Neuro-Cognitive Psychology (NCP)

This four-semester Master of Science programme is designed to deliver advanced training in neuro-cognitive psychology to a carefully selected cohort of students from around the world. Each year about 30 students are admitted to receive in-depth instruction in both the conceptual foundations and the methodological tools that underpin this neuroscience-oriented area of psychology. The curriculum is structured to meet high international standards and to compete with leading programmes globally.

Students can expect concentrated exposure to contemporary research questions and methods in cognitive neuroscience, preparing them for further research or specialised professional roles. The selective, small intake creates an international learning environment with peers from diverse backgrounds and a strong emphasis on rigorous, research-driven education.

Program facts / admissions at a glance

• Degree: Master of Science (MSc)
• Duration: 4 semesters
• Annual intake: approximately 30 students
• Language of instruction: English
• Focus: methodological and conceptual training in neuroscience-oriented psychology
• Recruitment: international applicants welcomed and selected competitively

Curriculum overview

The programme begins with two semesters of a carefully designed, broad curriculum that delivers up-to-date core scientific knowledge in neuro-cognitive psychology. This foundation phase ensures students gain a solid grounding in theories, methods, and empirical findings central to the discipline.

In the third semester the emphasis shifts toward specialisation: students deepen expertise through two supervised research internships and by choosing advanced elective courses focused on current research topics. The fourth and final semester is devoted to completing an independent Master’s thesis, allowing students to apply their learnt skills to a sustained research project.

Key modules and expected learning outcomes

• Core modules in the first two semesters provide a state-of-the-art scientific base in neuro-cognitive theory, research methods, and data analysis.
• Two research internships (third semester) give hands-on experience in experimental design, laboratory techniques, and collaborative research practice.
• Advanced optional courses (third semester) let students specialise in contemporary research areas and develop up-to-date domain knowledge.
• The fourth-semester Master’s thesis trains students to plan, conduct, analyse, and report an independent empirical study, demonstrating research autonomy and scholarly communication skills.

These components together prepare graduates to critically evaluate research, design and run experiments, analyse complex data, and contribute to specialised topics within neuro-cognitive psychology—skills valuable for research careers or further doctoral studies.

Graduates gain strong preparation for research careers and further academic training, including PhD programmes in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and related fields. The combination of conceptual knowledge and practical research experience positions alumni for roles in university labs, research institutes, and clinical research settings.

The methodological and data-analytic skills acquired also transfer to research-related positions outside academia, such as industry research groups, neurotechnology and human factors teams, and roles that require expertise in experimental design and quantitative analysis.