MSc Cognitive Science

MSc in Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary field that has evolved during the past few decades at the intersection of a number of existing disciplines, including computer science, philosophy, psychology, linguistics and neuroscience. Each discipline makes its own distinctive contribution to the goal of teasing out the relationships between minds, brains and behaviour.

The MSc in Cognitive Science is ideal for students interested in issues relating to the understanding of the human mind from philosophical, psychological, computational and embodied perspectives, and is taught jointly between the Schools of Computer Science, Philosophy and Psychology. Advanced computational skills are not a prerequisite.

• (opens in a new window)Learn more about Cognitive Science at UCD

Programme Content and Structure (2025/26)

(A)  Core Module (1)

One core module, compulsory for all students on the programme, in the Autumn trimester. Note: part-time students must take this module in their first year.

• COMP47230 Introduction to Cognitive Science (7·5 credits)

(B)  Option Modules (6–7)

Students must select a total of 60 credits (including the core module) from the following list. Further details about current modules may be found here.

Autumn Trimester

• COMP40250 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (7·5 credits)
• COMP47230 Introduction to Cognitive Science (7·5 credits)
• COMP47980 Generative AI: Language Models (5 credits)
• PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind and Cognition (10 credits)
• PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception (10 credits)
• PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philosophy (10 credits)
• PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life (10 credits)
• PHIL41890 Authenticity and Implicit Attitudes (10 credits)
• PHIL31030 Philosophy of Perception and the Senses (10 credits)
• PSY40020 Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuropsychology (7·5 credits)

Spring Trimester

• COMP20330 Functional Programming II (5 credits)
• COMP40260 Connectionism and Dynamical Systems (7·5 credits)
• COMP40280 Embodied & Enactive Approaches to Cognitive Science (7·5 credits)
• PHIL31110 Applied Epistemology (10 credits)
• PHIL31120 Wittgenstein (10 credits)
• PHIL31170 Philosophy of Language (10 credits)
• PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind (10 credits)
• SOC41130 AI and Society (10 credits)

(C)  Research Project

In addition, all students must complete an independent research project, including a literature review (6 to 10 pages), a short presentation, and final paper (10–20 pages) by mid-August.

Part-time students must complete the research project in their second year.

For further information, please contact one of the programme directors, (opens in a new window)Dr Fred Cummins and (opens in a new window)Dr Keith Wilson.

For information about eligibility and admissions, please see the (opens in a new window)programme website.

All administrative enquiries should be sent to the School Manager.