Natural Computing and Neurotechnology (specialisation)

Entry requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Physics, Biology, Medicine, Mathematics, Behavioural Sciences, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline

The graduation date of the last attained Bachelor’s degree relevant for this programme must be within five years of applying to the programme.

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of >600 (paper based) or >100 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of >7.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Specialisation specific requirements

For the specialisation in Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication, students with a background in artificial intelligence or natural sciences can apply. Specifically, we require demonstrable knowledge in the following domains:

1. Mathematics
2. Electromagnetism and calculus-based introductory physics
3. Neuroscience
4. Artifcial intelligence (e.g., robotica, computational modelling)

To give you an indication of the content and level of knowledge you need in each of these areas, we have suggested handbooks that meet the level we expect from our candidates. Please note: Students should have at least the level of knowledge indicated above with respect to areas 1, 2 and 3 OR 1, 2 and 4 when they start the programme.

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

Months of entry

February, September

Course content

The specialisation in Natural Computing and Neurotechnology deals with brain networks ranging from the smallest scale- the communication between individual neurons- to the largest- communication between different brain areas. Using advanced mathematical tools, this specialisation prepares students for cutting-edge neuroscience research.

Radboud is a world-renowned research centre for cognitive neuroscience. Hundreds of researchers work in one of the top institutes hosted on the campus. This programme is associated with the Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics. Students will benefit from these connections during and after their studies.

Students interested in this specialisation are expected to already have a high level of mathematical skills and/or training in physics, engineering or computer science in their Bachelor’s studies

What will you learn?

• Gain a broad background and understanding of anatomical and neurophysiological aspects of networks in the human brain
• Learn techniques for modeling and computational analysis of brain networks
• Explore functions such as perception, attention, memory, language and planning
• Get valuable experience in designing, conducting and presenting your own research

Double Degree

Talented students that are selected for this specialization may be interested in aiming for a double degree. That is, in the domain of Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication there are two affiliated Master's programmes: Neurophysics (offered by the Faculty of Science) and Artificial Intelligence (offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences). Each of these programmes lasts for two years, but for those students interested in getting a double degree, there is the possibility of completing two of the three programmes in two years.

Career prospects

A large majority of our graduates gain a PhD position, while other graduates find jobs in the commercial sector or at research institutes. Graduates of this specialisation may more readily find a position with one a government institution or specialised companies (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry).

*This is an specialisation of the Cognitive Neuroscience (Research) Master Programme

To apply for this course, please contact us by e-mail.

Learn more via the Radboud University contact form.

Fees and funding

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website.

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,168). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,168). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.