Cognitive Science University of Osnabrück

Study Type

graduate

Admission semester

Summer and Winter Semester

Focus

a) Cognition: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, b) Cognition: (Computational) Neuroscience, c) Cognition: Psychology, Language and Communication, d) Cognition: Mind, Ethics and Society

Target group

Graduates of the Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science or closely related courses of study such as Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Computer Science, (Computer) Linguistics, Mathematics, Neurosciences, Medicine, Philosophy, Psychology or a degree course with a high proportion of computer science content, if necessary with additional conditions depending on their subject aptitude.

Annotation

Highlights of the degree programme:
• Thematic diversity and interdisciplinary focus
• High degree of flexibility in choosing courses, personal specialisation
• International and research-focused approach
• Diverse, committed student body
• Lively "CogSci" community including alumni
• Multifaceted collaborations with industry

Cognitive Science aims to explore complex cognitive processes such as attention, thinking, planning, learning, speaking and acting in biological and artificial systems, to comprehensively understand cognition 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, but also from the humanities such as philosophy of mind and ethics of artificial intelligence. In many courses, the focus is on a research-oriented exploration of innovative technologies such as deep learning methods and large language models. This broad degree course, which includes both theory and practical project work in a team, optimally prepares students for future-oriented professions in which, in addition to specialist knowledge, innovative strength, critical thinking and interdisciplinary communication are required.
The Master’s degree programme in "Cognitive Science" gives students the opportunity to specialise in one or two of the following focus areas in greater depth in line with their interests and academic background and to develop their individual academic profile:

• "Cognition: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning" looks at cognitive processes in artificial systems and is dedicated to topics such as artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics and neuro-AI, and computational linguistics.
• "Cognition: (Computational) Neuroscience" is dedicated to topics in neuroscience and computer-oriented neuroscience.
• "Cognition: Psychology, Language and Communication" looks at cognitive processes in biological systems and is dedicated to topics such as cognitive modelling and psychology, theoretical and experimental linguistics, and animal cognition.
• "Cognition: Mind, Ethics and Society" is dedicated to topics of the philosophy of the mind and the cognition and ethics of artificial intelligence.

As part of a two-semester study project, they deal intensively with a research question and develop a solution approach, present and document it and gain valuable experience in independent project management under conditions that are common in professional scientific research at universities and in industry. The master's thesis, in which students can demonstrate their research competences in detail, takes place at the end of the course.

Admission modus

Without admission restriction

More information regarding admission requirements

Admission requirements

Qualified Bachelor's degree in a 'Cognitive Science' course or a comparable degree. Graduates from participatory or related disciplines may also be admitted. Additionally, proof of a command of English at language level B2 according to the CEFR, as well as a written application providing evidence of aptitude and motivation for the course.

Main language

English