CAS Programmes

The core value proposition of these CAS is the unique combination of rigorous technical training that has been designed for managers with backgrounds outside of the CAS’s technical focus area. A prior technical degree is not required. They are appropriate both for people with non-technical backgrounds (business, economics, etc.) and for people with technical backgrounds who have gaps or want to refresh their knowledge with fundamental technical training in these areas. 

In 4 to 5 months, managers can learn the science and technology essentials in a specific area of computer science so they can better understand the technology’s capabilities and potential for their industry. Each CAS can be followed individually or as a part of the MAS programme. All three CAS are required elements of the MAS. 

Choosing between CAS

For people without prior technical training in programming and machine learning, it is highly recommended to start with the CAS Data and Machine Learning (CAS DML) as this will enable them to get the most benefit from the other CAS. The CAS DML is the first CAS in the MAS because it provides a technical foundation for better understanding later CAS. In some cases, applicants may not be admitted to a later CAS without this prior knowledge, either from the CAS DML or from other training programs.

The focus of the CAS DML is data science and machine learning. It also provides computer science fundamentals, Python programming and IT context that are important foundations for understanding and completing later material. Please note that machine learning is an essential element (or subset) of AI and has been providing much of the business value to AI applications so far. Thus, participants are already learning about highly valuable AI in the CAS DML even though AI is not in the name of the CAS.

The CAS in AI and Software Development (CAS AIS) uses the programming and machine learning foundations from the CAS DML to take participants deeper into how AI applications are constructed. Participants are also introduced to the essentials of software engineering. Python programming skills continue to be developed in parallel with both courses because they cannot be completed without adequate Python programming skills. To be admitted to the CAS AIS without first taking the CAS DML, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient programming capabilities and machine learning knowledge from other prior training.

The CAS in Cloud and Mobile Computing (CAS CMC) is still under development and focuses on how AI applications are implemented over wide area networks. It begins with the technical fundamentals of data transmission and networking that heavily influence business decisions and then explores cloud, mobile and edge computing. The CAS is currently planned to finish with a course discussing how AI related operations are managed from an integrated technical and business perspective. This content is subject to change so please review the website carefully again before applying in late spring 2025. While we currently do not plan to have any technical prerequisites (e.g. programming) for admission to the CAS CMC, it is generally recommended that people with non-technical backgrounds follow the CAS DML and CAS AIS first to obtain the most benefit from the CAS CMC.

Also, please note that priority is given to MAS participants for admission to all CAS. MAS participants generally follow the CAS DML and CAS CMC in the fall semester and the CAS AIS in the spring semester. When there is sufficient demand, we may offer a CAS twice per year. If offered twice, then there is a higher probability of being admitted as a CAS participant in the other semester when most MAS participants are not present.

Upgrading to the MAS AID

Successful graduates of one of our CAS who wish to upgrade to the MAS in AI and Digital Technology must apply using the same process as any other MAS applicant; there is no automatic right of admission to the MAS after completing individual CAS programmes. If a person is accepted into the MAS, then the tuition fees paid and ECTS credits earned previously during the CAS programmes will be credited towards the MAS.

Note: If accepted into the MAS AID, alumni of the CAS in Applied Information Technology (CAS AIT, from the years 2019 – 2023 only) will be credited for the CAS AIT tuition and ECTS in place of the CAS in Data and Machine Learning.