Cognitive Science (BSc) Osnabrück University

Courses are taught mostly in English. A few courses are taught in German (mainly courses offered for the programme by other institutes, such as computer science and mathematics courses).

We offer German courses for foreign students, and we offer English courses for anyone who is interested.

The Bachelor's programme is designed to provide a sound foundation in all core areas of cognitive science and a first specialisation based on one's own interests within the three focus areas of cognitive science:

• "Cognition: Mind, Ethics, and Society" focuses mainly on philosophical questions in cognitive science, such as topics in philosophy of the mind and cognition and the ethics of artificial intelligence.
• "Cognition: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning" focuses on cognition in artificial systems and comprises topics in artificial intelligence, neuroinformatics, computational linguistics, NeuroAI, and computer vision.
• "Cognition: Psychology, Communication, Neuroscience, and Behaviour" focuses on cognition in biological systems and comprises topics in cognitive modelling and psychology, theoretical and experimental linguistics, neuroscience, and animal cognition.

Particular emphasis is placed on the methods employed in these fields and on their interdisciplinary relations, as well as a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science relevant to virtually all areas of cognitive science.

The Bachelor's programme is comprised of 180 credits (including both coursework and Bachelor's thesis) spread over six semesters, one of which (preferably the fifth semester) must be spent at a university or research institution abroad (for studies or an internship). The programme is completed with a Bachelor's thesis and leads to a "Bachelor of Science (BSc)" degree in Cognitive Science. The language of instruction is predominantly English, but a basic command of German (level B1 or higher) is required in addition to a good command of English (level B2 or higher) for a few courses that are offered in German only. International applicants who satisfy this criterion are encouraged to apply.

30 September

For details about the application, please see here:
https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/en/studying/application-and-start-of-studies/application-admission-and-enrollment/application-information-for-international-students.

The Bachelor's programme comprises 180 ECTS credits (including thesis) spread over six semesters, one of which (preferably the fifth semester) must be spent at a university abroad. The programme is completed with a Bachelor's thesis (12 ECTS credits). The courses are documented in German and English in accordance with ECTS.

Mentoring: Student mentors offer advice on all questions concerning studies.
Tutorials: most undergraduate courses are supported by tutorials held by senior students under the guidance of the lecturer. This provides assistance to newcomers and promotes cooperation between students.

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Students must complete a mandatory semester at a university abroad; alternatively, students can pursue a three-month internship abroad to work on topics in the different areas of cognitive science. Most courses are taught in English; course materials, literature, and assignments are provided in English.

Students must complete a mandatory semester at a university abroad, usually in the fifth semester. Courses relevant to the different areas of cognitive science as well as further courses (e.g. language courses) can be accredited.

Instead of doing a study abroad unit, students may complete an internship abroad (at least three months, usually in a foreign research group).

Our students are very successful when they apply for RISE and Mitacs internship stipends.

No tuition fees

Each semester, students are required to pay approx. 350 EUR as a semester fee (including free use of regional public transport services).

In order to cover personal expenses during the study programme, we recommend that students budget at least 860 EUR per month for accommodation, living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Applicants must have a German "Abitur" or an equivalent foreign certificate providing the right of entry to higher education. 
Courses and exams acquired at a different university may be accredited on the basis of ECTS.

Students are required to have a good command of English (level B2) and German (level B1) from the beginning of their studies in order to understand lectures, participate in discussions, and take examinations. Proficiency in English is to be proven through a passed IELTS exam (with at least 5.5 points) or by equivalent certificates of qualification. 
Proficiency in German is to be proven by TestDaF or equivalent certificates of qualification.

30 September

For details about the application, please see here:
https://www.uni-osnabrueck.de/en/studying/application-and-start-of-studies/application-admission-and-enrollment/application-information-for-international-students.

No

Students who have completed their Bachelor's studies may be employed as student assistants.

The accommodation office of the student services ("Studentenwerk") offers modern single rooms in dormitories and helps students find private rooms and flats. The rooms must be rented for at least half a year. The cost of a single room in a student dormitory is approx. 180 to 350 EUR per month.

The degree programme coordinators as well as the student mentoring team are available for consultation regarding possible career choices as well as profile development.

The mentoring team organises the welcome week for all Bachelor's students. During this week, the team will give specific counselling to international students.