Artificial Intelligence minor
Minor at Leuphana College
Artificial intelligence is becoming a key tool for mastering complex problems and driving sustainable innovation. Choose an AI degree programme and acquire knowledge about artificial intelligence in the Artificial Intelligence minor – for your professional future and a world that is increasingly shaped by technology. Become part of a new generation of AI experts who not only know how AI works, but also how to use AI responsibly.
+++ New degree programme at Leuphana College: start in winter semester 2025/26 +++
Why is the Artificial Intelligence minor an excellent choice?
Studying Artificial Intelligence minor
The Artificial Intelligence minor offers you the unique opportunity to deal with one of the most future-oriented topics of our time during your Bachelor's degree programme. Experience the perfect combination of scientific depth, practical applicability and creative freedom when studying AI at Leuphana College.
The Artificial Intelligence minor provides you with a sound introduction to the fundamentals and applications of artificial intelligence. You will learn how machine learning, neural networks and algorithms work and what impact these technologies have. The AI degree programme in Lüneburg goes beyond simply teaching technical skills by enabling you to ask fundamental questions:
- What is AI?
- How do we want to and should we use AI?
- Where should we consciously refrain from using AI?
This approach promotes an understanding of the technological, social and ethical aspects of artificial intelligence and helps you to make informed decisions when dealing with AI. With its innovative teaching concept, the English minor prepares you optimally for the challenges and opportunities of the digital future.
Who is the AI degree programme suitable for?
The Artificial Intelligence minor is aimed at students who:
- are interested in modern technologies and their social significance.
- want to critically scrutinise AI technologies and use them responsibly.
- would like to acquire basic knowledge of artificial intelligence.
- are looking for an interdisciplinary and practical AI degree programme that combines technical, cultural and ethical aspects.
- appreciate innovative teaching methods and project orientation in the Bachelor's degree programme.
- strive for a broad and discursive acquisition of skills.
Theory and practice in AI studies
Understanding and applying AI technologies
Artificial intelligence is more than just a technological achievement - it is a product of a long history characterised by the close interweaving of people and machines, things and discourses. Perspectives on cultural theory, media history and the sociology of science and technology show how this development has been shaped by interdisciplinary influences. The path to today's AI was an interplay between cultural ideas, technological innovations and social challenges.
Theoretical approaches
- Critical data and algorithm studies shed light on the mechanisms behind AI systems and scrutinise how data structures and algorithmic processes can reproduce social norms and values.
- AI as an object of learning offers the opportunity to teach and learn about its functions and implications and thus promote an understanding of complex technologies.
- AI as a tool supports teaching and learning processes, for example through the use of adaptive learning platforms.
- AI in sustainability research combines data analysis and modelling to understand complex ecological, economic and social systems and develop sustainable solutions.
- AI in legal contexts helps to simplify and optimise work processes - from automated document analysis to decision support for legal issues.
- AI in the social sciences and economics supports the analysis of social and economic data, helps with the modelling of complex systems and promotes the understanding of global developments.
The Artificial Intelligence minor clearly stands out from other degree programmes due to its interdisciplinary integration of theory and practice. It not only offers you a sound academic education, but also numerous opportunities to apply and expand your knowledge in practical events and creative formats.
Technologies and tools
In the AI degree programme, you will learn to work with modern, Python-based frameworks that are world leaders in AI development. These include:
- PyTorch: A flexible and powerful library for machine learning and deep learning.
- HuggingFace: The standard for natural language processing (NLP) with pre-trained models and tools.
- spaCy: A versatile framework for NLP applications such as text analysis and processing.
You will also familiarise yourself with industry-specific tools that are used, for example, in the areas of educational technology (EdTech) and financial technology (FinTech). You will learn how innovations in artificial intelligence are driven forward in various fields of work.
Prototyping is not neglected in the AI degree programme either! You will gain valuable experience in working with sensors and microcontrollers such as Arduino and ESP32, which will enable you to develop physical prototypes for AI-supported applications.
