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.

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, complete Workplace health & safety and Intellectual property rights courses, write a thesis, and defend it during a Master’s exam. Obligatory courses and the selection of one thematic path ensure a minimum skill level for modern cognitive scientists. The program provides flexibility, allowing students to shape their course of study by choosing elective courseds. Notably, students can choose to complete both paths partially or fully.

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.

Programme Structure: Two-stage structure (each year = 60 ECTS). Students select one thematic path after the first semester.

• Obligatory Courses: 36 ECTS

You need to pass 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 for all students.

• Thematic Path (neuro or computational): 20 ECTS

Students choose the thematic path (neuro or computational) at the end of the first semester. The course block of thematic path consists of methodological-practical modules, the purpose of which is to familiarise students with the methods used in a given discipline and their applications. The courses in this block are obligatory within the path chosen by the student.

• Electives: 26 ECTS

The block of optional courses/electives consists of courses created specifically for CogSci studies, as well as of other courses offered at cooperating faculties/institutes (e.g., Faculty of Philosophy UW, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics UW). In addition, courses offered within one path can be counted as electives for students from the other path.

• Diploma Seminar: 12 ECTS

During the first semester, potential Research Lab supervisors present their reserach teams, academic interests and projects, introducing opportunities for students (both for Research Lab choice and thesis supervisor choice). By the end of the second semester, students submit proposed thesis topics and supervisors for approval. The third and the fourth semesters are devoted to writing the thesis.

• Research Lab: 15 ECTS

Students choose their research lab by the end of the first semester of their studies. Full involvement of students in the team’s work starts in the third semester. Research labs aim is to go beyond own research needed for the master’s thesis (i.e., developing methods, collecting data, analysing results, possibly working in a supervisor’s wider research project). In justified cases, with the consent of the Head of the CogSci programme and the master’s thesis supervisor, it is possible to participate in a research laboratory other than the one offered by the supervisor.

• Internship: 5 ECTS (90h)

During the third and/or fourth semester, you need to complete an internship. 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/institution (such as companies in the area of ​​new technologies, R&D departments, medical facilities using, for example, brain imaging methods). The position should encompass developing acquired knowledge and skills.

• General University Courses (OGUN): 6 ECTS

During the first year (i.e., the first and/or the second semester), you will need to complete general university courses provided by UW.

[List of Courses]
[Full Programme PDF]

• Obligatory Courses: 31 ECTS
• Thematic Path: 16 ECTS
• Electives: 35 ECTS
• Diploma Seminar: 12 ECTS
• Research Lab: 15 ECTS
• Internship: 5 ECTS (90h)
• OGUN: 6 ECTS

[Full Programme PDF]

Details for earlier cohorts can be found in the documents below:

[Full Programme PDF – 2019/20]
[List of Courses]