Cognitive Science

The MSc Cognitive Science suits those interested in issues relating to the rich questions about the human mind from philosophical, psychological, and computational perspectives. Advanced computational skills are not a prerequisite. The course is designed as a suitable preparation for those wishing to progress to research, e.g. at PhD level.



You will have the opportunity to be familiar with the problems associated with minds, brains, and behaviour and the theoretical approaches to them, know the principal 20th Century philosophical approaches to mind, brain and body, understand the principal issues, models, and concepts used in cognitive psychology, and develop an interdisciplinary perspective that links and integrates insights from multiple specialised domains.



Further information is available on the course website.



- Unique taught offering providing advanced material in psychology, philosophy of mind, computational modelling, neuropsychology, and more



- Ideal preparation for future PhD studies tackling interdisciplinary topics



- Includes a substantial research project, conducted largely during the Summer months



What Will I Learn?

1. Identify and describe major topics arising within the domain of cognitive science



2. Recognize and manage the theoretical diversity found within contributing disciplines



3. Situate contemporary research in cognitive science in a theoretical and practical context



4. Bring insights from diverse disciplines to bear on focussed topics within the field



5. Articulate research questions within the field and display an awareness of the empirical methods that can potentially be brought to bear on them



6. Communicate research questions and findings to audiences in diverse disciplines, including the general public



7. Present their research in public and communicate clearly in writing



8. Critique theoretical and empirical claims made in the primary literature



9. Inform discussions that demand the integration of skills and insights from diverse disciplines in addressing topics related to human experience and behaviour

Stage 1 Core Modules

COMP40290 Research Project in Cognitive Science Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 30CR:

Students should select a total of 60 credits across 7 or 8 modules

COMP40250 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Autumn 7.5

COMP47230 Introduction to Cognitive Scie Autumn 7.5

PSY40020 Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuropsychology Autumn 7.5

PSY40910 Embodied & Social Cognitive Neuroscience Autumn 10

COMP40260 Connectionism and Dynamical Systems Spring 7.5

COMP40280 Embodiment and Enactive approaches to Cognitive Science Spring 7.5

COMP47740 Guided reading Cog.Sci. III Spring 7.5

PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind and Cognition Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0CR:

Selection of these modules must be discussed with the programme director.

PHIL31030 Philosophy of Perception and the Senses Autumn 10

PHIL41890 Authenticity and Implicit Attitudes Autumn 10

COMP47980 Generative AI: Language Models Spring 5

PHIL31120 Wittgenstein Spring 10

PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Spring 10

PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind Spring 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Spring 10

PHIL41330 Philosophy of Time Spring 10

- This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in computer science, psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience or a other related discipline. More important than the name of the primary degree is that applicants must display an awareness of the interdisciplinary challenges of cognitive science, and be prepared to engage with those challenges through earnest and open questioning. Please note that many psychology undergraduate programmes do not provide this kind of interdisciplinary sensitivity. An upper second class honours or the international equivalent is required.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent, such as TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 or PTE score of 63. Visit the UCD Admissions website for further details.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. Delivery: On Campus.

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

This is not a vocational course. Over one year we cover a very broad range of material, thus greatly increasing the breadth of academic exposure of our students. Historically, about half of the students go on to do PhD studies, and many others look for work in research. This course will not make a psychologist out of a non-psychologist, or an IT specialist out of someone who is not an IT specialist upon entry. It will enable students to tackle research issues they might not have been able to before, and to do PhDs in areas that would not have been possible before. Many students pursue this course because of a passionate interest in our scientific understanding of what it is to be human. Please note that a cognitive science degree is not part of an accredited programme towards a clinical degree, and it has minimal neuroscientific content.