Innovative teaching formats
For a customised learning journey
The AI degree programme in Lüneburg is characterised by innovative teaching and examination formats as well as a critical approach to artificial intelligence. Take advantage of the interdisciplinary and practical orientation of the Artificial Intelligence minor to prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities of AI in an increasingly digitalised world.
You can expect the following teaching formats in the Artificial Intelligence minor:
- AI Minor Conferences: Interactive events where you present your projects and receive feedback.
- Creative Space for Human and Artificial Intelligence: A space for creative work and experimentation with AI technologies.
- Project-orientated learning: Develop solutions for real-world challenges.
AI Minor Conferences
The AI Minor Conferences, which take place at the end of each summer semester, are a highlight of the teaching concept. These interactive events are an innovative form of examination in which you present your projects in the form of a conference contribution
- Interactive contributions: Students present their work in talks, posters or interactive demonstrations.
- Discussion and feedback: The conferences provide a platform for professional exchange and reflection. Participants receive feedback from fellow students and lecturers and can categorise their projects in the context of other work.
- Networking and inspiration: The conferences promote exchange between different matriculation years and create space for interdisciplinary discussions.
Creative Space for Human and Artificial Intelligence
The Creative Space for Human and Artificial Intelligence is available to you throughout your degree programme. This space serves as a creative and interactive environment in which innovative ideas can be developed and realised.
- Support with projects: Students can use the Creative Space to work on their projects, try out new technologies and explore creative approaches.
- Workshops and events: Workshops, hackathons and other events are held regularly to explore specific topics in depth and train practical skills.
- Community building: The Creative Space serves as a meeting point for students and lecturers to exchange ideas, learn together and start new projects.
Further activities
In addition to the AI Minor Conferences and the Creative Space, you can also take part in other events and formats:
- Hackathons: intensive workshops in which teams develop innovative solutions for current challenges in artificial intelligence.
- Guest lectures and networking events: Experts from science and practice share their knowledge and offer insights into the latest developments in the field of AI.
- Project weeks: Topic-specific weeks in which students work on real-world problems and gain practical experience.
What are the requirements for the AI degree programme?
There are no specific study requirements for the Artificial Intelligence minor. If you have basic knowledge of maths and computer science, this is helpful, but not essential for a successful AI degree programme at Leuphana College.
The AI degree programme is characterised by its adaptive approach, which takes into account your previous experience on the one hand and builds specifically on your major on the other. This allows for a customised and self-selected learning journey that takes into account your strengths, weaknesses and preferences, ensuring effective development of your skills.
Why is it worth studying the AI minor at Leuphana?
In recent years, Leuphana University Lüneburg has established itself as a future-orientated study location - particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. The close cooperation with leading companies and renowned research institutions enables an innovative AI degree programme.
Prof. Dr. Ricardo Usbeck, Professorship for Information Systems, in particular Artificial Intelligence and Explainability
Our college study concept for the AI degree programme
individual, interdisciplinary, international
At Leuphana College, we attach great importance to individual study paths in the AI degree programme. With the Minor AI you can:
- Design your own competency pathway based on your major and final AI project.
- Choose from which perspective you would like to approach AI - be it from the social sciences, cultural studies or economics.
- Decide for yourself how deep you want to delve into technological topics.
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
The Artificial Intelligence minor enables you to combine knowledge from your major with skills from the field of artificial intelligence. This interdisciplinary approach optimally prepares you for the challenges arising from the increasing importance of data and AI in various disciplines.
The Minor AI is offered in English, which makes it perfect for international students or a later career start abroad. You can also:
- Easily integrate a period abroad into your studies.
- Get to know global perspectives on AI and deal with international issues.
Major combination options for Minor Artificial Intelligence
AI knowledge is interdisciplinary – the choice is yours.
Combine specialised knowledge from your major subject with the content of the AI minor. Gain a networked education that goes far beyond the boundaries of traditional degree programmes.
The Minor AI is a minor subject in the Bachelor's programme at Leuphana College. It can be combined with all major subjects at the college. All combinations provide an interesting study programme and make a valuable contribution to career entry.
Compulsory modules in the AI minor
The minor in Artificial Intelligence enables you to view, apply and critically scrutinise artificial intelligence from the perspective of selected specialist disciplines.
