Cognitive Science
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    Cognitive Science

    University College Dublin
    University College Dublin
    Ireland
    Ireland, Dublin
    University Rank:#127
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    EUR 26,051 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 25, 2026

    Cognitive Science

    About

    The MSc Cognitive Science suits those interested in issues relating to the rich questions about the human mind from philosophical, psychological, and computational perspectives. Advanced computational skills are not a prerequisite. The course is designed as a suitable preparation for those wishing to progress to research, e.g. at PhD level.

    You will have the opportunity to be familiar with the problems arising in the description of minds, brains, and behaviour and the theoretical approaches to them, know the principal 20th Century philosophical approaches to mind, brain and body, understand the concepts employed in cognitive psychology, along with their limitations, and develop an interdisciplinary perspective that links and integrates insights from multiple specialised domains.

    Further information is available on the course website.

    • Unique taught offering providing advanced material in psychology, philosophy of mind, computational modeling, neuropsychology, and more
    • Ideal preparation for future PhD studies tackling interdisciplinary topics
    • Includes a substantial research project, conducted largely during the Summer months

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    • This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in computer science, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience or a other related discipline. More important than the name of the primary degree is that applicants must display an awareness of the interdisciplinary challenges of cognitive science, and be prepared to engage with those challenges through earnest and open questioning. Please note that many psychology undergraduate programmes do not provide this kind of interdisciplinary sensitivity. An upper second class honours or the international equivalent is required.
    • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent, such as TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 or PTE score of 63. Visit the UCD Admissions website for further details.
    You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 63
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 90

    English Program Requirements

    International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

    Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

    Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

    IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

    Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

    Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

    Duolingo Test of English (DET)

    UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
    An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

    Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

    Career

    This is not a vocational course. Over one year we cover a very broad range of material, thus greatly increasing the breadth of academic exposure of our students. Historically, about half of the students go on to do PhD studies, and many others look for work in research. This course will not make a psychologist out of a non-psychologist, or an IT specialist out of someone who is not an IT specialist upon entry. It will enable students to tackle research issues they might not have been able to before, and to do PhDs in areas that would not have been possible before. Many students pursue this course because of a passionate interest in our scientific understanding of what it is to be human. Please note that a cognitive science degree is not part of an accredited programme towards a clinical degree, and it has minimal neuroscientific content.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    26,051 / year

    Cognitive Science

    University College Dublin

    University College Dublin

    Ireland

    Ireland, Dublin

    Go to Official Website