Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

When I first arrived at DKE, I was a bit anxious because I had never coded before. However, this has never been a problem. The professors teach us everything we need to know and I found my way through programming quite fast. The practical approach given at DKE also helps to get a better understanding of the theory we learn. Today, I am proud when I look back at all the things I have already learned and achieved in my past two years of study.

Is DKE right for you? Do you really like maths? Are you a doer instead of a talker? Can you handle working together with people from all around the world? Then coming here might be the best decision of your life. However, keep in mind that many courses at DKE put the practical over theoretical aspects. So if you are all about pure mathematics, maybe a different program is a better fit. Pro-tip: Learn to appreciate coffee early on.

Coming to DKE at Maastricht University was an unexpected decision - I was awarded a scholarship elsewhere, and only two steps were left before moving to Budapest when I decided to go to DKE instead - but I never regretted it. Studying in such a lively, international and beautiful city, encountering so many interesting people, and working in groups at my faculty have made my stay very exciting so far! The professors are very accessible to communication and seem dedicated to their program and students. If you’re not sure about your decision yet, just take a leap of faith, and keep in mind that you can’t win if you don’t play.

As you may know, trendy fields are usually known by their buzzwords. Data Science is no exception, as it has been gaining popularity over the last few years. Machine learning, deep learning, neural networks! While everyone thinks we do black magic, this bachelor's aims to teach you HOW everything works. More importantly, you will know WHEN a given technique is useful and WHY. This will make you a properly trained data scientist. Expect heavy mathematics :-)

I had actually never heard of the programme before, but after doing a study choice test I ended up at DKE. DKE taught me to be curious and that there is always a different perspective you can use to look at things. So, if you're looking for a challenging, interesting study programme that provides you with a lot of chances, you are in the right place!

I started with this programme because it seemed very interesting to me and also because I just liked it. In the end, the combination of mathematics, artificial intelligence and computer science makes it a very complete study. At the same time the program is also still very broad and there are many fields in which you can specialize yourself later. Besides your studies there are also a lot of associations and activities where you can get yourself involved.

When I was applying for master’s programs, it was DKE’s excellent education which put it at the top of my list. It was DKE’s unique community which led me to not want to apply anywhere else. The wonderful community, made up of students, teaching and support staff and MSV Incognito (the study association), is what sets DKE apart. Whether you want to discuss a topic, set up an event or just want help in solving question 2B, there’s always someone you can ask. It’s through the community that I’ve been able to develop and apply useful skills I learned in class and outside of it, whilst also developing friendships and career connections. You’re free in how much you wish to participate in DKE’s community, safe in the knowledge that it’s there for you when you need it.

The Data Science for Decision Making programme is a perfect mix between guided studies and following your own interests. You learn the essentials of Data Science while being able to personalize the programme through electives and various group projects. The small scale of the programme allows the professors to adjust to the class and to cater for the students and the internationality of your classmates gives you the option to build connections all over the world.

My favorite thing about this programme is the broad range of topics that are being taught. We learn about robotics, game AI and general machine learning methods. Besides this we have to do projects, which are a great way to deepen your knowledge in a field of interest. Through this way I've learned a lot about Computer Vision.

I successfully defended my master's thesis not too long ago via Skype. While I had a lot of fun over the years doing my bachelor and master at DKE, I’m not quite done studying yet, as I also just started with a PhD in applications of text-mining at the medical faculty. I can absolutely recommend the programme at DKE. The teachers are friendly and the staff is personal, which really encourages you to succeed. Besides this I’m really grateful for the many (job) opportunities that DKE has brought me.

Marcell Ignéczi studeerde zes jaar aan de Universiteit Maastricht, waar hij zijn bachelordiploma behaalde in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, net als zijn masterdiploma in Data Science for Decision Making. Hij runt nu een consultancy bedrijf in data science en artificial intelligence. "Ik bezocht een paar bachelor open dagen in Maastricht en raakte enthousiast over het Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programma. Het biedt wiskunde, data- en computerwetenschappen, precies de dingen waar ik van hou en geïnteresseerd in ben, dus begon ik mijn studie in Maastricht."

Hoewel hij ook naar opleidingen bij anderen universiteiten keek, koos hij weer voor de Universiteit Maastricht. “Data Science for Decision Making (DSDM) scoort hoog in Nederland en de rest van Europa, als een van de besten op dit gebied. Nu ik werk, zie ik waarom de opleiding bij de top hoort. De theoretische kennis die ik opdeed, had ik niet tijdens mijn werk kunnen leren. Je duikt diep in onderwerpen zodat je er een grondig begrip van krijgt. Alumni van andere universiteiten, met wie je concurreert op de arbeidsmarkt, zullen deze voorsprong nooit inhalen."

Nadat hij zijn studie afrondde, was Marcell medeoprichter van COMPUTD, een data science en artificial intelligence consultancy bedrijf in Geleen, vlakbij Maastricht. "We doen AI-consulting voor vrijwel elk bedrijf dat zich meldt." Nike, ASML, VDL-Nedcar en het voetbalteam Fortuna Sittard behoren tot zijn klanten. "We hebben twaalf mensen in dienst; de meesten van hen zijn alumni van de Universiteit Maastricht."