Do you want to study what allows humans to process language? Do you want to build AI systems that are safe to use and put the user first? Do you want to model how the brain processes information, and help disabled people move and talk? Then the Master's degree programme in Computational Cognitive Science (CCS) is for you!
This programme goes beyond abstract theories by creating
explicit systems to test and compare different theories, and build
new systems that are good for people.
You will run simulations of the human mind down to the neural
level, analyse neuroimaging data such as EEG and fMRI, and even
visualise what people are thinking about by using machine learning.
All this helps us learn more about how our minds actually work and
enables us to create new products, safer workplaces, and better
education.
The Master’s programme in Computational Cognitive Science is
made up of three core topics, reflected in three specializations:
Human-Centred AI, Human Language Modelling and Cognitive Modelling
and the Brain. Students can also choose courses from the
university’s AI Master’s programme to further augment
their skills with engineering knowledge and become capable
researchers and AI system developers. Students are also encouraged
to bring ideas and skills from other fields to the programme.
Human-Centred AI
This specialization focuses on the unique challenges faced when
designing systems for human users. It puts the human cognitive
system front and centre: it integrates models of human cognition in
AI-based tools, and applies cognitive principles to design systems
that are easy to use and understand. A prime example is Memorylab – one of our
collaboration partners – in which a cognitive model of human
memory is used to improve fact learning. Focus is placed on
practical applications, with the goal of preparing students for
careers in industry or research.
Human Language Modelling
This specialization focuses on two topics related to language: 1)
understanding and investigating human language processing and
communication using cognitive modeling, experimental studies, and
language technology; and 2) using this knowledge and technology in
applied settings.
Cognitive Modelling and the Brain
This specialization teaches students how the human cognitive system
can be modeled at different levels of abstraction, and how this
knowledge can be applied. In the introductory course Cognitive
Modeling, students learn general modeling skills at a
high-level of abstraction, while in Cognitive Neural
Networks cognition is modeled at the neural level. In
Computational Cognitive Neuroscience students learn how to
analyze the brain using AI techniques; in Non-Invasive BCI
they combine models of the brain with AI techniques to develop
online Brain Computer Interfaces.
2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.
For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60653
| Programme options |
|---|
| Cognitive Modeling and the Brain (specialization) |
| Human Language Modeling (specialization) |
| Human-Centred AI (specialization) |
Exchange is possible, for example as part of your Master thesis. All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
A Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or a relevant degree including the following subjects: Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Psychology or Cognitive Science, Statistics and Research methods, practical skills in Programming. Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students with a Dutch degree is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Psychology (NL) | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:Students with a BSc in psychology who have sufficient programming experience and have passed the course Architectures of Intelligence can be admitted. |
| Information Science | University of Groningen | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Information Studies | Utrecht University | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Information Science | Utrecht University | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Artificial Intelligence | Utrecht University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Radboud University Nijmegen | No additional requirements |
| Linguistics | Radboud University Nijmegen | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | VU University Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Natural and Social Sciences | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Cognition, Language and Communication | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Information Science | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Artificial Intelligence | University of Amsterdam | No additional requirements |
| Psychobiology | University of Amsterdam | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence | Tilburg University | No additional requirements |
| Communication and Information Studies | Tilburg University | Via a pre-master with a maximum of |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Leiden University | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Maastricht University | No additional requirements |
The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
Please fill out this checklist to describe why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined in the form).
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
A Bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or a relevant degree including the following subjects: Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Psychology or Cognitive Science, Statistics and Research methods, practical skills in Programming. This is merely an indication of required background knowledge. The Board of Admissions determines whether the specific contents of this/these course(s) meet the admission requirements of the master programme for which you applied. |
| knowledge minimum |
BEFORE YOU APPLY! Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at: https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/intl-diploma/ for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. |
| language test |
MAKE SURE TO VISIT https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores. |
| other admission requirements |
SCHOLARSHIPS In cooperation with major national and international companies we welcome students with several scholarships ASML Scholarship: ASML is one of the world's leading manufacturers of chip-making equipment. The €5000 p/y scholarship is awarded every year to 25 exceptional students, who get the chance to become a Technology Ambassador within their scholarship period. More information can be found here: https://www.asml.com/en/careers/students-graduates/asml-scholarship |
The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis. You do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply.
Please fill out this checklist to describe why you are applying for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined in the form).
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
Once you have your Master's degree, you can either continue in science or use your skills in industrial R&D departments or usability labs to ensure that knowledge about human thinking and behaviour is incorporated as early as possible in the design process.
User interface design experts, usability testers, and interaction designers are needed in companies that make computer software and new media applications. You could also seek employment as a researcher at a research institute, either at a university (PhD study) or a research institute like Applied Scientific Research (TNO). About 50% of our students choose a career as a scientist, mostly going on to do a PhD.
Within the Master's degree programme Computational Cognitive Science, much of the research is connected to the department of Artificial Intelligence and the research institute Bernoulli. Most of the teachers in the Master's programme are affiliated with the Bernoulli Institute and the content of the courses is closely linked to their research themes.
The mission of the Bernoulli Institute is to perform outstanding academic research and teaching in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence, and to maintain international leadership herein; to foster these disciplines as a living body of knowledge, and to make it relevant to society in its broadest sense. The symbiosis between pure and applied science, and between mono- and multidisciplinary research and teaching, is a distinguishing characteristic of our institute. As an important part of this mission we aim to transfer our results to other areas of science and technology, and initiate and expand inter- and multi-disciplinary research collaborations.
The following research groups within the institute focus on Artificial Intelligence:
The research in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Engineering is inherently interdisciplinary in nature. With Computing Science, an interest in formal modeling is shared, where these models may be symbolic, statistical or hybrid in nature. With Psychology and Biology an interest in natural cognition is shared, where the goal is to describe fundamental qualities of cognition in such an explicit way that computational models of perceptual, cognitive, and behavioural control functions can be constructed.
Good ties with the research of other institutes at the University of Groningen
The master Computational Cognitive Science has strong ties with other institutes of the University of Groningen, such as the research institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience, the Heymans Institute for Experimental Psychology and the University Hospital.
