Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor's degree programme
Robots and drones are capable of amazing feats: They move automatically, they locate images in vast databases and they also understand what they see. They solve the most complicated puzzles at lightning speed. Thanks to artificial intelligence, they are getting better and better. We equip them: with even smarter brains, observant camera eyes, a sensitive sensor shell and powerful, precise arms, legs and wings.
Study our English-language Bachelor’s degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence and gain all the tools and skills you need to bring hardware and software together in perfect harmony.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
General university entrance qualification, knowledge of English B2
No
English
Student Guidance Service
E-mail: studieninfo [at] aau [dot] at
Programme Director
E-mail: robotics-ai [at] aau [dot] at
There’s not much a robot or a drone can do by itself: It’s only when they learn to perceive their environment, to communicate with others, to correct mistakes unaided and to find optimal solutions for their tasks that they become essential helpers. In the future, robots and drones will create opportunities for us in a whole new way. Yet more can still be accomplished, especially in areas where robots work autonomously in relation to their environment. To be able to make even better use of them when searching for missing persons in an earthquake zone or on the assembly line in an industrial company, we need you: an expert in engineering technology and modern artificial intelligence.
Self-driving cars must be able to recognise that an accident has happened around the next bend. They need to apply the brakes in good time, switch to a different route and inform other cars. We call these smart technologies “cyber-physical systems”. We come across them wherever software and hardware are deployed. You benefit by learning from world-class experts in the development of such systems at the University of Klagenfurt: Our technology comes into its own while the Mars drone Ingenuity scouts for interesting locations on the Red Planet. Our technology guides robotic arms during surgery and allows swarms of tiny helicopters to take aerial photos of disaster areas.
Of all the universities in the German-speaking world, the University of Klagenfurt is in the top 15 – and still climbing – in the THE 2022 ranking! We cooperate closely with high-tech companies and prepare you for an industry that is experiencing dynamic growth like no other. The skills you will learn here are the skills that will always set you apart in the fast-paced world of technology. Your future workplace is entirely up to you. The world’s finest technologies can be developed anywhere: in Villach and in Singapore, in Silicon Valley and in Salzburg. To ensure that all doors are wide open for you, the degree programme is taught in English.
Curious what the Bachelor's degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence is all about?
General admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes:
6 July 2026 – 5 September 2026
General admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes:
8 January 2027 – 5 February 2027
Our student Aleks has the answer to your question!
This is what makes the degree programme so special
We help you to acquire scientific skills, and you can use them to good effect: While some people merely code, control or monitor robots and drones, we will turn you into a visionary thinker, designer and trendsetter in the world of robotics and artificial intelligence, with plenty of freedom and scope for action in your professional life.
Even though some may find it tough to learn to “think algorithmically” and understand the mathematics behind computer science at the beginning of their studies, with the added challenge of dealing with a foreign language: Later on, our students tell us that it was worth the effort to overcome these hurdles.
If you ever get stuck, or if you feel that the knowledge of mathematics, computer science and/or physics that you learned at school is not enough, we can help you! We have dedicated technology preparation courses for this purpose: These focused workshops in computer science, mathematics and physics will bring you up to speed and help you launch your studies. Taking advantage of these voluntary and free offers will also provide benefits later on: The preparation courses qualify as free elective subjects.
In Klagenfurt you can study at your own pace. To help you follow your path with confidence, we keep it clear of (bureaucratic) stumbling blocks and barriers. If you wish to reach your goal quickly and efficiently, we will always be there to support you. Our recommended course of study will guide you through the semesters. You work your way through the curriculum – making the most of opportunities to broaden your horizons and without wasting time. If you would like to know which courses await you before you start, take a look at the wide range of seminars and lectures.
Students who have completed their education at a secondary technical college (HTL) may be able to receive credit for certain courses in the Bachelor’s degree programme. If you have any questions about the recognition of examinations, the Programme Director responsible for your degree programme will be happy to help you.
Programme structure: a tabular overview
| SUBJECT | DESIGNATION | ECTS credits | Recommended semester |
| Required Subjects | Robotics Engineering Fundamentals | 15.5 | 1-2 |
| Mathematics | 28 | 1-3 | |
| Computer Science and Software Development | 22 | 1-5 | |
| Artificial Intelligence | 22.5 | 1-5 | |
| Information and Communications Engineering | 36 | 2-5 | |
| Bachelor's thesis and seminar | 10 | 6 | |
| Guided Electives | Labs Robotics & AI | 12 | 3-6 |
For the specialisation, choice of two subjects (12 ECTS credits each)
| 24 | 4-6 | |
| Open Electives | 10 | 1-6 | |
| Total | 180 |
Introductory and orientation period (STEOP)
The introductory and orientation period (STEOP) grants students an overview of the key elements of the degree programme and of the course of studies ahead. Thus, it provides a factual basis for the personal evaluation of the choice of degree programme.
As students must successfully complete the introductory and orientation period in order to continue their studies, it is recommended that this stage should be scheduled during the first semester. The introductory and orientation period for the Bachelor’s degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence consists of the lecture courses “Introduction to study”, “Physics for Engineers: Kinematics, Dynamics and Thermodynamics” and “Introduction to Structured and Object-based Programming”, plus the associated exercises, accounting for 12.5 ECTS credits in total. Prior to completing the STEOP, additional courses worth up to 22 ECTS credits may be taken.
Recommended course of study
The recommended course of study outlined below shows you an exemplary list of the courses you should attend in the first two semesters in order to create a good knowledge base and take the necessary examinations if you want to complete your studies within the minimum period of study. Certain courses are only offered once per academic year, but examinations can be taken on specific dates throughout the year. Some courses are offered in parallel at different time slots during the week so that there are enough places for all students – decide on a course here and register for it.
