This program approaches the human mind as an information-processing system and uses that perspective to study perception, reasoning, decision-making and action. To explain intelligent behavior, students learn to describe human performance with experimental-psychology methods and to build formal, computational models using tools from computer science. Because understanding information processing is a shared goal, cognitive science and artificial intelligence form the program’s core, with additional introductory courses in neuroscience, linguistics and philosophy to round out the interdisciplinary picture.
The degree is managed by the Department of Human Sciences in close collaboration with other departments—especially Computer Science—so the curriculum spans the full interdisciplinary range of cognitive science. Teaching staff come from several departments, with major input from psychology and computer science, and the program places strong emphasis on computational approaches to modelling cognition and intelligent systems. The Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes were designed by an interdisciplinary team that includes members of the Centre for Cognitive Science and were coordinated with the German Society for Cognitive Science.
Notes for applicants / Requirements
This master's curriculum is structured to give you a balanced and research-oriented education in cognitive science. Core advanced modules focus on primary domains of the discipline, while the programme places strong emphasis on independent research through a larger master project and a final master's thesis. Elective tracks in both cognitive science and computer science, plus an interdisciplinary option, let you tailor the degree to your interests and career goals.
The three advanced modules (Perception and Action; Higher Cognition; Applied Cognitive Science) each build 9 credit points and together develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills across experimental and applied areas of cognition. The 18-credit Cognitive Science Master Project is a substantial supervised research or development assignment that trains you in project design, data collection/analysis, and scientific reporting. The 30-credit master's thesis is the capstone research piece, demonstrating your ability to carry out an independent, in-depth study.
Electives allow focused skill-building: 21 credit points in cognitive science electives deepen domain expertise, 18 credit points in computer science electives provide computational and technical competence, and a 6-credit interdisciplinary elective broadens your perspective by connecting cognitive science to other fields. Overall learning outcomes include integrated theoretical understanding, methodological competence in empirical and computational approaches, experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparation for either doctoral research or careers in research, tech, or applied settings.
Note: CP = credit points as used in the programme regulations.
To be considered for the Master’s in Cognitive Science you need a completed undergraduate degree in cognitive science (B.Sc.) or a closely equivalent qualification and an official academic transcript showing at least 110 credit points (CP) and the average grade. The programme evaluates your previous coursework to ensure you have the foundational and subject-specific competencies required for advanced study.
Specifically, applicants must demonstrate at least 80 CP of relevant competencies that match the reference B.Sc. Cognitive Science curriculum (used as the assessment benchmark). These 80 CP must be distributed across three areas: basic computer science, core foundations of cognitive science, and advanced cognitive-science topics such as linguistics or philosophy. International applicants should be prepared to provide translated and certified documents plus course descriptions or syllabi to help with the credit evaluation process.
For full policy details, exceptions and information about how CP are recognised, consult the programme’s official website.
Winter Semester (International)
For details, please check"information for applicants with international certificates".
Graduates leave with a strong mix of experimental and computational skills suited for research roles and technically oriented positions. The programme prepares students for doctoral studies in cognitive science, neuroscience, artificial intelligence or related fields as well as for applied roles in industry.
Typical career destinations include research institutes and university labs, R&D teams in technology companies (AI, human–computer interaction, data science), UX and cognitive ergonomics positions, and roles in healthcare technology or educational technology that require expertise in cognitive modelling and experimental methods.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen