International Master of Science in Cognitive Systems
Teaching language
English
Languages
English only
Full-time / part-time
full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline
Non-EU applicants: 30 June for the following winter semester
EU applicants: 31 August for the following winter semester
Non-EU applicants: 15 December for the following summer semester
EU applicants: 15 February for the following summer semester
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content
The international Master's programme in Cognitive Systems combines key elements from psychology and computer science (especially artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction). It provides participants with a better understanding of cognitive processes and enables them to create systems that provide cognitive capabilities and are able to support humans in their cognitive tasks. The programme combines such topics as machine learning, cognitive psychology, natural language processing, and human-computer interaction.
Course organisation
The two-year Master's programme in Cognitive Systems comprises four semesters with a total of 120 CPs (credit points). The study programme is structured into a methodological core (65%), an application area (10%), and a Master's thesis (25%).
Programme structure for the winter intake:
First semester:
Machine Learning lecture (6 CPs)
Cognitive Psychology (6 CPs)
Software Engineering (6 CPS)
Programming Machine Learning lab course (6 CPs)
and one methodological specialisation module of 6 CPs
Second semester:
Deep Learning lecture (6 CPs)
Natural Language Processing lecture (6 CPs)
Brain and Neural Science lecture (6 CPs)
Student research project (part I) (6 CPs)
and one methodological specialisation module of 6 CPs
Third semester:
Human-Computer Interaction lecture (6 CPs)
Cognitive Systems seminar (3 CPs)
Student research project (part II) (9 CPs)
and two methodological specialisation modules of 6 CPs
Fourth semester:
The Master's thesis is written during the last semester. (30 CPs)
Programme structure for the summer intake:
First semester:
Deep Learning lecture (6 CPs)
Natural Language Processing lecture (6 CPs)
Brain and Neural Science lecture (6 CPs)
Human-Computer Interaction lecture (6 CPs)
and one methodological specialisation module of 6 CPs
Second semester:
Machine Learning lecture (6 CPs)
Cognitive Psychology (6 CPs)
Software Engineering (6 CPS)
Programming Machine Learning lab course (6 CPs)
Student research project (part I) (6 CPs)
Third semester:
Cognitive Systems seminar (3 CPs)
Student research project (part II) (9 CPs)
and three methodological specialisation modules of 6 CPs
Fourth semester:
The Master's thesis is written during the last semester. (30 CPs)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution
You will pay a contribution to the student council of approx. 420 EUR per semester. This is a contribution to student services, university administration, and the student council. You can use the local public transport in Hildesheim and Lower Saxony free of charge. You will benefit from discounts on meals at the university cafeteria and much more.
Costs of living
You will need around 850 EUR a month to cover your living expenses:
Rent approx. 350–500 EUR
Health insurance approx. 130 EUR
Books and stationery approx. 50 EUR
Meals approx. 200 EUR
Other expenses approx. 100 EUR
Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university
The University of Hildesheim offers scholarships (such as the College of Minerva and Lore-Auerbach scholarships) supporting especially capable and socially committed students. You can apply once a year in June. Additionally, the International Office offers scholarships that support international students with graduation grants, for example:
Students with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology, or a related field are eligible to apply. Generally, students with strong analytical and conceptual skills are most suited for this programme.
Eligible admissions are prioritised according to the following criteria:
cumulative grade of your Bachelor's degree (53%)
amount and marks of Bachelor's courses related to Cognitive Systems (incl. mathematics and programming, 35%)
prior research activities in Cognitive Systems or related fields (6%)
prior practical activities in Cognitive Systems or related fields (6%)
Language requirements
English language proficiency is required to pursue the Master's programme in Cognitive Systems. Sufficient knowledge of English can be demonstrated by a certificate (TOEFL computer-based test score of 61 or above, IELTS band of 6 or above, or an equivalent certificate) or a German "Abitur".
Application deadline
Non-EU applicants: 30 June for the following winter semester
EU applicants: 31 August for the following winter semester
Non-EU applicants: 15 December for the following summer semester
EU applicants: 15 February for the following summer semester
There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. You can find part-time jobs here:
International students are only permitted to work in Germany with a work permit. The student visa allows a maximum of 120 full days (or 240 half days) of work per year. If you earn more than 450 EUR a month, you will be subject to higher health insurance premiums.
Make sure your study workload and working hours remain balanced.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Many students live in shared flats. Offers of room vacancies can be found on the notice boards in the university or online on "WG-Börsen" (shared flat marketplaces). The student services for Eastern Lower Saxony (Studentenwerk OstNiedersachsen) also has a room marketplace online.
Career advisory service
The career service is aimed at students and recent graduates of all degree programmes at the University of Hildesheim and in all phases of the transition from study to work. Contact us — we will be happy to support you! During career week, you can take part in workshops specially designed for international students, for example, application workshops or career talks.
Support for international students and doctoral candidates
Welcome event
Buddy programme
University of Hildesheim
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