Cognition and Computation
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.
Months of entry
October
Course content
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.
- 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.
- Watch Professor Rick Cooper give a detailed description of what this course entails.
Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, research sciences, and other disciplines in which computer simulation is used. Possible professions include:
- psychologist
- scientific researcher
- visual scientist
- higher education lecturer.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, and at least 6.5 in writing.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700