Computer Science & Data Science - Cognitive Science

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 associated with minds, brains, and behaviour and the theoretical approaches to them, know the principal 20th Century philosophical approaches to mind, brain and body, understand the principal issues, models, and concepts used in cognitive psychology, 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

Stage 1 - Core
Research Project in Cognitive Science COMP40290

Stage 1 - Option
Introduction to Cognitive PsychologyCOMP40250
Connectionism and Dynamical SystemsCOMP40260
Embodiment and Enactive approaches to Cognitive ScienceCOMP40280
Introduction to Cognitive ScieCOMP47230
Guided reading Cog.Sci. IIICOMP47740
Consciousness, Agency & the SelfPHIL40010
Fundamentals of Cognitive NeuropsychologyPSY40020
Readings visual social cognitiPSY40550

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.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MSc Cognitive Science FT (T023)
Deadline: Rolling *

MSc Cognitive Science PT (T084)
Deadline: Rolling *

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
MODE OF DELIVERY: Face-to-Face

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability
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.