Master’s Programme in Cognitive Science

Program Overview

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the mind and its processes, including how we think, perceive, remember, and learn. It combines insights from psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, anthropology, philosophy, and computer science. In the modern technologically-driven world, cognitive science plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human behavior and cognition. This knowledge is instrumental in developing artificial intelligence, enhancing human-computer interaction, improving educational tools, and creating more effective mental health therapies. It informs the design of user interfaces, decision-making models, and systems that mimic or complement human cognitive abilities, thereby shaping the interaction between technology and human cognition.

Our proposed Master’s program in Cognitive Science is structured to offer exceptional flexibility, accommodating both graduates from existing bachelor-level cognitive science programs and motivated students with varied academic backgrounds. The program is distinctively interdisciplinary in nature, fostering the development of professionals skilled in interdisciplinary communication rather than narrow domain-specific expertise. It ensures that students acquire a foundational understanding of the key disciplines integral to cognitive science while also providing them the freedom to pursue specialized interests in a particular area. This approach positions the program as a comprehensive and adaptable educational pathway, aligning with the dynamic and multifaceted nature of cognitive science, and meeting the evolving needs of both students and the broader academic community.

Program Structure

Module System

The program is structured into thematic modules and all students must earn a specified number of ECTS credits from each module. Beyond this requirement, students have the flexibility to select courses based on their individual needs and interests. Each module includes at least one introductory-level course, along with several more advanced courses. Students who have graduated from a bachelor’s program in cognitive science have the option to bypass the introductory courses and begin with the advanced ones. This structure of the program maximizes flexibility while guaranteeing that all students acquire at least introductory-level knowledge across all domains.

Research Lab

A pivotal component of the program is the Research lab, designed to immerse students in real-world research experiences. This lab offers an opportunity for students to engage actively in ongoing research projects within their chosen research groups. As participants, students attend group meetings and contribute to various aspects of the research process. Their responsibilities may include tasks such as gathering materials, conducting preliminary studies, coding data, and performing data analysis. To facilitate the selection process, different research groups showcase their work to the students, allowing them to choose a group that aligns with their specific interests. This hands-on approach not only enhances practical research skills but also deeply integrates students into the active research community.

Program Modules

Experimental Methods Module

Cognitive neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that aims to investigate the neural underpinnings of the brain-behavior relationship and make predictions about human-environment interactions. To achieve this goal, a wide array of experimental methods is used. In this module, students are introduced to the methods used in cognitive neuroscience research, including behavioral, psycho-, and neurophysiological paradigms. Courses from this module cover both theoretical foundations and practical aspects linked to the use of these methods. The knowledge and skills obtained from this module will allow students to make informed methodological decisions while planning and conducting their own experiments, either as part of academic research or R&D projects.

Philosophy Module

The aim of the philosophy module is to teach students about philosophical issues arising at the interface of philosophy and cognitive science. Students will not only acquire an understanding of philosophical concepts related to research in cognitive science, including the notions of mind, information, language, and action, but will also learn about problems confronting cognitive science because of its special multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary character. Students will be able to critically assess the methodologies and research practices of cognitive science, synthesizing theories and findings from diverse disciplines to shed light on how they contribute to the development of the central themes of the field.

The courses of the module prepare students to conduct their own theoretical or empirical research in a way that applies philosophical concepts, theories and arguments in a broad range of theoretical and practical contexts: to deepen the understanding of available empirical findings, shed light on how cognitive science informs philosophical reflection, or help to solve practical problems – e.g., in business, industry or social life.

Language Module

Courses in this module are designed to explore the intricate interplay between cognition and linguistic processes. From introductory explorations in psycholinguistics to advanced seminars in modern syntax and semantics, students delve into the mechanisms underlying language processing, including language comprehension, production, and acquisition. The module offers cutting-edge methodologies in language processing, providing hands-on experience with computational tools for linguistic analysis and language models. Through theoretical frameworks, computational approaches, and empirical methodologies, these courses equip students with the analytical tools and conceptual frameworks necessary to investigate the complex dynamics of human language within cognitive systems.

Programming & Computer Modeling Module

Cognitive science as a discipline formed in 1950 following the observed analogies between the working of digital computers and intelligent behavior. Nowadays, computational models allow scientists to construct simulations and explanatory models of cognitive processes, bringing different theories of how our minds work to life. This module equips students with both practical Python programming skills for data analysis and numerical simulations and a deep dive into fundamental concepts like computation, algorithms, models, and simulations. Students will also be exposed to various modeling paradigms and their underlying assumptions. Ultimately, these newly acquired skills and models will be put to the test, tackling the big questions of the digital age: What are the limitations of Artificial Intelligence? How do the digital and analog realms relate to each other? How is the Internet reshaping our social connections?

Statistics & Machine Learning Module

With the development of digital computers and internet technologies we observe an explosion of data collected in all sorts of contexts, from specialized production processes in factories, to everyday human behavior. Statistical and computational techniques provide a robust toolkit for processing, visualizing, and summarizing this wealth of empirical data and making data-driven decisions. In this module students learn statistical techniques useful in the context of experimental social sciences and hypothesis testing, and a modern machine learning toolkit for knowledge discovery from larger datasets. They are introduced to modern neural networks and their practical applications.

Neuroscience Module

The module integrates neuroscience with psychophysiology, offering students the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the biological foundations of cognition and behavior. The courses within the module take an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the connections between the brain’s physiological structures and processes and mental functions such as perception, learning, memory, and decision-making. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for advanced research and applications in neuroscience, psychology, and related fields.

Program Requirements

From academic year 2025/26

1	CORE MODULE	This block consists of foundational courses that develop academic, methodological, and research skills, including the Diploma Seminar, Research Lab participation, and Internship. These courses are obligatory for all students throughout the two years of study. Credits: 33 ECTS
2	MODULAR COURSES	Students choose from six thematic modules reflecting different areas of cognitive science. Within each module, students are required to complete at least the minimum number of ECTS indicated. The modules offer both introductory (basic level) and advanced courses. Students are expected to complete at least 41 ECTS from the modules. Experimental Methods – min. 8 ECTS Programming & Modeling – min. 10 ECTS Statistics & Machine Learning – min. 6 ECTS Language – min. 7 ECTS Philosophical – min. 4 ECTS Cognitive Neuroscience – min. 6 ECTS Credits: min. 41 ECTS
3	ELECTIVES	Students can choose elective courses to fulfill their credit requirements, drawing from the same set of modules or from interdisciplinary offers at cooperating faculties. These courses are chosen freely, beyond the minimum module quotas. Credits: 16 ECTS
4	REMAINING	DIPLOMA SEMINAR: Held across all four semesters to guide students through the preparation and writing of their Master’s thesis. Credits: 12 ECTS RESEARCH LAB: Starts in the second semester, with full participation in semesters 3 and 4. Students join a lab to engage in active research, ideally tied to their thesis work. Credits: 10 ECTS INTERNSHIP: A research or industry placement during the final year, aimed at applying and expanding acquired skills. Credits: 5 ECTS
5	GENERAL MODULE (OGUNs)	General university courses (OGUNs) offered by the University of Warsaw, to be completed during the first or second year. Credits: 6 ECTS