⏱ 2 min read
Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a central tool in research and industry, from medicine to climate modelling. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) believes more engineers are needed who understand its foundations. Until now, AI was mainly studied within the Bachelor’s in computer science.
The key points
On 12 November 2026, EPFL announced the creation of a Bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. Run by the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC), it will start in the academic year 2027-2028. Professor Haitham Al Hassanieh will direct the new programme.
The first year will be shared with the Bachelor’s in computer science: mathematics, programming and physics. The two tracks will split from the second year, with AI-specific courses and practical projects. Electives will allow students to deepen AI theory, life sciences or robotics. A compulsory course will cover AI ethics and policy.
According to 24 heures, the second and third years will be taught entirely in English. In the first year, programming will be taught in French; mathematics and physics can be taken in French or English.
What it means for businesses
- French-speaking Swiss employers : a new programme will train specialists able to design AI systems, not just use them.
- Health and robotics sectors : dedicated tracks will link AI to these fields of application.
Who says what
- Haitham Al Hassanieh (IC professor, programme director): students must understand the scientific principles of AI in order to develop new ones.
- Katerina Argyraki (IC associate dean for education): the programme is designed with other schools to reflect the diversity of AI.
- Nicolas Grandjean (EPFL vice-president for education): the school is also developing AI minors.
What's next
- First students welcomed in the academic year 2027-2028.
Further reading
Sources
- EPFL – EPFL launches a new Bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence (official source)
- 24 heures – EPFL launches a Bachelor’s in artificial intelligence
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