Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is the study of the human mind, brain, and behaviour. Cognitive scientists use advanced statistical modelling and sensitive experimental methods to reveal the nature of cognitive processes. They do this to advance our knowledge of human thought and behaviour and apply this knowledge in real-world settings. Cognitive scientists are trained to develop a rigorous theoretical understanding of topics such as human decision-making, problem-solving, language and communication, action and movement, and attention and perception. They are trained to use experimental methods including functional brain imaging, eye-tracking, behavioural experiments, and computational modelling. PROGRAMME CONTENT Aarhus University’s MSc in Cognitive Science is Denmark’s first advanced cognitive science degree programme. It builds on our successful BSc in Cognitive Science and is designed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and methods required to work in the field. Students in the MSc will learn how to develop their own computational models of behaviour, how to process natural language and text data, and how to analyse very large datasets. They will complete advanced courses in neuroscience and neuroimaging, human decision-making, and human–machine interaction. Classes and exams are heavily project-based and are designed to allow students to develop a rich portfolio of project work during their study. During the programme, students will have the opportunity to use their training in project placements with other organisations. They may also have the opportunity to develop these projects further in their MSc thesis. For their thesis, students may develop their own research project, or they may choose to complete their thesis work in the context of one of the many research centres and funded projects that make up the rich cognitive science research environment at Aarhus University. CAREERS Graduates from the MSc programme are trained to enter any field that requires skills in experimental design and statistical modelling of human behaviour. They will be particularly well suited to careers in the following four sectors: Consumer cognition: with their knowledge of how people perceive and pay attention to their environment and how they make decisions, cognitive science graduates will be well qualified to assist organisations in developing more engaging products and marketing materials. Cognitive analytics: with their skills in advanced statistical modelling, combined with their ability to apply those skills to explain complex human behaviour, cognitive science graduates will be well qualified to assist organisations in maximising the use of existing databases to develop new strategies and products. Design of information technology: with their specific skills in analysing human–machine interaction, cognitive science graduates will be well qualified to assist companies in developing new technologies for human use in both the design and testing phase of research and development. Sensory science: with their detailed knowledge of how the brain transforms light, sound, and chemical energy into sensory information and how it combines that information into perceptions of the world, cognitive science graduates will be well qualified for R&D in the food industry and audio technology. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION In general, admission to a master’s degree programme requires successful completion of a relevant and recognised university degree equivalent to a Danish bachelor’s degree in level and length (180 ECTS). In addition, you must meet the specific requirements for the individual programme, including language requirements. If you wish to study a master’s degree at Aarhus University, please check out our page ‘Am I qualified for admission’: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission If you are curious about how to submit a master’s degree application to Aarhus University, then make sure to check out our ‘Apply Now’ page. Here you can find information about relevant fees, guides, and video tutorials on how to use the application portal: https://masters.au.dk/apply-now There are the same English language requirements for all international students with a few exceptions. The general English language requirements for master’s degrees can be found here: https://masters.au.dk/am-i-qualified-for-admission/english-language-requirements Aarhus University offers a limited number of Danish state scholarships for highly qualified non-EU students applying for master’s degrees. You can read more about scholarships here: https://masters.au.dk/scholarships-and-grants Students from outside the EU are generally required to pay tuition and application fee. You can consult our page Tuition fees for master’s degree programmes: https://masters.au.dk/tuitionfees Would you like to chat with a fellow student from your country, or with someone who studies the programme you are interested in? You can get help with your questions from Aarhus University’s Student Ambassadors: https://international.au.dk/education/meetau/chat-with-our-students/

Living costs€1,500 a month in Aarhus, rent included

€18,000

Living costs from SiT estimate from livingcost.org city data (Nov 2026), converted from USD at the ECB reference rate of 30 Oct 2026 (1 EUR = 1.1172 USD)

Typical requirements in Denmark for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

• A completed qualification that gives access to Master's Degree study.
• Academic transcripts and any programme-specific assessment the institution asks for.
• Your advisor checks the final requirements for your education system and intake.

Confirm the accepted English-language evidence with the institution for the selected intake.

Prepare for and book LanguageCert Academic with SIT Connect

A typical checklist for this degree level. Your advisor gives you the final list.

The central catalogue records this programme as accredited.