Computational Cognitive Science

How can we model human task performance? How do our brains combine visual and auditory information? What is the ideal patient monitor for tired emergency doctors?

The Master’s degree programme in Computational Cognitive Science (CCS) focuses on cognitive science and neuroscience and their applications. CCS gives you insights into human cognition, language, and the brain and teaches you to use this knowledge in applied settings, such as human-computer interaction and computerized learning tools. By leveraging knowledge of human cognition, for example, you can optimize how an artificial intelligence system communicates with human users and develop virtual reality applications for education or simulation models of human task performance.

Two questions form the basis for this programme:

How do human cognition and the human brain work?
How can we use this knowledge in applied settings?

To answer these questions, you have to know how humans perform tasks and how this affects potential interactions. How do humans acquire new skills and how do they learn to adapt to a new task? In addition, it is important to think about how humans communicate and apply this to human-machine communication. Language is a natural way of human communication, and this may or may not be a good choice for communication with a machine, depending on the circumstances.

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Computational Cognitive Science 

Programme options:

Cognitive Modeling and the Brain (specialization)
Human Language Modeling (specialization)
Human-Centred AI (specialization)

Study abroad is optional

Exchange is possible, for example as part of your Master thesis. All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

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Computational Cognitive Science 

Job prospects:

Once you have your Master's degree, you can either continue in science or use your skills in industrial R&D departments or usability labs to ensure that knowledge about human thinking and behaviour is incorporated as early as possible in the design process.

User interface design experts, usability testers, and interaction designers are needed in companies that make computer software and new media applications. You could also seek employment as a researcher at a research institute, either at a university (PhD study) or a research institute like Applied Scientific Research (TNO). About 50% of our students choose a career as a scientist, mostly going on to do a PhD.

Job examples:
Work for a startups to develop smart software
Interaction designer
Usability tester
Software developer
PhD research position

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Computational Cognitive Science

A Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or a relevant degree including the following subjects: Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Psychology or Cognitive Science, Statistics and Research methods, practical skills in Programming.

Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students with a Dutch degree is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.

Please fill out this checklistto describe why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined in the form).

Application deadlines

Type of student Deadline Start course

Dutch students 01 May 2025 01 September 2025

EU/EEA students 01 May 2025 01 September 2025

non-EU/EEA students 01 May 2025 01 September 2025

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

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Computational Cognitive Science - Impressionen zum Masterstudium

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Übersicht der Masterstudiengänge - University of Groningen

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Student of the MSc Computational Cognitive Science:

I chose to pursue a Master’s in Computational Cognitive Science after completing my Bachelor’s in Information Science, with a minor in Artificial Intelligence, at the Faculty of Arts. The cognitive aspect of the programme particularly interested me as I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the brain and the applications of AI in various fields.

The research-oriented aspect of the programme was something I hadn’t expected, but I found it extremely valuable. I was able to work on a research project of my own choosing, using real data and EEGs. The guidance from my supervisor and the weekly meetings were extremely helpful. Also, the small class size allowed me to form close relationships with my peers and engage in meaningful discussions outside class.

The programme has provided a strong foundation for my upcoming Master’s thesis. I have already worked on small projects, such as creating a cognitive model for an opponent in a game and analysing the usability of different apps for elderly people. I am interested in combining my thesis with an internship at a company, where I can apply what I have learned and gain hands-on experience. Overall, I believe that this programme has equipped me with the tools and knowledge for a successful career in cognitive science and AI.

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