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About the Online Master Program for Cognitive Science M.Sc.

General information

The DAAD-funded Osnabrück Cognitive Science Master Online Studies (OS-COSMOS) is a digital master’s program that targets international students who can successfully complete their coursework remotely. This is a pilot program and we want to ensure that each student is properly supervised. Therefore, we can only admit a total of 10-15 students per semester. 

Students can choose two out of three focus areas for this degree program include Artificial Intelligence, Neuroinformatics, and Neuroscience. This differs from the on-site Cognitive Science M.Sc. program. In addition to the online coursework, students will be present in Osnabrück for 2-3 weeks every academic year. During this period, students will be able to get to know one another and have a chance to experience research at the institute. This also gives students a chance to get to know the city of Osnabrück, learn about German culture, and gain insight into the work-life in Germany through possible internships and company visits.

The enrollment process for the online Master follows the one of the on-site Master. Additionally, applicants will indicate their interest to study online and provide a motivation letter for studying online.

Additional detailed information is given in the FAQ list (last updated 18th November 2022).

Program requirements

This is a full-time study program that contains the same workload as the on-site master’s program. Students are expected to take an average of 30 ECTS a semester (120 ECTS total), which corresponds to about 15 hours of lectures/class time a week, excluding homework, projects, and other assigned learning activities. Overall, students can expect to spend 40 hours a week on coursework.

The program requirements (120 ECTS) include the completion of the following:

• 2 out of 3 focus areas (32 ECTS): Artificial Intelligence, Neuroinformatics, Neuroscience
• Study project (24 ECTS)
• Interdisciplinary credits through interdisciplinary courses (12 ECTS)
• Electives (22 ECTS)
• Master’s thesis (30 ECTS)

Student integration

Students in the program are integrated into the learning community through two elements:

1. An online communication and work platform for all COSMOS students that is based on a long-established e-learning infrastructure.
2. The integration of digital students into face-to-face and online student teams, for working and socializing, who can take advantage of group-based mentoring opportunities and peer guidance.

On-Site Period

Students may visit Osnabrück for an optional on-site period. Please contact us for further details (os-cosmos@uni-osnabrueck.de).

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. Additional requirements like social insurance are currently discussed and announced as soon as possible. We want to keep these requirements as low as possible.

Technical requirements

Computer and Network Connection: Students will need daily access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. For the optimal learning experience, we highly recommend having high-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable, or DSL). Operating systems: Windows, iOS or Linux

Web Camera, Microphone and Speakers: We stress the importance of human connection—even more so in the online program. Therefore, we require students to have a web camera, microphone and speakers in order to facilitate interaction.

Software: Requirements will differ between courses. However, in most cases, you will use word processing and presentation software (i.e. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Open Office Writer and Impress, LaTex). Additionally, it is highly likely that you will be working with multiple programming languages and will need to install different integrated development environments (IDEs). Most of the communication regarding courses will run via your web browser (StudIP, BigBlueButton, …) and there can be performance differences depending on the one you use.

Application Process

For more information on how and where to apply see the Cognitive Science M.Sc. application page.

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