The Artificial Intelligence minor comprises the following modules:
- Foundations of AI
- Cultures of AI
- AI in Education
- AI for Sustainability
- AI in Public Affairs
- AI Project
Course of study
You begin your Bachelor's degree programme with the Leuphana Semester (30 credit points, CP). In this introductory semester, you will work on reflecting on and solving a central issue of social coexistence. The aim is to develop a fundamental understanding of interdisciplinary issues. The first semester at the College also gives you the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of science and data literacy. The Artificial Intelligence minor (30 CP) deepens or complements your major (90 CP). In the Complementary Studies (30 CP), you have the freedom to pursue your thirst for knowledge individually by immersing yourself in a different field of knowledge each semester.
Leuphana Semester
- Transformation, 10 Credit Points, CP
- DATAx, 5 CP
- Methods, 5 CP
- 2 major modules, 5 CP per module
2 semester
- Foundations of AI, 5 CP
- 4 major modules, 5 CP per module
- 1 Complementary Studies module, 5 CP
3 semester
- Cultures of AI, 5 CP
- 4 major modules, 5 CP per module
- 1 Complementary Studies module, 5 CP
4 semester
- AI in Education, 5 CP
- AI for Sustainability, 5 CP
- 3 major modules, 5 CP per module
- 1 Complementary Studies module, 5 CP
5 semester
- AI in Public Affairs, 5 CP
- AI Project, 5 CP
- 3 major modules, 5 CP per module
- 1 Complementary Studies module, 5 CP
6 semester
- Bachelor's Thesis, 15 CP
- 1 major module, 5 CP
- 2 Complementary Studies modules, 5 CP per module
Career prospects for AI experts
Help shaping the digital transformation
The Artificial Intelligence minor prepares you optimally for the challenges of the future. With your analytical and methodological knowledge and application-related skills, you will be in demand as a specialist in professional fields such as data science, technology consulting or AI development. On the AI degree programme in Lüneburg, you will acquire the skills you need to take on a responsible role in shaping the digital transformation.
Various career opportunities
- Consultancy functions: Knowledge of the social and political significance of AI technologies makes you a sought-after consultant for governments, NGOs and public institutions.
- Private sector opportunities: You can develop innovative AI solutions or optimise existing processes in technology companies and consulting firms. Self-employment in AI consulting is also conceivable.
- Creative and artistic applications: The combination of AI and creativity offers exciting opportunities in the fields of media, art and culture.
- Academic career: As a graduate of the AI minor, you are ideally qualified for a career in research. You can work in innovation centres, research laboratories or think tanks, where you can drive the development of modern AI technologies.
- Master's degree programmes: With the Artificial Intelligence minor, you can qualify as a career changer for Master's programmes in areas such as computer science, data science or interdisciplinary AI research. You usually need additional credit points for technical Master's programmes.
At a glance
- final degree: the Artificial Intelligence minor can only be studied in combination with a major
- admission restrictions: yes
- number of student places: 35
- teaching and examination language: English
Events for prospective students
UniTalk – Online Information event
- April 22nd at 5 p.m.
- May 19th at 6 p.m.
For prospective students from other countries our Student counselling service is organising a longer information event ‘UniTalk’. Find out more about the application process at Leuphana College and get tips on studying in Germany. To register, please write an e-mail to studienberatung.college@leuphana.de
Student counselling service
Clarify your questions in a personal conversation during the Open Advisory Service. You can take advantage of digital counselling at short notice without registering. The College study advisors will be happy to help you:
- Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (in person on campus)
- Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. (digitally via Zoom)
Contact & Counseling
Initial Information
Information Office (Infoportal)
Building 8, ground floor
Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg
Phone +49.4131.677-2277
Fax +49.4131.677-1430
studierendenservice@leuphana.de
Opening hours
Term time & term break:
Mon - Thu 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Fr 9 - 12 a.m.
Arrange an appointment
College's Student Counselling Service
Building 8, ground floor
Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg
Open Consultation Hours
Wed 11 – 13 h (on campus)
Thu 16 – 18 h (via Zoom)
Programme Director
- Prof. Dr. Ricardo Usbeck