Program Overview

---

Middle European Interdisciplinary Master's Programme in Cognitive Science (MEi:CogSci)

The Middle European Interdisciplinary Master's Programme in Cognitive Science (MEi:CogSci) is an emerging interdisciplinary endeavor that investigates cognitive phenomena at various levels. This program involves a range of disciplines, including philosophy, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, linguistics, psychology, behavioral biology, anthropology, and more. The MEi:CogSci program is unique in its radical interdisciplinary approach, which is reflected in its curriculum structure and didactic principles.

Program Overview

• The program aims to provide students with language skills (English), systematic knowledge, and an understanding of the nature, organization, and acquisition of knowledge in human and non-human, living and artificial systems.
• Students will also gain a understanding of the core disciplines of cognitive science and choose an interdisciplinary specialization in a phenomenal area of cognition.
• The main language of instruction is English, and students must have English language skills corresponding to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Master of Science

• Duration: 4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits
• Language: English
• Admission Procedure: Available on the program's website

Facts and Figures

• Number of Students: 139
• Number of Graduates in the Previous Academic Year: 22
• Median Number of Semesters to Complete the Program: 6.8
• Data Status: As of December 3, 2024

Admission Procedure

Information on the admission procedure is available, including required English language skills.

Prior Studies

The following studies at the University of Vienna are relevant:

• Biology (Bachelor)
• Cultural and Social Anthropology (Bachelor)
• Computer Science (Bachelor)
• Philosophy (Bachelor)
• Psychology (Bachelor)
• Linguistics (Bachelor)

Admission to the joint master's program MEi:CogSci is also possible with other prior studies. Places are awarded to highly qualified and motivated students with prior studies in the fields of natural sciences, humanities, formal sciences, social sciences, and cognitive science. To compensate for significant subject-related differences, additional exams from the bachelor's program may be required, up to 30 ECTS credits.

The Program

The MEi:CogSci program is offered jointly by several institutions, including the University of Vienna, Comenius University in Bratislava, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, the University of Ljubljana, and the University of Zagreb. The program aims to train students in the field of cognitive science, providing an environment for interdisciplinary learning and research, as well as a variety of specializations offered by the partner institutions.

Curriculum

The program consists of compulsory modules (core, advanced, and specialization modules), alternative compulsory modules, and elective modules, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, social and cultural anthropology, biology, cognitive science, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, programming, psychology, and statistics.

After Graduation

Graduates of the MEi:CogSci program are equipped with the necessary theoretical and empirical tools to pursue an academic career (PhD) in cognitive science or related disciplines. They can also find employment in applied research, the IT sector, education, biomedical and clinical research, and the business sector.

Career Paths

Absolvents of cognitive science can work in various fields, including:

• IT sector (interaction design, usability, computer-supported cooperation, knowledge management, cognitive technologies, AI applications, social media, etc.)
• Education
• Biomedical and clinical research
• Business sector

Their general skills, such as teamwork, communication, reflection, and evaluation skills, rapid learning, and adaptability, are valuable in a variety of professions in the private sector.

Alumni Perspectives

Graduates of the program share their experiences and the benefits of the interdisciplinary approach, which enables them to work in various fields and apply their knowledge in different contexts.

Further Education

• Doctoral Studies: The Doctoral Studies Center provides information on doctoral/PhD studies at the University of Vienna.
• Alumni Association: The Alumni Association of the University of Vienna offers a network for graduates.
• Postgraduate Center: The Postgraduate Center provides postgraduate training at the University of Vienna.
• Career Service: The University of Vienna's career service, Uniport, supports graduates in their career development.