Cognitive Science - Bachelor of Science
The aim of cognitive science is to investigate complex cognitive processes such as attention, thinking, planning, learning, speech and action in biological and artificial systems, to understand cognition comprehensively and to develop and improve artificial intelligence systems.
As an interdisciplinary subject, it combines content and methods from STEM fields such as (neuro)computer science, machine learning, mathematics and neuroscience, neuropsychology, (computer-oriented) linguistics and animal cognition, as well as humanities fields such as philosophy of mind and ethics of artificial intelligence. The research-oriented examination of innovative technologies such as deep learning methods and large language models is the focus of many courses. This broad education, which includes both theory and practical project work in a team, optimally prepares students for future-oriented professions in which innovative strength, critical thinking and interdisciplinary communication are required in addition to specialist knowledge.
Current note: The CogSci Schnupperwoche" (trial study experience) from June 2 to 6, 2025 is aimed at anyone interested in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cognitive Science!
Cognitive science researches cognitive abilities such as perception, thinking, planning, learning, speaking and acting as well as their (neuro-)physiological foundations from an experimental and theoretical perspective. For example, it deals with the explanation of human language and non-verbal behavior, the investigation of perception and motor skills or the development of artificial intelligent systems using modern machine learning methods. In addition, philosophical questions on cognitive abilities and the ethical handling of artificial intelligence are not neglected. Methodologically, the program covers a field ranging from mathematical methods and psychological and neuroscientific experiments to computer models of mental processes and philosophical reflection.
Highlights of the study program:
- Thematic diversity and interdisciplinarity
- High flexibility in course selection, personal focus
- Excellent research environment
- Early research experience
- International orientation including semester abroad
- Diverse, committed student body
- Lively "CogSci" community including alumni
- Diverse collaborations with industry
The Cognitive Science degree program at Osnabrück University is unique in Germany in its breadth and flexibility and its early connection to current research. The extensive selection of courses enables students to explore their interests and flexibly set a focus in terms of content during the course of their studies. In addition to a sound theoretical and practical education, students also acquire valuable skills that go beyond subject-specific competencies. They gain experience in interdisciplinary project work and learn to solve complex problems in a team, which strengthens their communication skills and sharpens their personal profile.
The compulsory modules cover the following areas:
- Empirical-experimental: statistics and data analysis, neuropsychology, neuroscience, theoretical and experimental linguistics and animal cognition
- Mathematical-technical: mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, machine language processing and neuroinformatics
- Humanities: logic, philosophy of mind and ethics of artificial intelligence
Depending on their individual profile, graduates of Cognitive Science qualify for later research work in artificial intelligence, in an information technology environment, in the field of (cognitive) psychology and behavioral research, philosophy, neuroscience or linguistics. In addition, graduates are ideally trained to implement cognitive science findings in the field of human-machine interaction, IT & data science, in sub-areas of the medical-clinical environment and in psychology-related fields of activity. In addition, all professions that require analytical thinking and the ability to mediate between different disciplines, such as (corporate) consulting, science communication and market research, are also possible.
| LP | |||||||
1st semester WS | Computer Science 9 CP | Mathematics 9 CP | Philosophy of mind for the cognitive sciences 6 CP | Neuroscience 4 CP | Profile-building elective area 3 CP | 31 | |
2nd semester SS | Philosophy of mind for cognitive science 4 CP | Neuroscience 4 CP | (Computational) Linguistics 8 CP | Artificial Intelligence 8 CP | Cognitive (Neuro-) Psychology 8 CP | Mathematics 6 CP | 32 - 38 |
3rd semester WS | Methods of Cognitive Science 8 CP | Neuroinformatics 12 CP | Compulsory elective modules 10 CP | 30 | |||
4th semester SS | Compulsory elective modules or profile-building elective area 24 CP | Oral cross-module examination 3 CP | 27 | ||||
5th semester WS (semester abroad) | Compulsory elective modules and/or profile-building elective area 30 CP | 30 | |||||
6th semester SS | Compulsory elective modules and/or profile-building elective area 10 CP
| Instruction in scientific work 6 CP | Colloquium 2 CP | Bachelor thesis 12 CP | 30 | ||
Color code:
| Compulsory modules | Compulsory elective modules/elective modules |
General information about university admissions may be accessed at Admission Requirements. The German Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur) entitles students to commence a first degree qualification at Osnabrück University. The term “first degree qualification” refers to a period of study that culminates in a student’s first professionally-relevant university degree (Bachelor’s degree or First Legal State Examination). Information about the conditions that apply for people seeking to embark on an undergraduate degree without the higher education entrance qualification may be found at Studying without an Abitur.
Applicants in possession of international certification must demonstrate sufficient levels of German Language Proficiency.
This program is not subject to admission restrictions.
You must provide proof of English language skills for this course.
All information pertaining to the application process may be found at Application, Admission and Enrollment.
German and international applicants with German certification can enroll directly for this subject that does not have admission restrictions. You can find all information on enrollment and the enrollment deadline for the desired semester under Bachelor's degree programs (one subject) - open admission.
Please note: different application conditions and deadlines may apply for Applicants with Non-German Certification!
The Bachelor's degree program includes a one-semester stay abroad. If you have any questions about studying abroad, please contact the International Office. Information events are offered regularly during the semester.
The Cognitive Science degree program has over 50 partner universities in over 20 countries in Europe. Further information can be found on the website of the Institute of Cognitive Science.
Studying at Osnabrück University means you will be subject to semester fees. Depending on how much of your study credit (standard period of study plus tolerance semester) you have used up, you may also have to pay long-term study fees. Additional information on this topic may be found at How Much does Studying Cost?
Our Central Study Counseling Service will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about studying, admission requirements and the structure of your chosen program.
The student mentoring team will answer your questions about studying.
The tryal study offers a relaxed and informal setting to get to know the university, courses,
lecturers and fellow students, i.e. "CogSci" life and the community.
In the Kaleidoscience podcast, students and researchers have their say and report on their ideas and
research on cognitive science topics.
The Cognitive Science Student Journal publishes student work from all areas of
cognitive science. Here you can get a good impression of the wide range of topics that students are working on.
If you are interested in a Master's degree course at Osnabrück University, please take note of its regulations on access, in which the respective admission requirements are regulated.
In addition to the consecutive degree programs listed below, it may be worth considering other Master's degree programs and checking whether you can be admitted. You will usually receive appropriate advice from the departmental study counseling service or the course coordinators.
The degree program is accredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programs (AQAS).