This English-taught Master of Science programme explores how perception, learning, memory, reasoning and interaction work in both humans and machines — and how to model and build those capabilities into technical systems. You will study cognitive principles from theoretical, empirical and computational perspectives, investigate cognitive functions through experiments and simulations, and carry your findings into practical implementations such as intelligent technical systems and interactive devices.
What sets the programme apart is its genuinely interdisciplinary environment: Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology are housed in the same faculty, which enables close integration of psychophysical and psychological methods with computational modelling and engineering practice. Coursework and projects emphasize linking human cognition with machine intelligence, giving you hands-on experience as well as a sound empirical and theoretical grounding. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in areas like intelligent robotics, cognitive assistance systems, smart vehicles and devices, AI in healthcare, and human–computer interaction — or to continue with academic research.
This four‑semester MSc brings computer science and psychology together within a single faculty, creating an interdisciplinary study and research setting. Courses are taught by specialists from both areas and the curriculum is organised into four subject groups — Basic, Interdisciplinary, Special and Applied — and culminates in a research‑based Master's thesis. A research colloquium with invited speakers complements taught modules by exposing students to current developments in the field.
Graduates will be familiar with the principal theoretical and methodological foundations of complementary disciplines; able to design and conduct experiments or computational models to investigate cognitive phenomena; apply advanced methods in project settings; and work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams.
Requirements (concise)
To be eligible you must hold (or be in the final stages of) a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised higher education institution in Germany or abroad. The qualifying undergraduate programme must have had a minimum duration of three years and must have covered foundational topics in at least one of the programme’s core cognitive-science areas: information processing in natural systems, information processing in technical systems, or mathematical modelling. Typical qualifying degrees include programmes in cognitive science, psychology and computer science.
Applicants from other disciplines (for example, engineering, physics, or biology with a specialisation in neurosciences and mathematics) can be considered if their prior studies and/or practical experience make them suitable for the curriculum. Such applicants should document relevant knowledge and experience using the “subject-specific additional information” form so the admissions committee can evaluate suitability. As a measure of academic performance, applicants must demonstrate adequate examination results: either a completed Bachelor’s degree with an overall grade of 2.5 or better, or—if the degree is not yet finished—current examination results showing an average of 2.5 or better by the application deadline.
Requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge human cognition and artificial systems, such as positions in intelligent robotics, cognitive assistance systems, smart vehicles and devices, AI applications in healthcare, and human–computer interaction. The programme’s mix of empirical methods, computational modelling and hands-on projects also provides a solid foundation for technical product development or applied research roles in industry.
For those aiming at academia, the degree supplies the methodological and research experience needed to continue with a PhD or to join interdisciplinary research groups in cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science or engineering.
Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart - University of Applied Sciences — Stuttgart
University of Regensburg — Regensburg
University of Bonn — Bonn
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg — Cottbus