Course summary
Aimed at graduates of either the computational sciences or the psychological sciences, this Master's degree in cognition and computation is an ideal foundation for a research career in the cognitive sciences. It studies the cognitive processes and representations underlying human thought, knowledge and behaviour, and integrates a wide range of disciplines and methodologies with the core assumption that human cognition is a computational process, implemented in neural hardware. Key topics include: the nature of computational explanation; general principles of cognition; methodology of computational modelling; theories of the cognitive architecture; symbol systems; connectionism; neural computation; and case studies in computational cognitive modelling. The course will give you intensive training in experimental design and methodology. You will build computational models and carry out a substantial piece of original research. On this degree we offer different module combinations to give you the choice of studying for an MA or MSc. Highlights
- We have an outstanding research tradition in psychological sciences, with an international reputation in all aspects of cognitive neuroscience, especially developmental cognitive neuroscience. You will have the opportunity to attend research seminars and to meet and network with world-class researchers, both in the department and at other leading research centres and institutes at Birkbeck and in the Bloomsbury area.
- We are consistently regarded as one of the top instititutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
- If you have a strong academic record but require financial support to take this course, you may be eligible for the Kenway Legacy Scholarship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.
- ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.
- psychologist
- scientific researcher
- visual scientist
- higher education lecturer.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
A mix of 2500-word essays, statistics worksheets, a programming assignment and a 10,000-word dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Entry requirements
A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, engineering, mathematics or a related discipline. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
English language requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12150 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £12150 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £12150 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £12150 | Year 1 |
| International | £19830 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700