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  • Cognition and Computation (MA / MSc)
  • 2013/2014 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment
    • A mix of 2500-word essays, statistics worksheets, a programming assignment, and a 10,000-word dissertation.
  • Attendance
      • One day a week part-time; two days a week full-time.
      • Mostly daytime teaching with some evening teaching.
      • From October.
  • Duration
      • Two years part-time or one year full-time.  
  • Entry requirements
  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2013/14)

    • MA

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa 
      • Part-time (overseas students): £6875 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £6950 pa  
      • Full-time (overseas students): £13,950 pa

      MSc

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7225 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £6950 pa 
      • Full-time (overseas students): £13,950 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching
    • Lectures and some seminars.

Cognition and Computation (MA / MSc) - 2013/2014 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme studies the cognitive processes and representations underlying human thought, knowledge and behaviour. It 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 programme involves intensive training in experimental design and methodology, building computational models, and carrying out a substantial piece of original research.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Draws on academics from many disciplines, including internationally renowned researchers in psychology, computational modelling and neuroscience.
      • Good foundation for a research career in the cognitive sciences.
      • Develops an understanding of core theoretical principles of human thought and an expertise in computer simulation.
      • Designed for graduates of either the computational sciences or the psychological sciences.
  • Course structure

    • The programme is made up of seven taught modules and either a research project (for MSc students) or an extended critical literature review (for MA students).

      There are six core modules, which will provide you with a firm basis in both the theory and practice of cognitive science and computational modelling, and one specialist module that you select from a list of option modules. The option modules and research project/literature review will allow you to pursue your own specific interests, and in the case of the MSc complete a significant piece of research work.

      Core modules:

      • Generic Research Skills
      • Advanced Quantitative Methods
      • Fundamental Debates in Cognitive Science
      • Computational Models of Mind
      • Case Studies in Computational Modelling
      • Core Topics in Psychology or MatLab Programming.

      Option modules:

      • Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience
      • Sensorimotor Processes and Attention.

      Students with a background in computing will normally complete the module Core Topics in Psychology. Students with a psychology background will normally complete MatLab Programming.

  • Study resources
    • The Department of Psychological Sciences has an outstanding research tradition, having achieved a top five ranking at the last UK research assessment exercises, with an outstanding international reputation in all aspects of cognitive neuroscience, and especially developmental cognitive neuroscience. You will have the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology, and attend research seminars organised by the department and a number of other local research centres and institutes.
  • Further study opportunities
    • The programme is suitable for students who wish to pursue a research career in cognitive modelling, cognitive science, cognitive engineering, or cognitive robotics and psychology.
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in psychology, visual sciences, and other disciplines where computer simulation is used.

      Find out more about careers in psychology.

  • Apply now