Admission Process

The process has two stages. The first stage tests your understanding of the basics of Cognitive Science through assigned textbook readings. The second stage assesses your ability to understand and critically analyse CogSci related scientific papers.

Please notice that all materials below relate to 2025/2026 admissions. Current reading requirements will appear on this page in spring 2026.

1. Written Exam

An online test covering the following materials:

• Bermudez, J. L. (2014). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind (2nd edition or newer), Cambridge University Press.
• Python Intro e-class:
  https://cogsci.uw.edu.pl/candidates/python-intro/

The test is scored out of 100 points. You must score at least 50 to pass to the second stage and only the top scorers—up to twice the number of available places—will advance.

2. Oral Exam

Interviews are held online in English and focus on the discussion and critical analysis of the selected papers:

• De Baene, W., et al. (2015). Brain Circuit for Cognitive Control Is Shared by Task and Language Switching. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 27(9), 1752–1765.
  DOI link
• Jafari Malali, M., et al. (2024). The Influence of Mental Calculations on Brain Regions and Heart Rates. Scientific Reports, 14(18846).
  DOI link
• Sixtus, E., et al. (2023). Influence of Body Movements on Children’s Mental Arithmetic. Acta Psychologica, 239(104003).
  DOI link

You will be assessed in two areas:

• Comprehension: understanding of hypotheses, theory, methodology, and statistical analysis.
• Critical Analysis: evaluation of study strengths and weaknesses, with reasoned personal opinions.

Each area is scored out of 50 points for a maximum total of 100 points. You must score at least 60 to be considered for admission.

Admission decisions are based on the combined total of both stages. Places are offered according to rank until all available spots are filled. Scoring below the threshold in either stage results in a total score of 0 points.