or industry.
The Master in AI is offered by the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science of UniDistance Suisse, and was developed in collaboration with Idiap Research Institute.
Our Master’s offers a carefully crafted curriculum propelling you on the path from AI novice to AI expert. You start by building a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, computer science, machine learning and core computational methods. You then dive into the AI modalities behind today’s most widely used technologies: language, image, video, text, audio, and explore the deep learning techniques that power them. As you progress, you can personalise your path by choosing from a range of modules that match your interests and career goals. In addition to mastering cutting-edge AI tools, you deepen your understanding of fundamental concepts, preparing you to become an autonomous, confident, and future-ready AI professional.
Studying AI means preparing yourself for the future. AI powers innovations in every field: from healthcare and finance to gaming, robotics, and creative industries. By studying AI at UniDistance Suisse, you learn how intelligent systems work, how to build them, and how to use them to solve real-world problems. Through a strong combination of theoretical foundations and hands-on practice, you gain a complete overview of the major AI methods and applications. This gives you the autonomy to understand, evaluate, and develop the next generation of AI technologies.
The duration of the programme is 6 semesters (3 years), during which 120 ECTS points (credits) are to be obtained. One ECTS point corresponds to an average workload of 25-30 hours. The duration can be extended up to a maximum of 10 semesters.
All programmes at UniDistance Suisse are part-time. You can study alongside a career and/or family obligations.
Obtaining a Master in AI opens the door to a wide range of career paths. Graduates can work in cutting-edge technology companies, research labs, finance, healthcare, robotics, gaming, and many other industries where AI is transforming the way we live and work.
Beyond professional opportunities, the programme equips you with a deep theoretical and practical understanding of AI methods, making you autonomous and capable of evaluating, adapting, and developing new AI technologies. This prepares you not only for high-impact industry roles, but also for academic research paths and entrepreneurial ventures shaping the future of AI.
No special hardware is required: a standard laptop is sufficient for all modules. Additional computational resources needed for the programme are provided by UniDistance Suisse, including access to high-performance computing when necessary. Up to predetermined usage limits these resources are fully covered by the programme fees (students can optionally exceed these limits, at their own expense).
The fees of the Master of Science in AI amount to CHF 1 900 per semester.
This amount does not depend on the number of modules a student takes during a semester. There is no reduction if a student takes fewer modules during a semester or is repeating a module in which they were already enrolled in a previous semester. During a semester students may, in principle, enrol in a higher number of modules than foreseen in the curriculum (exceptions are stated in the course-specific appendix to the course regulations). Costs for cloud computing are included in the fees.
The fees are payable before the start of each semester. Payments cannot be made in instalments.
Costs of course materials
For most modules all course materials are made available electronically and free-of-charge.
Some modules may require paying for literature, software or similar – if so, the cost should not amount to more than CHF 100 – 150 per module.
Study Grants
Unfortunately, UniDistance Suisse does not offer any study grants.
The previous programme required students to be employed and complete their thesis in collaboration with their employer. The current Master has no such requirement—it follows a traditional academic structure and is open to all students, regardless of their work situation.
Students who wish to pursue an industry-based thesis may still do so, subject to conditions and approval by the programme director of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science.
The programme is structured by semester, offered part-time, and delivered entirely online, in line with other UniDistance programmes.
Students need the background in mathematics and computer science provided by a typical bachelor’s degree in a STEM subject. A detailed list of prerequisite concepts is given below. Many of the concepts listed will be reviewed briefly at the very beginning of the programme.
Programming
- Knowledge of at least one programming language
- Variables, data types, conditions, loops
- Functions
- Simple data structures : lists, arrays, dictionaries
Basic Linear Algebra
- Manipulating vectors and matrices
- Solving linear systems
- Dimension
- Linear independence
- Linear transformations
- Rank of a matrix, invertibility
- Eigenvalues and eigenvectors (introductory level)
Basic Probability and Statistics
- Discrete and continuous random variables
- Probability density, expected value, variance
- Independence of random variables
- Conditional probability, Bayes' theorem
Calculus/Basic Analysis
- Functions of multiple variables
- Limits, Integral
- Derivatives, partial derivatives, gradient
- Simple optimization (finding a minimum, convex/non-convex functions)
The programme is taught exclusively in English. No specific certification is required, but we recommend competence at least at level B2 of the CEFR scale.
Do you have any questions?
Our Student Managers will be glad to help you in French, German or English.
French or English
FAQ 0840 840 870 (free calls from Switzerland) studentservices@unidistance.ch
German or English
FAQ 0840 840 820 (free calls from Switzerland) studentservices@fernuni.ch