TILBURG UNIVERSITY · NETHERLANDS
Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence (MSc)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€20k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsDuration
- EnglishLanguage of Instruction
- Master of ScienceDegree Awarded
- 120 ECTSCredits
- 92% student satisfactionStudent Satisfaction
- #1 in the NetherlandsProgram Ranking
This two-year Master's program offers a deep dive into the intersection of human cognition and artificial intelligence. You will learn to research and develop innovative solutions and applications by combining knowledge from cognitive science and AI, utilizing advanced techniques like deep learning and Bayesian modeling. The program explores various aspects of intelligence, including reasoning, learning, perception, and communication, from both human and machine perspectives. It focuses on developing intelligent technical solutions with a human-centered approach, preparing you to not only contribute to technological advancements but also to critically reflect on their societal and ethical implications.
Curriculum
The program emphasizes 'learning by doing,' with lectures often taking place in specialized lab facilities such as MindLabs, which covers robotics, avatars, serious games, natural language technologies, and virtual/mixed reality. You are encouraged to contribute to faculty research as a research assistant from the start. The curriculum focuses on computational cognition, hybrid intelligence, and human-AI interfacing, equipping you with necessary technical skills and fostering critical reflection from cognitive, neuro-scientific, and ethical viewpoints.
- Year 1
- Core Topics in Artificial Intelligence
- Deep Reinforcement Learning
- Advanced Deep Learning
- Cognitive Models of Language Learning
- Brain Computer Interfacing
- Responsible AI
- Year 2
- Internship (15 ECTS)
Careers
Graduates of this program have excellent career prospects due to the high global demand for AI specialists and developers. The skills acquired are valuable across various sectors, including e-services, healthcare, education, governance, smart industry, and consumer intelligence.
- Intelligent software developer
- Social robot developer
- Technology consultant
- AI Researcher
- Software developer or architect
- Business Intelligence specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program?
- For non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is €19,900 per academic year. EU/EEA students without a Dutch Master's degree pay the statutory fee of €2,694, while EU/EEA students with a Dutch Master's degree pay €16,500.
- How long is the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program?
- The program is a two-year Master's degree, totaling 120 ECTS credits.
- What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
- You need a Bachelor's degree from a research university in a relevant field like Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Computer Science, with a strong background in mathematics, AI techniques, and programming. Specific Dutch Bachelor's degrees from certain universities may also qualify you.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
- Graduates have excellent career prospects as AI specialists, with roles such as Intelligent software developer, AI Researcher, or Technology consultant in sectors like e-services, healthcare, and smart industry.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction for the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program is English.
- When does the program start and what are the application deadlines?
- The program starts at the end of August. Specific application deadlines should be checked on the university's admissions page.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree from a research universityIn Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field with a sufficient mathematics background, broad knowledge of AI techniques, programming experience (Python or similar), and demonstrable basic knowledge in cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, or similar.
Specific Bachelor's degreesTilburg University BSc in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence or Data Science; Bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence from Radboud University, Utrecht University, Maastricht University, University of Groningen, VU Amsterdam, or University of Amsterdam (KION members).
A pre-Master's program is not available for this Master's program.
Fees
Tuition (international)For non-EU/EEA students, the institutional fee is €19,900 per academic year. For EU/EEA students who do not qualify for the statutory fee (e.g., already hold a Dutch Master's degree), the institutional fee is €16,500 per academic year.
Tuition (home)For EU/EEA students without a Dutch Master's degree, the statutory fee is €2,694 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Note: The program page indicates institutional fees of €16,500 for EU/EEA students with a Dutch Master's degree.
Living—
Tuition fees are subject to change annually. The provided figures are for the 2026-2027 academic year.
How to apply
1. Check EligibilityReview the specific academic and language requirements to ensure you meet the criteria for admission. If you have a Dutch Bachelor's degree, you may be subject to different fee structures.
2. Prepare DocumentsGather all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts, diplomas, and any other required academic records.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form. Be mindful of the application deadlines for your chosen intake.
4. Application ReviewThe university will review your application and supporting documents. You may be contacted for further information.
5. Admission DecisionYou will be notified of the admission decision. If accepted, follow the instructions for enrollment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program?
+
For non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is €19,900 per academic year. EU/EEA students without a Dutch Master's degree pay the statutory fee of €2,694, while EU/EEA students with a Dutch Master's degree pay €16,500.
How long is the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program?
+
The program is a two-year Master's degree, totaling 120 ECTS credits.
What are the entry requirements for this Master's program?
+
You need a Bachelor's degree from a research university in a relevant field like Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Computer Science, with a strong background in mathematics, AI techniques, and programming. Specific Dutch Bachelor's degrees from certain universities may also qualify you.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates have excellent career prospects as AI specialists, with roles such as Intelligent software developer, AI Researcher, or Technology consultant in sectors like e-services, healthcare, and smart industry.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction for the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program is English.
When does the program start and what are the application deadlines?
+
The program starts at the end of August. Specific application deadlines should be checked on the university's admissions page.