In the appendix to your curriculum (PDF), you will find a detailed version of the non-binding recommended course of study that goes beyond the first two semesters.
1st semester (Starting in the winter semester)
| DESIGNATION | SUBJECT | ECTS CREDITS | COURSE TITLE | TYPE OF COURSE |
| STEOP (Introductory and orientation period) | Required subject 1.1 | 0.5 | Introduction to the study | VC* |
| Required subject 1.2 | 4 | Physics for Engineers: Kinematics, Dynamics and Thermodynamics | VO | |
| 2 | Physics for Engineers: Kinematics, Dynamics and Thermodynamics** | KS* | ||
| Required subject 3.1 | 2 | Introduction to Structured and Object-based Programming | VO | |
| 4 | Introduction to Structured and Object-based Programming** | UE* | ||
| Robotics Engineering Fundamentals | Required subject 1.4 | 3 | Introduction to Robotics | VO |
| Mathematics | Required subject 2.1 | 7.5 | Analysis 1 for Engineers | VO |
| 3 | Analysis 1 for Engineers** | UE* | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | Required subject 4.4 | 4 | Responsible Robotics & AI: Ethics, Governance and Society | VC* |
| Total | 30 |
* Compulsory attendance
** Parallel courses are offered
| DESIGNATION | SUBJECT | ECTS CREDITS | COURSE TITLE | TYPE OF COURSE |
| Robotics Engineering Fundamentals | Required subject 1.3 | 4 | Physics for Engineers: Electricity and Magnetism | VO |
| 2 | Physics for Engineers: Electricity and Magnetism** | KS* | ||
| 0 | Tutorial Physics for Engineers: Electricity and Magnetism | TU | ||
| Mathematics | Required subject 2.3 | 5 | Analysis 2 for Engineers | VO |
| 3 | Analysis 2 for Engineers** | UE* | ||
| Required subject 2.4 | 3 | Linear Algebra for Engineers | VO | |
| 2 | Linear Algebra for Engineers** | UE* | ||
| Computer Science and Software Development | Required subject 3.3 | 2 | Algorithms and Data Structures | VO |
| 4 | Algorithms and Data Structures** | UE* | ||
| Information and Communications Engineering | Required subject 5.1 | 3 | Design of Digital Circuits | VO |
| 3 | Design of Digital Circuits** | KS* | ||
| 0 | Tutorial Design of Digital Circuits | TU | ||
| Total | 31 |
* Compulsory attendance
** Parallel courses are offered
Studying abroad
The international race for the most intelligent robots has already started. This industry is global like no other: Whether you want to work on taxi drones in Dubai or Singapore after graduation or on the development of new industrial robots in Silicon Valley, a period abroad offers you numerous opportunities to develop your professional skills and improve your language and intercultural competences at the same time. The world is yours to explore – and you can get started while you are still studying. For more information on international mobility during your degree programme, please refer to Section 7 of the curriculum.
This degree programme does not include a compulsory period abroad. However, we strongly encourage all students to complete part of their degree programme as a semester abroad at one of the University of Klagenfurt’s more than 250 partner universities worldwide. You need not worry about your finances – we offer plenty of scholarships. You will find everything you need to know about studying abroad on our Study Abroad page.
Admission to the degree programme must take place before the end of the general admission period (winter semester: 5 September | summer semester: 5 February).
A late admission until 31 October (winter semester) or 31 March (summer semester) can only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
You do not have to go through a special admission procedure to start the Bachelor's degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Klagenfurt.
You only have to meet the following conditions, which also apply to all other programmes:
We won’t abandon you, especially at the start of your studies!
First of all: Excellent job prospects lie in store for you. Qualified professionals like you are highly sought after everywhere. The robotics and AI industry is experiencing unparalleled growth. Headhunters working for major companies will approach you via our numerous career projects and present you with offers even while you are still a student. After completing your studies, you can work in the following fields, among others:
You’ll soon discover this: There are many interesting facts, stories and news updates regarding this degree programme.
Can I start my studies even if I don’t have any prior knowledge? How can I prepare for my degree programme?
What is most important when starting your studies is that you have an interest in and a curiosity about the field of study and the subject area. No prior knowledge is required. If you are still unsure, simply attend one of our technology preparation courses. Here, you can refresh your knowledge of computer science and mathematics along with other first-year students. The course is free of charge and will be credited as part of your studies.
Will my English skills be sufficient?
Your Austrian or German school-leaving certificate (Matura) including English is sufficient to start your studies. If you are a student with a school-leaving certificate from another country, you have to prove that you can communicate in English at level B2.
How can I prove English language proficiency?
A list of the accepted language qualifications is available in the Regulation issued by the Rectorate concerning proof of required language proficiency for admission to study programmes.
Is the degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence the right one for me?
If you’re interested in hardware and software, you’ve come to the right place. Are you interested in helping to shape the world of smart robots? Then this is the perfect degree programme for you!
Is there an entrance exam for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Klagenfurt?
There is no entrance exam. Anyone who is interested and has obtained the university entrance qualification (e.g. Matura, Abitur) can take this degree here in Klagenfurt.
How do I start my academic studies at the University of Klagenfurt?
Our check list will help you to get started. We have compiled everything you need to know here – from registering online right up to enrolling for a degree programme.
Once you have completed the Bachelor's degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Klagenfurt, you have the option to continue your studies with one of the following degree programmes, to give just a few examples. The choice is yours: