Cognitive Science - Master

This degree program has no special requirements for admission. That means you will be allocated a place in the program if you meet the general requirements. However, you need to apply in order to establish whether you meet the general requirements.

Applicants must have completed an Bachelor’s degree in cognitive science, biology, computer science, psychology, linguistics or an equivalent degree with a German grade of at least 2,5. Additionally, at least 18 ETCS must have been obtained in subject relevant for cognitive science.

Course language is German (GER B2-C1 (Testdaf4444 or DSH2)). Many courses are taught in English und the scientific literature is in English, too. Therefore, English level B2 is required but does not need attestation

The Master´s program cannot be complemented with a minor subject.

Cognitive  Science is the interdisciplinary scientific investigation of the mechanisms that underlie the cognitive abilities (such as perception, motor skills, learning, memory, problem solving, thinking and language). Cognitive Scientists study, for instance, the formats of mental representations, the factors that determine how well an organism perceives and learns, the components of language processing, the neural correlates of cognitive processes, what defines "consciousness”, and how cognitive processes can be described by means of computer models. Depending on the specific sub-area or main focus within Cognitive Science, different aspects of cognitive abilities are investigated using different methodological approaches (e.g., empirical approaches such as experiments as well as computer models for simulating cognitive abilities). Due to its interdisciplinary nature, Cognitive Science enables a comprehensive understanding of the facets, the scope and the mechanisms of cognitive abilities.

In accordance with the interdisciplinary nature of Cognitive Science, the master’s program in Tübingen is carried out by the departments of Computer Science, Psychology, Biology, Linguistics, Mathematics and Philosophy and is further complemented by courses in Neuroscience.

The master’s program is explicitly research-oriented and prepares students for an academic career (doctorate) as well as leading positions in industry, in research and teaching. Through continuous contact and exchange with active scientists and the active participation in different research groups, the students are trained in basic and application-oriented research and they are introduced to current topics and trends in Cognitive Science.

Tübingen´s Cognitive Science master’s program is embedded in a research landscape that is unique in Germany: In addition to the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the three Max Planck Institutes for Biological Cybernetics, Developmental Biology and Intelligent Systems, the Hertie Institute for Brain Research, the Bernstein Center for Brain Research, the Werner Reichardt Center for Integrative Neurosciences as well as the Cyber ​​Valley initiative on Artificial Intelligence give students the unique opportunity to get to know and contribute to current research in Cognitive Science and potential applications on site.

The master’s program in Cognitive Science comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP) according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Of these, 24 CP are allocated to a common core of compulsory modules, which lay a broad foundation in different research areas of Cognitive Science - Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Modeling and the use of neural networks, as well as evolutionary perspectives and approaches to cognition. Master students who have obtained their bachelor's degree in a study subject other than Cognitive Science take additional compulsory modules amounting to 18 CP in order to catch up knowledge in individual sub-areas of Cognitive Science. The common core of ​​compulsory modules is supplemented and expanded by elective modules (amounting to 54 or 36 CP depending on the study background), in which the students deepen their knowledge and skills in one particular or several focus areas according to their inclinations and interests. The study program is rounded off by a research-oriented laboratory internship (12 CP) and the master's thesis (30 CP): Directly integrated into a research group, students independently develop their own research question and try to answer it using Cognitive Science methods.

Informationen about the Erasmus program (Uppsala, Schweden) for students of computer science and cognitive science.

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

The department of Computer Science - which also hosts the Cognitive Science program – is one of the leading research sites in Germany in this field and internationally recognized. It maintains close cooperation with major business companies and research institutes (e.g. three Max Planck institutes in Tübingen) on a national and international level. Furthermore, it is characterized by interdisciplinary cooperation with other departments at the University of Tübingen such as Medicine, Biology, Psychology, and Media Science.

As a founding member and part of the Cyber ​​Valley initiative, the University of Tübingen contributes to one of the largest research cooperations in Europe in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition, Tübingen and neighboring cities (including Reutlingen, Böblingen, Sindelfingen and the region Neckar-Alb) are part of the metropolitan area surrounding Stuttgart: Thereby, they are embedded in one of the economically strongest regions in Europe with a flourishing automotive and IT sector, and they are home to various university spin-offs, startups, and medium-sized as well as large companies.

In addition to excellent future prospects, this stimulating environment offers numerous opportunities for internships and student jobs.

In the winter term 2023/24 approximately 440 students are enrolled for the Cognitive Science programs:

The module handbook of the M.Sc. Cognitive Science  describes the goals and structure of a degree program. In the module handbook you will find details of the type of modules offered and their respective workloads as well as the classes, requirements and assessment. An ideal course plan is set out in the module handbook to help you plan your studies. The module handbook and the exam regulations help you to understand the framework and conditions of your program, and enable you to choose the right modules/ classes.

The exam regulations of the M.Sc. Cognitive Science contain the legally binding regulations for a degree program. They set out, for instance, which modules must be taken and which assessment must be completed in order to successfully complete the degree program. The exam regulations also regulate how often exams may be repeated, which deadlines apply to assessment, and how the final grade is calculated. The exam regulations and the module handbook help you to understand the framework and conditions of your program, and enable you to choose the right modules/classes.

Career prospects open up both in advanced basic research and in application. Areas of application include the medical-clinical field, information technology, the automotive industry, robotics and high technology in general. However, innovative product development, science management and science journalism are also potential career fields. Concrete examples are cognitive ergonomics, communication consulting, multimedia and e-learning, human-machine interface, operability of machines, user interface optimization, design and development of effective software, or development and programming of service robots and of high-tech prostheses.

Further information:

• http://www.gk-ev.de
• http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/cognitive-science
• http://cognitivesciencesociety.org
• http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kognitionswissenschaft
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_science

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.

Graduates of the Master program have the opportunity to continue with a PhD. For further information see the website Faculty of Science - Doctoral Studies.

As graduate of the Cognitive Science program you can become a member of the Alumni network of the University of Tübingen, and you can join the Alumni of the Cognitive Science Program in order to stay in contact with the university and other graduates.