Master's Programme in Cognitive Science, 120 Credits

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor´s degree from an internationally recognized university. 90 ECTS in any Cognitive Science subject, for example Psychology , Computer Science, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Philosophy. At least 15 ECTS must be clearly connected to the field of cognition. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Degree

Master of Science (60 credits). Major field of study: Cognitive Science.
See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/?languageId=1

Master of Science (120 credits). Major field of study: Cognitive Science.
See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/?languageId=1

Description of the education for current education cycle

Education on advanced level should build further upon knowledge retained during basic level studies or the equivalent.
Advanced level education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities relative to first cycle education and, in addition to what applies to first cycle education
- further develop students' ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
- develop students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable independence or for research and development.
Higher Education Act 1 cpt 9 § (Högskolelagen 1 kap 9 §)

National goals for current degree

Degree of Master of Science 60 credits
Knowledge and understanding
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the students should be able to
- show knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both an overview of the field and deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field and insight into current research and development, and
- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the students should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information,
- demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate questions to address and to plan and use appropriate methods to carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits;
- demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing  present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different types of  groups, and
- demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work in other advanced contexts.

Ability to evaluate and approach
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability within the  main field of study to make judgments with regard to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development,
- show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the human responsibility for its use, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal  need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for the personal competence development.

Degree of Master of Science 120 credits
Knowledge and Understanding
For Degree of Master of Science 120 credits, the students should be able to
- show knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both a broad knowledge of the field and deeper insight into certain parts of the field and insight into current research and development, and
- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and Abilities
For Degree of Master of Science 120 credits, the students should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information,
- demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively  identify and formulate questions to address, to plan and to use appropriate methods to carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits and by so doing add to the knowledge development and to evaluate this work.
- demonstrate the ability in both national and international contexts, to verbally and in writing present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different types of  groups, and
- demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development or to work independently in other advanced contexts.

Ability to Evaluate and Approach
For Degree of Master of Science 120 credits s, the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability within the main field of study to make judgments with regards to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development,
- show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the human responsibility for its use, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for the personal competence development.

Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2 - System of Qualifications (Högskoleförordningen, Bilaga 2 – examensordningen)

Local goals for current degree

For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the student should be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to explain and apply, the theories, methods and practical skills necessary to from a cognitive science perspective study and work with natural and artificial cognitive systems, and
- actively and independently assess her/his own learning needs and develop her/his skills, abilities and knowledge in cognitive science.
The student should also
- show ability to communicate in English in the field of cognitive science and
- show ability to from a gender perspectives problematize and analyze the program's central theories and concepts.

For Master of Science Degree 120 ECTS, the student should be able to
- demonstrate an understanding of, and ability to explain and apply, the theories, methods and practical skills necessary to from a cognitive science perspective study and work with natural and artificial cognitive systems, and
- actively and independently assess her/his own learning needs and develop her/his skills, abilities and knowledge in cognitive science,
- analyze, evaluate, and design / develop cognitive systems, and
- participate in research and development work in cognitive science.
The student should also
- show ability to communicate in English in the field of cognitive science and
- show ability to from a gender perspectives problematize and analyze the program's central theories and concepts

Examination format

See current course syllabus.

Grades

The program applies a three-point grading scale with the grades, Pass with distinction, Pass and Fail. Those who pass an exam may not retake the exam for a higher grade.

Transfer of Credits

Students have the right to apply for recognition of previous courses or activities that can be accepted for credit transfer. For more information see Higher Education Ordinance as well as: http://www.umu.se/english/education/student-support/getting-a-degree-from-umea-university/transfer-of-credits

A negative decision on recognition of previous courses is possible to appeal to the Higher Education Appeals Board. A negative decision should also be motivated in writing.

General

The program covers four semesters, however the student can conclude the studies after one year with a Degree of Master 60 ECTS. Under the heading Outline i shown which courses are mandatory and which courses are electives. Choise of elective courses is made in consultation with the Program Coordinator or the Study Advisor. The courses are shown in the Outline in order, the order of the courses may be subject to change. All teaching is in English.

Mandatory courses
Scientific Perspectives and Research Design 7,5 ECTS; Brain Imaging, 7,5 ECTS; The problem of consciousness: Philosophical and empirical aspects 7,5 ECTS; Language, Brain and Cognition, 7,5 ECTS; Higher Cognitive Functions, 7,5 ECTS; Theoretical Perspectives in Cognitive Science, 7,5 ECTS. Master Thesis, 15 ECTS, are mandatory course for Master´s Degree 60 ECTS. For Master´s Degree 120 ECTS is also Data Collection and Analysis 7,5 ECTS och Master Thesis in Cognitive Science, 30 ECTS required .

Outline

Deferment of studies

Deferment of study entry may be granted if special circumstances exist. Examples of specific reasons are social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil service, student union assignments or postponed leave according to law (1974:981) on work labor rights to time off for education. Application for deferment is to be submitted to Student Centrum.

A negative decision on deferment of enrollment may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Approved leave from studies

The student admitted to the program can apply for a study break. The application is submitted to the program coordinator. Study break with a guaranteed seat may be granted for the following reasons: social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil-service or student union assignments.

Negative decision to resume studies after study breaks can be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Discontinuation

Discontinuation
Students who interrupt their education shall notify their dropout to the Program Coordinator.
 

Other

Access to courses in the program is governed by the course syllabus.