MSc Cognitive Science

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: For admission to postgraduate programs at UCD, the general entry requirement is a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in the student's previous academic qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual band lower than 6.0.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no section below Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 21, and Reading 19.
• PTE: Overall score of 63 with a minimum of 59 in each section.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 120 with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

UCD offers various scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education at the university. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and alleviate the financial burden for deserving students. 

UCD Global Excellence Graduate Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for eligible full-time master's programs. It covers a percentage of the tuition fees for the duration of the program.

UCD Global Undergraduate Scholarship: Intended for non-EU students, this scholarship is based on academic performance and offers financial assistance towards tuition fees for the duration of undergraduate studies.

Regional Graduate Scholarships: UCD provides scholarships targeted at students from specific regions or countries, encouraging diversity and supporting talented individuals from those areas.

UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements and offers financial support along with enrichment opportunities.

Sports Scholarships: For students who excel in sports, UCD offers scholarships to support their academic pursuits while actively participating in sports at a competitive level.

UCD Research Scholarships: These scholarships are available to support international students pursuing research-based postgraduate programs, providing funding and opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research initiatives.

Government and External Scholarships: UCD collaborates with various governments, organizations, and foundations worldwide to offer additional scholarship opportunities for international students based on specific criteria and partnerships.

Graduating with an MSc in Cognitive Science from University College Dublin (UCD) opens diverse career paths in various sectors leveraging knowledge in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. 

1. Research Scientist: Conducting cognitive research in academic institutions, research labs, or think tanks, exploring areas like memory, perception, decision-making, or consciousness studies.

2. User Experience (UX) Researcher: Employing cognitive theories to understand user behavior, designing intuitive interfaces, and improving user interactions in technology, web, or product development.

3. Data Analyst/Scientist: Analyzing cognitive data patterns, employing statistical methods, and applying cognitive principles to interpret and predict human behavior in various domains like marketing, healthcare, or AI.

4. AI/Machine Learning Engineer: Developing cognitive models, algorithms, and AI systems based on human cognition principles for application in automation, robotics, and machine learning.

5. Educator/Trainer: Teaching cognitive science, educational psychology, or utilizing cognitive principles in educational settings to enhance learning methods and curriculum development.

6. Consultant: Providing expertise in cognitive science to advise companies on product design, user behavior analysis, marketing strategies, or human-computer interaction.

7. Healthcare Analyst: Applying cognitive science theories and methods in healthcare settings for improving patient care, optimizing treatment plans, or analyzing health-related behavior.

8. UX/UI Designer: Crafting intuitive and user-friendly interfaces in tech companies, incorporating cognitive science knowledge to create engaging user experiences.

9. Human Factors Specialist: Working in various industries such as aviation, transportation, or product design to ensure that systems, products, and environments are user-centered and easy to interact with.

10. Neuroscience Technician: Assisting in cognitive neuroscience research, conducting experiments, collecting data, and using neuroimaging technologies to study brain function and cognition.

11. Corporate Trainer/Coach: Employing cognitive techniques to enhance employee performance, decision-making, and leadership skills within corporate environments.

12. Market Research Analyst: Utilizing cognitive science concepts to analyze consumer behavior, preferences, and market trends for product development and marketing strategies.