Program Overview

Introduction to Brain and Cognitive Sciences

The Research Master's in Brain and Cognitive Sciences (MBCS) is an ambitious, two-year programme with a unique, interdisciplinary perspective on neuroscience and cognition. Entry to the programme is limited to 60 students per year, divided into three domains, ranging from the cellular approach to studying cognition to the systems neuroscience approach, and from neuropsychology to computational and cognitive modelling.

Programme Details

• Programme Type: Master
• Study Load: 120 EC
• Duration: 2 years
• Language of Instruction: English
• Programme Format: Full-time, Daytime Education

Programme Description

MBCS aims to train a new generation of researchers that is able to combine deep expertise with a broad understanding of the field as a whole. Students in this programme focus on cellular neuroscience, neurophysiology, cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, behavioural research, cognitive modelling or a combination of these, while at the same time becoming knowledgeable about the other approaches.

Research Areas

The programme has close links to the Amsterdam Brain and Cognition center (ABC), a partnership of several UvA research institutes. This partnership spans research groups which include psychologists, neurobiologists, psychiatrists, philosophers, behavioural economists, logicians, and linguists.

Entrance Directions

Entrance to the programme is structured along three directions:

• Translational Neuroscience: focuses on neurobiology and reduced systems, as well as their translation into (human) cognition.
• Cognitive Neuroscience: focuses on cognitive tasks and their neural determinants, with an emphasis on human studies.
• Cognitive Science: studies cognition proper and examines which formalisms and models can be employed to describe and understand cognitive processes.

Curriculum

Most of the programme's curriculum is dedicated to performing research, while the courses organized by MBCS focus on skills and knowledge that are important to (interdisciplinary) research. The programme includes:

• Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences, domain Cognitive Neuroscience
• Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences, domain Cognitive Science
• Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences, domain Behavioural Neuroscience
• Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences, domain Translational Neuroscience
• Electives
• Transitional arrangement
• Part-time programme
• Practical matters

Programme Structure

The below curriculum schedule shows the make-up of the programme. Please note that there might be approved Electives that are not shown. You can find a full list of approved Electives via the navigation menu on the left-hand side.