Mind, Brain and Behaviour Justus Liebig University Giessen

Understanding human perception and behaviour is one of the greatest challenges facing science. Fuelled by recent advances in artificial intelligence, there is a growing need in numerous application areas for expertise in methods and models addressing this mystery. Our programme will prepare for a career in behavioural measurement, human-machine interface design, VR, autonomous driving, cognitive robotics, AI, machine learning, and other domains.

Mind, Brain and Behaviour is an international research-oriented study programme taught in English language at Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany. The programme is designed to provide essential skills for a career in academia or industry in the fields of psychology, cognitive neuroscience or the behavioural sciences, and it combines theoretical and hands-on methods courses. Theoretical courses on selected topics are taught by renowned experts. Hands-on courses cover a range of key empirical methods for measuring and modelling neural and behavioural processes of perception, action, and cognition.

Theoretical courses cover multi-sensory perception, action and cognition, and their development during infancy and childhood, as well as the perception of objects, colour and materials.

Hands-on courses cover functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), measurements of eye and body movements, computer graphics, virtual reality (VR), computational modelling and machine learning.

An internship and elective modules help students to shape their professional profile according to their preferences. Examples of these modules include Quantitative Foundations of AI, Creativity and Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation Management, or Scientific Programming and Data Analysis.

Lecturers include renowned scientists Katharina Dobs, Katja Dörschner-Boyaci, Katja Fiehler, Roland W. Fleming, Karl Gegenfurtner, Benjamin de Haas, Martin N. Hebart, Daniel Kaiser, Bianca van Kemenade, and Gudrun Schwarzer, who are all involved in the Excellence Cluster The Adaptive Mind. JLU Giessen is consistently ranked among the top places for vision science worldwide.

The study programme comprises theoretical and application modules in selected topics from neuroscience and behavioural science, together with key empirical methods for measuring and modelling perception, neural processes, and behaviour. In total, students complete four theoretical and four (out of five) application modules.

In the first two semesters, students complete the four theoretical modules and three of the application modules, together with two elective modules. In the third semester, they finish their final application module and spend nine weeks of practical training in research or industry. The fourth semester is dedicated to completing the Master’s thesis.

Theoretical modules

• Visual Perception of Colour and Materials
• Perception and Action
• Visual Cognition and Object Perception
• Current Topics in Cognition and Development

Application modules

• Programming
• Capturing and Emulating the World
• Measuring and Modelling Human Behaviour and Neural Processing
• Imaging and Recording Brain Activity

Elective modules

Two elective modules can be selected from the courses offered by other study programmes of the Justus Liebig University Giessen, specifically from Economics, Data Science, Psychology and Human Movement Analytics.

Master’s thesis

Students complete their theses in the final semester, typically on an experimental research project in one of the associated research departments.

Partners include national (e.g. University of Marburg, Technical University of Darmstadt) and international collaborations in academia (e.g. Canada: York University/Toronto, Western University/London, and Queen's University/Kingston). Examples of our industry partners include German Aerospace Center, Mentalab, Meta, Schlenk, SR Research, Thomas Recordings, and VPixx.

The students will complete a self-organised nine week practical training within industry or academia related to the programme.

https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/studium/master/mbb

Current academic admission and application requirements are available at https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/studium/master/mbb.

403 EUR (summer semester 2026, varies slightly with each semester)

The current semester contribution can be found here: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/org/admin/departments/b/5/studoffice/sc.

Approximately 900 to 1,000 EUR 

If you come to Germany from outside the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), you will be required to present proof of financial resources already when you apply for a study visa. This serves as a guarantee that you can afford the cost of studying in Germany. Currently (as of 1 January 2025), you must prove that you have 992 EUR per month at your disposal, such as through a blocked account, proof of parental income or a recognised scholarship. For further information, please contact the German Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Giessen offers moderate living costs while being close to Frankfurt, a big city. Students can calculate about 400 to 500 EUR on average for rent, 150 to 200 EUR for food, 130 to 140 EUR for German statutory health insurance, and the remainder for leisure, travel, and other expenses.

Competitive applications for student/research assistant positions in associated JLU research labs

• Partial scholarships for international students at JLU in the closing phase of their degree: Partial scholarships are possible for three to six months and range between 300 to 450 EUR per month. More: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/closingphase

• DAAD scholarships for more equity and opportunity: Possible funding duration of one to six months, ranging from 300 to 450 EUR per month for students who face special challenges during their studies (a disability, a chronic illness, a refugee background, single parenting and those caring for close relatives in Germany). More: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/equalopportunities

Career Service and special opportunities for international students: www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/research-centers/zfbk/career_services/

The cost of accommodation in Giessen ranges between 400 and 500 EUR/month on average. Students usually live in halls of residence provided by the Student Union (Studierendenwerk Giessen) or in shared flats from the private housing market.

Accommodation in the halls of residence is available between 240 and 420 EUR per month. The rooms are fully furnished and equipped with gas, electricity, warm water and internet. Students may apply for a spot in the halls of residence or search for private accommodation, ideally three to four months before starting their studies.

More information via www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/around-gi/accommodation/where-to-live-in-giessen