UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 9thQS World University Rankings 2026
- 1stUCL research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (REF 2021)
- 100%Graduates in work or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-2023)
- £54,820Average graduate salary (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022-2023)
This Master of Science (MSc) program delves into the cognitive processes and representations that underpin human thought, knowledge, and decision-making. It adopts a computational perspective, viewing cognition and choice as processes implemented in neural hardware. The course integrates diverse disciplines and methodologies to explore key topics such as the nature of computational explanation, general principles of cognition, the scope of rational choice, probabilistic models of the mind, learning, and memory, with applications in economics and business. This program is designed for students interested in research careers within cognitive and decision sciences or for those seeking to develop a strong understanding of human thought processes to address applied problems in fields like marketing, finance, and public policy. It leverages UCL's world-leading research in psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, providing a rich academic environment in London, a global hub for cognition and neuroscience research.
Curriculum
The full-time MSc is a 12-month program consisting of six compulsory modules, two optional modules, and a research dissertation. A part-time option spans two years. The curriculum includes training in experimental design, methodology, computational modeling, and undertaking original research.
- Year 1 (Full-time) / Year 1 (Part-time)
- Intermediate Statistics: Data analysis and visualisation with RPALS0049
- Philosophical foundations of cognitive sciencePSYC0084
- Principles of CognitionPSYC0085
- Judgment and Decision-MakingPSYC0086
- Computational Modelling of CognitionPSYC0087
- Optional Module 1
- Year 2 (Part-time)
- Compulsory Module 4
- Compulsory Module 5
- Compulsory Module 6
- Optional Module 2
- Cognitive and Decision Sciences Dissertation
Careers
Graduates are prepared for research, teaching, lecturing, consultancy, finance, and marketing roles. The program equips students with theoretical and empirical knowledge in cognitive science and decision-making, alongside practical research skills applicable to real-world problems.
- Research
- Teaching
- Lecturing
- Consultancy
- Finance
- Marketing
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc?
- You need a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard. Backgrounds commonly include psychology, neuroscience, statistics, economics, philosophy, computer science, cognitive science, linguistics, and law.
- What is the tuition fee for international students for the 2026/27 academic year?
- The tuition fee for international students for the 2026/27 academic year is £39,200. Please note that tuition fees are subject to change.
- How long does the Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc programme take to complete?
- The full-time MSc is a 12-month program. A part-time option is available and spans two years.
- What are the application deadlines for the Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc?
- For applicants requiring a visa, the application window closes on 27 March 2026. For those who do not require a visa, applications close on 28 August 2026. Applications open on 20 October 2025.
- What are the career prospects after completing this MSc?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in research, teaching, lecturing, consultancy, finance, and marketing. The program equips students with theoretical and empirical knowledge alongside practical research skills.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard.
Level 2 English Language Proficiency
Backgrounds commonly include psychology, neuroscience, statistics, economics, philosophy, computer science, cognitive science, linguistics, and law. Applicants from other disciplines are encouraged if they demonstrate understanding and enthusiasm for the course, but should be prepared for the mathematical component of the MSc-level Research Statistics module.
Fees
Tuition (international)£39,200 (2026/27)
Tuition (home)£16,800 (2026/27)
Living—
Tuition fees are subject to change and are listed for the 2026/27 academic year.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language requirements for the MSc Cognitive and Decision Sciences. Review country-specific equivalencies if applicable.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, and proof of English language proficiency.
3. Submit ApplicationApply online through the UCL admissions portal. For applicants requiring a visa, the application window opens on 20 October 2025 and closes on 27 March 2026. For those who do not require a visa, applications are open from 20 October 2025 to 28 August 2026.
4. Await DecisionYou will be notified of the outcome of your application.
5. Arrange Finances and VisaOnce accepted, arrange for tuition fee payments and your Student Route visa application if applicable.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc?
+
You need a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standard. Backgrounds commonly include psychology, neuroscience, statistics, economics, philosophy, computer science, cognitive science, linguistics, and law.
What is the tuition fee for international students for the 2026/27 academic year?
+
The tuition fee for international students for the 2026/27 academic year is £39,200. Please note that tuition fees are subject to change.
How long does the Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc programme take to complete?
+
The full-time MSc is a 12-month program. A part-time option is available and spans two years.
What are the application deadlines for the Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc?
+
For applicants requiring a visa, the application window closes on 27 March 2026. For those who do not require a visa, applications close on 28 August 2026. Applications open on 20 October 2025.
What are the career prospects after completing this MSc?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in research, teaching, lecturing, consultancy, finance, and marketing. The program equips students with theoretical and empirical knowledge alongside practical research skills.