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Cognitive Science - Master of Science

What are the key aspects of the program?

The key purpose of Cognitive Science is to research cognitive skills such as the ability to perceive, think, plan, learn, speak and act. This still relatively new discipline deals primarily with the scientific study of the human mind and brain using both experimental as well as theoretical approaches. It also seeks to understand human language and non-verbal behaviour, to develop artificial intelligent systems, and to study perception and motor skills. The broad methodological spectrum of Cognitive Science includes mathematical methods, psychological and neuroscientific experiments, the computer modelling of mental processes, and philosophical thought.

The interdisciplinary program of study in Cognitive Science – which is unique in Germany – brings together all relevant disciplines in mutually complementary Bachelor/Master/PhD programs. The Bachelor program equips students with a solid grounding in the disciplines Mathematics, Computer Science, Computational Linguistics, Neurobiology, Neuroinformatics, Philosophy of Mind, Cognitive Psychology, and Artificial Intelligence.

After choosing their first specialism in the Bachelor program, students can then engage in more in-depth discussion and research on the key issues of Cognitive Science in the Master’s program. These include Language and Communication, Learning and Memory, Perception and Sensory Systems, Motor Skills and Action Control. Additional focus is placed on the practical applications of studies and the modelling of cognitive systems through project work (participation in a year-long study project is obligatory).

How is the program structured?

Program Regulations

What are the entry requirements?

A completed Bachelor’s degree in a "Cognitive Science" ( B.Sc. ) program or an equivalent  university degree. Graduates of relevant or related disciplines can also qualify for entry to the program. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. For further information, please refer to the admission regulations.

How do I apply?

Please collect all the information you need in good time about any admission requirements and application deadlines for this program of study.

German citizens with German school qualifications (Abitur) can apply directly using the Osnabrück University Online-Portal. International applicants who have attended school in Germany and who possess German certification may do the same.

International applicants without German certification should note that different conditions apply to their application procedure in some cases.

Is there a period of study abroad?

The examination regulations do not prescribe an obligatory period of study abroad. Nevertheless, there are a number of exchange programs which enable students to undertake periods of study abroad. For more information, please enquire at theInternational Office.

What does a degree in Cognitive Science qualify me to do in the future?

Cognitive Science graduates are qualified for research-related employment in the field of computer science, in the field of psychology, of philosophy, in the neurosciences or in linguistics. In addition, graduates are well qualified to apply the knowledge they have acquired in Cognitive Science to the field of human-machine interaction, to IT, to selected fields of the medical clinical profession as well as to fields related to psychology.

Where can I get more information?

Student Advisory Service

Information on studying Cognitive Science, on admission requirements and on the course program is available from the Central Student Advisory Service.

The departmental student advisory service can provide you with more information on the program content.

Further programs of study

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