Informatics: Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Join a master’s programme that puts you at the forefront of the AI revolution. This programme combines solid theoretical training with practical work on real-world systems, preparing you for a high-impact career in industry, the public sector, or research.
About the programme
Artificial intelligence is changing not only science and industry, but also how people work, communicate, make decisions, and understand the world around them.
The significance of AI has been highlighted by recent Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, recognising advances in machine learning using artificial neural networks and AI’s important role in predicting protein structures.
Today, machine learning drives innovation in many organisations, going well beyond just technology experts. This master’s programme is designed for those who want to create the next generation of AI, not just follow it.
This two-year (120 ECTS), research-focused degree is offered by the Department of Informatics (IFI), a large research and teaching environment in informatics. Graduates gain a strong understanding of how modern AI systems work, the skills to build and test them, and the knowledge to use them responsibly in the world.
Foundations that last in a fast-moving field
AI is evolving rapidly, and today’s latest tools might soon be replaced by new discoveries. That’s why learning the basics is very important: mathematics, statistics, algorithms, and testing methods you study here will guide you as the field grows. Instead of making the basics outdated, new tools make it even more important to understand what drives them.
This programme provides advanced training in statistical and deep learning, optimisation, and probabilistic modeling, along with the practical knowledge to build strong AI systems on a large scale.
Develop your own academic profile
What makes this programme special is its combination of a solid common base in modern machine learning and AI, and the flexibility to specialise in areas that align with your career plans and academic interests.
Choose between two programme options
- Language Technology – invites you to immerse yourself in one of AI’s most fascinating frontiers: the computational analysis and creation of human language. You will explore everything from time-tested techniques to cutting-edge neural methods and large language models.
- Machine Learning: Theory and Methods – focuses on understanding machine learning and AI methods, their underlying principles and their application to real-world challenges.
Whichever direction you choose, you will complete a research-based master's thesis, graduating with a strong foundation in modern machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Trustworthy and safe AI: now a profession in its own right
As AI plays a key role in hiring, healthcare, finance, and government, creating systems that are fair, transparent, privacy-preserving, and safe is no longer optional; it is necessary.
With the EU AI Act leading the way worldwide and Norway building its own rules and a national centre for trustworthy AI (TRUST), this programme focuses on fairness, privacy, transparency, safety, and management.
You will learn not only how to build AI systems but also how to examine the assumptions, values, and forms of human experience that may be affected by their use. As the field grows, graduates who combine technical competence with an understanding of responsible AI will be well positioned for a growing range of roles.
Study environment
Close to active research and real computing power
You will work closely with members of the Department of Informatics' research groups in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and language technology, with courses based on their latest findings.
Many courses are new or recently updated to include the latest advances, from deep learning and reinforcement learning to creating large language models from scratch using high-performance computing.
You will get practical experience with modern computing systems used in current AI research and development, supported by Norway’s growing investment in research and technology.
For your master’s thesis, you can start an independent research or development project, or you can work with a company or a research centre.
Welcome to campus
Before classes begin in August, we welcome you to campus for three days of required introductory sessions and various social events designed to help you get to know your fellow students, both academically and socially.
You will receive more information about your programme, topics, ongoing research, and how to choose your master's thesis.
Student life and activities
MAKI is a dedicated student association (in Norwegian) for students in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, organising both social and academic events. We also have a number of other student organisations, and there are plenty of ways to get involved outside your studies. For example, you can play football or volleyball, join video game or board game communities, collaborate with industry, develop apps, or volunteer as a barista at the student pub Escape.
Read more about the student organisations at the department (in Norwegian). You can also choose to join one of the 200 student societies at the university.
Influence your everyday study life
Through the Programme Committee at the Department of Informatics (FUI, in Norwegian), you can help promote students’ academic and social study and working conditions. If you want to take part in shaping the university, you have the opportunity to get involved in politics in several ways at UiO.
Career opportunities
A foundation for both industry leadership and research
This programme opens doors to two exciting paths: taking on leading technical roles in business and government, or gaining the research skills needed for a Doctoral degree (PhD).
Whether you want to create AI products, lead data-driven projects, or start a research career, this degree provides a broad foundation for careers in industry, the public sector, and research.
Honours certificate
Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master's programme.