Cognitive Science, full-time, second cycle

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 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 organization

The program is structured into thematic modules, and all students must complete a specified number of courses 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 typically 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.

Here is a list of modules in our program:

• Programming & Modeling Module

Equips students with practical programming skills (including Python) and introduces them to key concepts such as computation, modeling, and simulation. It teaches how to create and test models of cognitive processes and encourages reflection on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in the modern world.

• Experimental Methods Module

Familiarizes students with various methods for studying the relationship between the brain and behavior – from behavioral paradigms to neurophysiological approaches. It teaches how to design and conduct experiments using contemporary research tools.

• Cognitive Neuroscience Module

Combines knowledge from neuroscience and psychophysiology, enabling students to understand the biological foundations of cognitive functions such as perception, memory, learning, and decision-making. The module integrates theory with practice and prepares students for research work.

• Statistics & Machine Learning Module

Focuses on data analysis and modern statistical and computational techniques, including those used in data mining and artificial intelligence. It enables students to navigate the world of big data and understand the workings of neural networks and AI systems.

• Language Module

Covers the cognitive aspects of language and the methods used to study it. Courses include psycholinguistics, natural language processing, semantics, syntax, and language modeling. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with tools and techniques for linguistic analysis.

• Philosophical Module

Offers advanced reflection on concepts such as mind, knowledge, information, language, and action, as well as on the methodological and epistemological foundations of cognitive research. It fosters critical analysis and the integration of philosophical perspectives with research practice and real-world applications.

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.

Important information:

Classes are held in the Faculty of Psychology building on the “Ochota” campus. The program is jointly run by the Faculty of Psychology and the Faculty of Philosophy, with additional courses taught by faculty members from the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, the Faculty of Modern Languages, and the Polish Academy of Sciences.
You can find the course schedule and the basic rules of the program on our website: http://cogsci.uw.edu.pl/

Competences of the graduate:

A graduate of the Cognitive Science Master’s program is a versatile, multidisciplinary professional equipped with a deep understanding of human behavior, technical skills in programming (Python), data analysis, and machine learning, and the ability to think critically across disciplines. They are prepared to work in both academia and industry, bridging gaps between psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and technology. Their skills apply to a range of fields, including data science, UX and human-machine interaction, educational technology, and healthcare innovation. With expertise in cognitive modeling, psychophysiological research, and natural language processing, they contribute to cutting-edge projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their broad perspective enables them to anticipate trends, design user-centered solutions, and effectively communicate across diverse teams.

Limit of places

20 places in the Phase 1 (June/July)

12 places in the Phase 2 (August/September)

Admission rules for candidates with Polish diplomas

1) Eligibility rules

Applicants with a Bachelor's, Master's, Engineer's or equivalent degree in any field of study may apply for admission to second-cycle studies in Cognitive Science. Recruitment is a two-stage process. The first stage verifies knowledge of the contents of selected textbooks in Cognitive Science, and the second stage verifies understanding and critical analysis of selected scientific texts (articles). A candidate's score below the eligibility threshold in either stage of the recruitment procedure results in the final total score of 0 (zero) points.

a) Written exam

Candidates take a written qualifying exam in the form of an online test in English. The written exam covers the content of the readings (textbooks in cognitive science), a list of which will be published on the Internet Recruitment of Candidates website and on the study website.

The maximum possible score in the test is 100. Candidates with the best results, whose number does not exceed twice the current quota of places, will be qualified for the next stage, with the requirement of obtaining at least 50% in the test.

b) Oral exam

The oral exam is conducted online in English and concerns one of the scientific articles read by the candidate, a list of which will be published on the Internet Recruitment of Candidates website and on the study website.

The examination board can award a maximum of 50 points for each of the following aspects of the candidate’s performance:
- comprehension of a scientific paper;
- its critical analysis.

To assess whether candidates have read the paper with understanding, the examination board will ask questions requiring the candidate to explain the hypotheses posed in the paper, their grounding in theory, the research methods used, or statistical analyses applied.

In order to assess whether candidates are able to reflect critically on the text they have read, they will be asked to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the study presented in the paper and to formulate a personal opinion on it, together with arguments to justify the candidate's opinion.

The maximum score in the oral exam is 100. Within the current quota of places, candidates with the highest total scores (written exam score plus oral exam score) will be admitted to the programme, with a minimum of obtaining at least 60% in the oral exam.

Admission rules for candidates with foreign diplomas

The same rules apply as for candidates with a diploma obtained in Poland.

Checking the candidates' competence to undertake studies conducted in the English language

Applicants are required to provide a document, recognised by the University of Warsaw, confirming their knowledge of English on at least B2 level.

Information on documents certifying knowledge of the English language. >> Check! <<

Deadlines

Date of written exam: 14th of July, 2025, 12:00 noon, exam will be conducted online via Kampus-rekrutacja

Date of oral exam: 16th-17th of July, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., exam will be conducted online via Google Meet or via Zoom

Announcement of results: 22nd of July, 2025

Reception of documents: 

• I round: 23rd-25th of July, 2025
• II round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during I round): 28th-29th of July, 2025
• III round (in case of not fulfilling the limit during II round): 30th-31st of July, 2025

Payments

Application fee

Student's ID payment (ELS)

The studies are payable - tuition fees

Required documents

List of required documents submitted by candidates qualified for studies

Additional information

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