Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning, and Reasoning University of Potsdam

Courses are taught exclusively in English.

The MSc Cognitive Systems programme is a two-year Master's degree programme that covers the areas of computational linguistics, machine learning, and knowledge representation and reasoning. The programme is unique in bringing together all three fields in an interdisciplinary combination. The main focus is on developing intelligent computer systems; we also cover formal models of human cognitive processes.

The programme teaches you how to build computer systems that process language and that learn, reason, and solve problems autonomously. It is a four-semester programme that is jointly taught by the Department of Computer Science and the computational linguistics and psycholinguistics groups within the Department of Linguistics. The programme provides students with strong foundations in computational linguistics, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, and statistical modelling.

Additional information about the dates and deadlines can be found here.

Information about the application deadlines can be found here.

Join our online Master's Info Day on 13 March 2026 to learn about the Master’s programmes, career prospectives, and life in Potsdam.

The study programme starts off with lectures that teach you the basics of language, learning, and reasoning.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the MSc Cognitive Systems programme, we assume that most students will have incomplete knowledge of one or two of the foundation areas (mathematics, computer science, and linguistics). These students must attend and pass the foundation modules for the respective areas in their first semester. All students are expected to pass three basic modules that will provide them with deeper knowledge of the foundation areas. As you progress through the programme, the responsibility of defining your own research problems will then shift more and more from us towards you. You can further extend your knowledge in the chosen areas via advanced elective modules, two project modules, and one individual research module. At the end, you will complete your first larger-scale research project in the form of your MSc thesis.

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All courses in the MSc Cognitive Systems are taught in English.

Students are expressly advised to spend time abroad during the programme. The individual module and the optional modules during the third semester are particularly suitable for this purpose, as is the Master’s thesis during the fourth semester.

No tuition fees

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee, which is currently 292 EUR. This semester contribution includes the "Deutschland-Semester-Ticket", which entitles you to free use of local public transport all over Germany.

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Applicants need to demonstrate that they already have programming skills as well as background knowledge in at least one of these areas: Foundations of Mathematics, Foundations of Computer Science, or Foundations of Linguistics. We accept students from a variety of backgrounds, such as computational linguistics, computer science, linguistics, or neighbouring disciplines, e.g. mathematics and psychology.

Documentation of your background knowledge in at least one of these areas: Foundations of Mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics), Foundations of Computer Science (data structures and algorithms, formal languages and automata), or Foundations of Linguistics (syntax, semantics, phonology, pragmatics). It is possible to document your background knowledge by having taken at least 9 ECTS worth of classes.

Documentation of your programming skills. The preferred way is that your transcript of records clearly lists at least 6 ECTS worth of programming classes. Alternatively, you can send in certificates regarding extracurricular programming courses that you have attended or documentation of programming projects that you have completed.

Applicants need to provide proof of English language skills at level C1 or above (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the following page: Required Language Skills for University Studies.

Information about the application deadlines can be found here.

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Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service

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