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Admission Process

The process has two stages. The first stage tests your basic, undergraduate-level knowledge of Cognitive Science. The second stage assesses your ability to understand and critically analyse scientific papers in Cognitive Science.

1. Written Exam

An online test with questions based on the following textbook, focusing on fundamental concepts. Applicants with a BA-level familiarity with Cognitive Science should find this stage straightforward.

  • Bermudez, J. L. (2014). Cognitive Science: An Introduction to the Science of the Mind (2nd edition or newer), Cambridge University Press.

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 conducted online in English and focus on the discussion and critical analysis of selected papers. Papers address the same topic from different methodological perspectives, reflecting the interdisciplinary spirit of Cognitive Science.

The topic for 2026/27 is Multilingualism and cognitive control.

  • 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.
  • Nichols, E. S., et al. (2020). Bilingualism Affords No General Cognitive Advantages: A Population Study of Executive Function in 11,000 People. Psychological Science, 31(5), 548–567.
  • Wu, Y. J. & Thierry, G. (2013). Fast Modulation of Executive Function by Language Context in Bilinguals. Journal of Neuroscience, 33(33), 13533–13537.

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.