PROGRAMME


 

The UW Cognitive Science programme concentrates on two thematic paths, which stand as areas of empirical research in cognitive science and related fields. Students choose one of these paths after the first semester, making it a mandatory part of their programme.

The neurocognitive path delves into theoretical and methodological aspects of the cerebral and broader biological basis of cognitive processes. It includes the use of contemporary techniques (such as EEG or fMRI) for studying brain activity and the application of these methods in planning and analysing research. Students also explore modern methods for supporting development, education, diagnosis, and rehabilitation, integrating new technologies to enhance cognitive functioning.

Alternatively, the computational path equips students with in-depth knowledge and skills in modeling cognitive, language, and social processes. The emphasis lies on understanding human behavior, its products, and the cultural and environmental factors shaping it. This path emphasises the creation of computational models explaining cognitive and social phenomena, data analysis, data mining, and natural language processing — skills highly sought in the job market.

Introductory courses (26% ECTS) and the selection of one thematic path (13% ECTS) ensure a minimum skill level for modern cognitive scientists. The program provides flexibility, allowing students to shape their course of study (over 50% of ECTS). Notably, students can choose to complete both paths partially or fully.

An integral aspect of the Master’s in Cognitive Science is its close alignment with ongoing research and collaboration with companies offering internships. This involvement in research teams and external companies (26% ECTS) allows students to gain practical experience.

A distinctive feature is the individualised approach to students, with a dedicated tutor assigned from the first year. The tutor analyses the student’s background and recommends „compensatory” courses and other activities (readings, online courses) to address any potential gaps in knowledge.

LIST OF COURSES MAY BE ACCESSED

[STUDY PROGRAMME SINCE 2019]

[STUDY PROGRAMME SINCE 2022]

 

TYPES OF COURSES AND STAGES

Studies consist of two stages (1st and 2nd year).

In order to complete each stage, the student must gain min. 60 ECTS. To obtain a Master’s degree in cognitive science, the student must obtain 120 ECTS, write a thesis, and defend it during a Master’s exam.

Five blocks of modules have been planned in the programme:

1   INTRODUCTORY COURSES A block of introductory courses, the purpose of which is to update and expand basic knowledge of cognitive science with particular emphasis on both thematic paths. The courses in this block are obligatory and common for both paths, they are worth 31 ECTS.
2   THEMATIC PATHS A block of „thematic paths”, consisting of methodological-practical modules, the purpose of which is to familiarise students with the methods used in a given discipline and their applications, as well as modules that deepen the knowledge of the theoretical foundations of these methods. The courses in this block are obligatory within the path chosen by the student. Students choose the path at the end of the first semester and „path” classes are worth 16 ECTS.
3   OPTIONAL MODULES A block of optional modules (35 ECTS) consists of elective courses created specifically for these studies, as well as of other courses offered at cooperating faculties / institutes. In addition – what is important – courses offered within one path can be counted as elective by students from the other path. This pool is also used to supplement any curriculum differences for students who are not graduates of first-cycle studies in Cognitive Science at the University of Warsaw. The choice of complementary courses is made by the student in cooperation with their tutor at the beginning of the first semester.
4   REMAINING

Diploma seminar (four semesters: 1 + 3 + 4 + 4 = 12 ECTS): during the first semester potential supervisors present their workshops, projects, topics, and during the following semesters there are seminars in a given „path” (or in coherent thematic groups), during which the progress of students will be monitored and the research conducted in participating laboratories will be discussed.

Research laboratory (from the second semester: 3 + 6 + 6 = 15 ECTS): participation in the work of the supervisor and their team, going beyond the student’s own research needed for the master’s thesis (developing methods, collecting data, analyzing results, possibly working in a supervisor’s wider research project); students during the first semester of the master’s seminar would find out what opportunities individual laboratories offer, what kind of activities they expect and what skills students will acquire in a given laboratory. Full involvement of students in the team’s work would start in the second year. In justified cases, with the consent of the head of the Cognitive Science programme and the master’s thesis supervisor, it is possible to participate in a research laboratory other than the one offered by the supervisor.

Internships: during the third and/or fourth semester, minimum 90 hours for 5 ECTS credits. The internship may be of research nature (in projects other than those offered by the research laboratory chosen by the student) or take place at a company conducting work in which cognitive knowledge can be used. The introduction of internships into the study program is aimed at raising the qualifications of future graduates and their orientation on the labour market. The places of training are institutions where students can develop acquired knowledge and skills and learn about their practical application, such as companies in the area of ​​new technologies, R&D departments, medical facilities using, for example, brain imaging methods. Internships can also take place in research teams (other than the research lab chosen by the student).

5   GENERAL MODULE (OGUNs) General module block: general university courses (6 ECTS). This pool is also used to complete occupational health and safety classes and a course on intellectual property rights in case of students who did not complete similar courses during first-cycle studies.