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About the Cognitive Science Master's Program

Studies in the Cognitive Science Master Program cover multiple aspects of cognition, such as perception, attention, memory, learning, problem solving reasoning, emotions, and language. We are concerned with questions related to how these cognitive abilities are realized in biological and artificial systems, and how such systems are organized (e.g. brain structure, neural architectures and connectionist networks, and autonomous agents). In addition, complex information processing systems such as teaching systems and spoken language dialog systems are treated from a design and implementation perspective, including human-computer interface aspects.

The Master Program consists of 120 ECTS credits, 30 of which refer to the Master thesis. In the second and third semester, students participate in a students' project. The Master Program is completed with a Master thesis in the fourth semester and leads to a "Master of Science (M.Sc.)" degree in Cognitive Science.

Two focus areas must be chosen from

• Cognitive Psychology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Linguistics and Computational Linguistics
• Neuroinformatics and Robotics
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy of Mind and Cognition

Out of 90 ECTS credits necessary for your Master examination,

• 16 ECTS credits refer to each of your two areas of focus
• 12 ECTS credits refer to interdisciplinary courses / lab rotation within the Cognitive Science program
• 24 ECTS credits from your study project
• out of the remaining 22 ECTS credits, at least 14 ECTS credits must be Cognitive Science courses.

The language of instruction is predominantly English. The program addresses German and international students. The courses in the Cognitive Science program are documented in German and English in accordance with ECTS.

Continuous examinations in the study project and each of the two areas of focus must be successfully passed before admittance to the final examination.

Excellent Master students may be admitted to the PhD Program after one year (see PhD Program: Application).

Tuition Fees

In addition to a semester fee of approximately 350 EUR (which includes the "Semesterticket" for public transport), there are no tuition fees charged. Students must provide proof of health insurance upon registration.

Study Projects

In the second and third semester, groups of 5-15 students carry out a twelve-month research project under conditions very similar to those of regular research. Project themes cover all Cognitive Science areas and focus on interdisciplinary cooperation, team work and project management.

Integration of International Students

See Advisory for International Students.

The International Student's Office offers a program aimed at the optimal integration of international students in Osnabrück. 

We especially encourage international students participating in the Master Program to act as tutors for first-year students to promote intercultural exchange.

Semester Abroad

We celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of Cognitive Science! While it is not mandatory to go abroad during your Master studies, we can only recommend it. Ideally you will choose a universitiy or institution with a Cognitive Science program or a programe in one of its module areas. Study fees have to be paid by the students. Scholarships can be applied for, e.g. with the ERASMUS+ program. Additionally, we strongly advice you to get in contact with the study abroad coordinator to discuss the placement of your semester abroad within your Master studies. Find contact details and more information under Semester Abroad. 

Joint Master Degree Program: Osnabrück - Trento/Rovereto

The Osnabrück Cognitive Science Institute and the Trento Cognitive Science Faculty have recently formed a joint Master's degree program in Cognitive Science. It allows M.Sc. students in Cognitive Science to complete their 1st year of studies in Osnabrück before starting their 2nd year in Trento. 

The Cognitive Science programs in Trento and in Osnabrück are ideal complements: While in Osnabrück the focus is on Computational Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Neuroscience and Philosophy, the Trento program focuses on Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, Social Sciences and Mathematics. The Cognitive Science faculty of Trento is part of the Rovereto branch which combines the studies of technology and cognitive science, information technology, communication and humanistic culture. It is located in Rovereto, a town about 25km south of Trento. The exchange study at the partner university will be planned for the second year of the Master's studies but can be tailored to the student's individual needs. It is NOT possible to apply for funding via ERASMUS+. For more information contact Prof. Sven Walter via ikw-eras@uos.de. As places are limited please contact him in due time.

Admission and Application Deadlines

The Master Program accepts students for the winter and the summer term. For the application deadlines, see application.

Courses and examinations successfully completed at another university can be accredited on the basis of ECTS.

Get in touch... 

 ... if this page got you interested in studying and you want to learn more about the Master degree, if you have questions or if we can support you during your application process. The CogSci Mentoring Team is happy to help.

Email: cs-mentoring@uos.de