Master in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

The aim of the MIACD is to offer highly complex contexts which, from a very early stage, bring students into contact with the typical constraints of real contexts (whether in terms of scale or complexity) and with the most relevant technological components in the industry for developing effective advanced solutions, preparing students both for further advanced study and for working in the profession. In this way, the master's degree makes it possible to meet needs in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in various fields of activity, both in the national and international market and in the different research subdomains.

The MIACD thus ensures that master's students demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, advanced principles, theories, methods and practices of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and are able to give them expression through an integrated set of instrumental, systemic and interpersonal skills. With this in mind, a high quality master's degree has been designed, based on international standards, to meet the two fundamental aims of MIACD: (i) to train specialists in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for the global market, capable of designing advanced and innovative solutions for systems based on data analysis and (ii) to provide solid training and intellectual development for students who wish to pursue a career in research.

MIACD's career paths cut across all companies active in the data economy and artificial intelligence, including spin-off companies, medium-sized and large companies, and multinationals in the ICT, e-commerce, health, telecommunications, consultancy, banking, industry and services sectors in the global space, where the need for skills in the area of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is increasingly pressing, and there is a great shortage of professionals with specific skills in this area.

In fact, the demand for professionals with skills in these areas has been growing exponentially. According to various studies [1], we can see that:

• The global Artificial Intelligence market is expected to grow by 37% a year.
• It is estimated that Artificial Intelligence will create 133 million new jobs by 2030.
• By 2030, Artificial Intelligence is expected to contribute more than 15.7 trillion dollars to the global economy.
• Most companies have allocated around 20% of their technology budget to Artificial Intelligence, and by 2025, 58% of companies will have increased their Artificial Intelligence budget.
• Generative AI is the most popular AI technology, with 51% of companies using this technology for content generation, customer support and process automation.

Realizing this potential means the creation of millions of jobs in professions related to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

[1] AI Statistics and Trends: New Research for 2025

The most common professions will be:

- Data Analyst;
- Data Scientist;
- Computer Learning Engineer;
- Computer Learning Scientist;
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer;
- Artificial Intelligence Scientist;
- Business Intelligence Engineer;
- Data Architect;
- Data Engineer.

Admission Conditions for Applicants

The following are eligible to apply for admission to the Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science:

1. Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Engineering and Data Science, Informatics Engineering, Systems Engineering and Informatics, Communications and Telematics, Communications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering, Mathematics and Physics;

2. Holders of a bachelor's degree or legal equivalent in other areas of Engineering and Exact and Natural Sciences;

3. Holders of a foreign higher academic degree that is recognized as satisfying the objectives of the degree in one of the areas referred to in the previous paragraphs by the Scientific Committee of the Department of Computer Engineering;

4. In duly justified cases, holders of an academic, scientific or professional curriculum that is recognized by the Scientific Committee of the Department of Computer Engineering as attesting to their ability to complete this cycle of studies.

Criteria for Grading Applicants

A. Quality of academic and professional record (Weighting 4/6);
B. Commitment to the new path (Weighting 1/6);
C. Duration of training at the University of Coimbra (Weighting 1/6).

NOTE: Applications with a score of less than 9.5 in any criterion will automatically be rejected.

Other Information

The application is subject to the payment of a fee of 50.00€, which cannot be refunded, including in the event of invalidation of the application, non-placement or when the study cycle does not open due to a lack of the minimum number of applicants.

For more information contact the course coordinator (coord-miacd@dei.uc.pt).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants may request that relevant previous training and experience be assessed for possible accreditation. At the University of Coimbra, the Regulations on the Accreditation of Previous Training and Professional Experience apply. Under no circumstances is the approval of the public defense of the Dissertation, Project Work or Internship Report waived.

Tuition Fee/Price

National Student or equivalent: 1063,47€ (annual fee).

International student: 7000€ (annual fee).

Language

Portuguese or English.

Legal Framework for the Qualification

Article 3 of Decree-Law no. 74/2006, of March 24, as amended by Decree-Law no. 65/2018, of August 16.