AI & High Performance Computing

School of Computer Science

See All Info Events →

Get superpowers - learn how to build the machine!

Factsheet

Degree: Bachelor of Science FHNW in Computer Science
Study Track Artificial Intelligence & High Performance Computing
Study mode: Part-time/work-study, Full-time and Practice-integrated bachelor's degree program (PiBS)
ECTS points: 180
Next start: 14.9.2026
Language: German / English
Place: FHNW Campus Brugg-Windisch
Documents: Schwerpunkte_Studienrichtungen.pdf
Factsheet_AI-HPC.pdf
Modultabelle_AI-HPC.pdf

At a glance

Scale AI: Develop intelligent systems and bring machine learning to real-world computing infrastructures using high-performance computing.
Put it into practice: From your very first semester, work on industry projects and real-world challenges – all the way through to your own Bachelor’s thesis.
High-Impact Skills: Kombiniere AI, Parallel Computing und Large-Scale-Infrastrukturen zu einem gefragten Kompetenzprofil für Forschung, Industrie und Tech-Unternehmen.

Why study this?

If you want to understand, build and efficiently apply the latest tools in Artificial Intelligence, choose to study AI & High Performance Computing. To mark the launch of the new FHNW School of Computer Science, we are introducing this new Study Track.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is far more than just a hype – it is profoundly transforming the world of work and society. AI encompasses the development and application of algorithms and models that can learn from data. This includes machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision. These technologies are capable of solving complex problems. With AI, tasks can be automated, processes optimised and creative content generated.

High Performance Computing (HPC) enables you to run algorithms efficiently using specialised hardware and large-scale computing infrastructures. Only through HPC is it possible to apply AI methods to vast amounts of data and deploy AI-based solutions at scale.

Who is this programme for?

The Study Track is designed for you if you are interested in building a solid technical foundation in computer science and would like to deepen your expertise specifically in the fields of AI and HPC.

Possible career paths

AI & HPC is a Study Track within the Bachelor’s degree programme in Computer Science. You graduate with the internationally recognised Bachelor of Science FHNW in Computer Science Study Track AI & High Performance Computing.

With a Bachelor of Science FHNW in Computer Science with a specialisation in AI & High Performance Computing, you gain access to future-relevant technologies and career paths.

After completing your studies, you may work, for example, as a …

Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer, Data Scientist ...

Machine Learning Engineer:
You develop and apply models and algorithms that learn from data.

Data Engineer:
You design and implement data pipelines to make data accessible for analysis.

Data Scientist:
You analyse, interpret and extract insights from data to help organisations leverage it effectively.

AI Application Engineer:
You design and implement AI solutions to solve business or technical challenges through automation and data-driven decision-making.

HPC Engineer:
You optimise high-performance computing systems and their infrastructure for maximum performance.

Robotics Engineer:
You design, build and program robots that perform tasks autonomously or interactively.

AI Product Manager:
You lead the development and implementation of AI products that meet market needs.

AI Engineer in Research:
You apply AI methods to support and accelerate traditional scientific research.

Structure and programme contents

You acquire a solid foundation in computer science with a clear focus on AI and High Performance Computing. From your very first semester, you take specialised modules in both areas and apply your knowledge in hands-on projects.

Structure

In addition to the core foundation modules, you can tailor your studies by choosing from a range of elective modules, allowing you to shape your programme according to your interests. You have access to modules from both the Computer Science and the Data Science degree programmes. Specialised modules prepare you to become an expert in AI & High Performance Computing.

A key component of the programme is the projects you carry out with industry partners. In every semester, you complete a project. The project in your final semester is your Bachelor’s thesis.

Your studies are complemented by context modules covering topics such as society, business and languages.

Part-time study option

At FHNW, you can study alongside your job and optimally combine a 50–60% position with your studies. In the part-time format, the programme lasts eight semesters.

Classes take place on two days per week, allowing you to focus on your job on the remaining days. In block modules, which are held for one week before and after the semester, you acquire additional competencies.

If you are already working in the field of computer science, this professional experience can be credited as Projects 1 and 2.

In the part-time programme, the assessment phase takes place over the first three semesters. After that, you define your individual focus areas within module groups.

Study full-time or part-time

The full-time programme lasts six semesters. It is not realistic to work alongside a full-time study load. If you would like to work during your studies, you can either choose the part-time (study while working) model or opt for the extended part-time format.

As a part-time student, you study alongside the full-time students but complete fewer modules per semester. With a 40% part-time job, the programme typically takes eight semesters to complete.

Study plan

The sample study plan in german shows what a course of study in the AI & HPC specialisation could look like.

In the full-time programme, the assessment phase takes place over the first two semesters.

The assessment phase in the first year of study is currently under revision and may be subject to changes.

The foundational modules cover all key areas of computer science. From your very first semester, you also attend specialised and progressively structured courses specifically focused on AI and High Performance Computing.

In the Study Track AI & HPC, you learn how to develop, train and evaluate AI models for applications in industry and research, and how to use them responsibly and creatively. You work with efficient, large-scale and highly optimised computing systems, scaling computation across CPUs, GPUs, compute nodes and clusters.

From your very first semester, alongside the core foundations of computer science, you take specialised modules in AI and HPC, such as Prompt Engineering, Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Generative AI, Parallel Computing, and Large-Scale Compute Infrastructures.

Go to the module table (german)

The specialised training includes:

Computer Science with a focus on Software Engineering
Theoretical foundations and mathematics
Methods of Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on algorithms and computing infrastructure
Computer Science and Society
English and intercultural communication

You learn how to develop, train and responsibly deploy AI models for applications in industry and research. In addition, you work with high-performance computing systems and scale computational processes across CPUs, GPUs, compute nodes and clusters.

Subject-specific modules (selection)

Prompt Engineering
Introduction to Data Science
Machine Learning
Computer Vision
Generative AI
Parallel Computing
Large-Scale Compute Infrastructures

Lecturers

You learn from lecturers with experience in Data Science, AI and software engineering, who integrate their applied research and industry projects directly into their teaching. Coaches support you personally in your academic and professional development – from the first modules through to your Bachelor’s thesis.
Most modules are taught by lecturers from the Institute for Data Science, the Institute for Interactive Technologies, and the Institute for Mobile and Distributed Systems.
Mathematics modules are offered by the Institute of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the School of Engineering and Environment. Context modules covering social, economic and language-related topics are attended jointly with students from the School of Engineering and Environment and are taught by the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences.

International

Spain, Poland, Sweden, France … exchange students from across Europe enrich our everyday student life. The Data Science & AI programme is particularly popular among exchange students due to its modular structure, study format and strong sense of community.

As a Data Science & AI student, you naturally also have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at one of our partner universities. Further information is available from the International Office.

Questions? Our students have the answers!

Do you have questions about the programme content, student life or study format? Our Computer Science graduates Aaron and Andris are happy to provide information via WhatsApp.

Chat with uns