Cognitive Science (BSc) Osnabrück University

The Bachelor's programme is designed to provide a sound foundation in all core areas of cognitive science and a first specialisation based on one's own interests within the three focus areas of cognitive science:

• "Cognition: Mind, Ethics, and Society" focuses mainly on philosophical questions in cognitive science, such as topics in philosophy of the mind and cognition and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
• "Cognition: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning" focuses on cognition in artificial systems and comprises topics in artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics, computational linguistics, NeuroAI, and computer vision.
• "Cognition: Psychology, Communication, Neuroscience, and Behaviour" focuses on cognition in biological systems and comprises topics in cognitive modelling and psychology, theoretical and experimental linguistics, neuroscience, and animal cognition.

Particular emphasis is placed on the methods employed in these fields and on their interdisciplinary relations, as well as a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science relevant to virtually all areas of cognitive science.

The Bachelor's programme is comprised of 180 credits (including both coursework and Bachelor's thesis) spread over six semesters, one of which (preferably the fifth semester) must be spent at a university or research institution abroad (for studies or an internship). The programme is completed with a Bachelor's thesis and leads to a "Bachelor of Science (BSc)" degree in Cognitive Science. The language of instruction is predominantly English, but a basic command of German (level B1 or higher) is required in addition to a good command of English (level B2 or higher) for a few courses that are offered in German only. International applicants who satisfy this criterion are encouraged to apply.

The Bachelor's programme comprises 180 ECTS credits (including thesis) spread over six semesters, one of which (preferably the fifth semester) must be spent at a university abroad. The programme is completed with a Bachelor's thesis (12 ECTS credits). The courses are documented in German and English in accordance with ECTS.

Mentoring: Student mentors offer advice on all questions concerning studies.
Tutorials: most undergraduate courses are supported by tutorials held by senior students under the guidance of the lecturer. This provides assistance to newcomers and promotes cooperation between students.

Instead of doing a study abroad unit, students may complete an internship abroad (at least three months, usually in a foreign research group).

Our students are very successful when they apply for RISE and Mitacs internship stipends.

The application deadline for international students is typically 15 August (for the next winter semester).

Applicants must have a German "Abitur" or an equivalent foreign certificate providing the right of entry to higher education. 
Courses and exams acquired at a different university may be accredited on the basis of ECTS.

Each semester, students are required to pay approx. 350 EUR as a semester fee (including free use of regional public transport services).

In order to cover personal expenses during the study programme, we recommend that students budget at least 860 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Students who have completed their Bachelor's studies may be employed as student assistants.

The degree programme coordinators as well as the student mentoring team are available for consultation regarding possible career choices as well as profile development.

The accommodation office of the student services ("Studentenwerk") offers modern single rooms in dormitories and helps students find private rooms and flats. The rooms must be rented for at least half a year. The cost of a single room in a student dormitory is approx. 180 to 350 EUR per month.