Middle European interdisciplinary master's programme in Cognitive Science (MEi:CogSci@Univie) (Master)
Source: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/master-programmes/meicogsciunivie-master/ Parent: https://studieren.univie.ac.at/en/degree-programmes/degree-programmes-in-foreign-languages/
© Elisabeth Zimmermann
Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary effort to study cognitive phenomena on multiple levels. A broad range of disciplines – including philosophy, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, linguistics, psychology, behavioural biology, anthropology, computer science and others – collaborate to tackle questions such as:
- What is cognition?
- What is free will?
- What is the role of our bodies and the environment in cognition?
- How can I understand another person?
- Can we simulate our thinking on computers and/or in robots?
- Is there more to thinking and feelings than our neurons?
- How can modern AI and computational models help us understand brain, mind and behaviour?
MEi:CogSci@Univie approaches these questions with a strong emphasis on quantitative methods, data analysis and AI. Students learn how to use and develop computational and AI-based models to study cognition, and how insights from cognitive science can inform the design of robust, interpretable and human-centred AI systems.
What is special and unique about MEi:CogSci@Univie is its radical interdisciplinary approach, manifesting itself in the structure of the curriculum and in the didactic principles (e.g. work in intercultural, interdisciplinary teams, phenomenologically and problem-oriented rather than purely discipline-oriented approaches). The programme’s international dimension opens a wide range of research and mobility opportunities.
This master’s programme provides students with:
- English language competences (English is the language of instruction)
- Systematic knowledge and understanding of the nature, organisation and acquisition of knowledge in human and non-human, living and artificial systems
- Knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of the core disciplines of cognitive science
- A strong methodological profile in quantitative and computational approaches (e.g. statistics, programming, AI/machine learning, signal processing, and other tools depending on prior background and course choice)
In addition, students choose interdisciplinary specializations in phenomenal fields of cognition and acquire knowledge and understanding of current topics and discussions in cognitive science.
The primary language of instruction of the master’s programme is English. Therefore, students must have English skills corresponding to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Master of Science
Degree Programme Code: 066 013
4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits
Language: English
MEi:CogSci website (international)
MEi:CogSci website (Vienna)
Facts & Figures
- Students: n.a.
- Graduates in the last academic year: n.a.
- Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): n.a.
Data updated on: 26.11.2025
Information about presentation & calculation
Admission Procedure
Information about the selection procedure
MEi:CogSci@Univie welcomes applicants from all core disciplines of cognitive science, as well as neighbouring fields.
In any case eligible degree programmes at the University of Vienna:
- Biology (Bachelor)
- Computer Science (Bachelor)
- Linguistics (Bachelor)
- Philosophy (Bachelor)
- Psychology (Bachelor)
- Social and Cultural Anthropology (Bachelor)
Admission to the joint master programme MEi:CogSci is also possible if you have completed a different degree programme than those listed above. Applications are possible for prospective students holding a degree in natural sciences, humanities, formal sciences, social sciences, and cognitive science.
Because MEi:CogSci@Univie has a strong methodological profile, applicants are expected to:
- either already have solid prior training in quantitative methods (e.g. mathematics, statistics, programming, data analysis, AI/machine learning, signal processing),
- or clearly demonstrate their motivation and readiness to acquire such competencies during the master’s programme.
In order to compensate for fundamental subject-specific differences, supplementary examinations from the bachelor’s programme (max. 30 ECTS) might be required.
Getting started
Orientation in the first semester
Getting Informed
StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) Philosophy - MEi:CogSci@Univie Programme Coordinator: meicogsci@univie.ac.at;)
MEi:CogSci website (international)
MEi:CogSci@Univie website (Vienna)
Students' Representatives Philosophy
Study Programme
MEi:CogSci is a joint master's programme offered by the following institutions: University of Vienna (and Medical University of Vienna), Comenius University in Bratislava, Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, and University of Ljubljana.
MEi:CogSci@Univie aims at educating students in the field of Cognitive Science by providing an environment for truly interdisciplinary study and research, combined with strong training in methods and tools that are increasingly driven by AI and computational approaches.
The programme enables students to:
- Acquire fundamental concepts in cognitive science across its core disciplines
- Develop a robust methodological toolkit, including statistics, programming, AI/machine learning and other research methods relevant to cognitive and neural data
- Build expertise in a chosen area of interest by focusing on a specific cognitive phenomenon and approaching it from multiple disciplinary perspectives
The degree programme consists of:
- Compulsory modules (core, advanced and specialisation modules)
- Alternative compulsory modules (including discipline modules and methods/tools modules)
- Elective modules
These cover the subject areas of artificial intelligence, social and cultural anthropology, biology, cognitive science, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, programming, psychology and statistics. In addition, students complete an interdisciplinary specialisation module with a strong focus on practical training (project work, lab internships, etc.).
As a joint degree, students must complete at least 30 ECTS credits at a partner university and are awarded a joint academic degree by the participating institutions. This mobility window allows students to tailor their methodological and domain focus by choosing from a wide range of specialised courses and research groups across the consortium.
Due to the fact that each year only a small number of highly qualified and motivated students are admitted to the programme, the teacher–student ratio is excellent and creates an optimal study environment for intensive, research-based learning.
© Universität Wien / derknopfdruecker.com
#### Humans of #univie @ Cognitive Science
© Universität Wien
After Graduation
The master's programme MEi:CogSci provides graduates with the necessary theoretical/intellectual and empirical tools to pursue an academic career (PhD programme) in cognitive science or in one of the disciplines related to it. Apart from basic research, graduates in cognitive science increasingly find work in applied research. Depending on the direction of specialisation, prospective career fields include the IT-sector (interaction design, usability, Computer Supported Cooperative Work, knowledge management, cognitive technologies, AI applications, social media, etc.), education, biomedical and clinical research, as well as economy. The generic skills (such as teamwork, ability to communicate, reflection and evaluation skills, ability to quickly learn and adapt) acquired by graduates are of use in a variety of careers in the private sector.
Graduates of cognitive science are especially suited to work in highly interdisciplinary area, bringing experience in mediating between disciplines. These include strongly interdisciplinary fields, such as the IT and education sector, as well as consulting, human resources development and science journalism.
Graduates’ Opinion
"At the moment, I am working as a trainee in the biotechnological/pharmaceutical field, as this is my first disciplinary background. For this work, I can use the interdisciplinary and cross-functional cooperative work approach learned in Cognitive Science. Self-organised and result oriented working methods of the study programme also accompany my current work.
After graduating in molecular biology in 2010, I wanted to go on seeking for the last unexplored and unsolved questions of science (especially those concerning the human brain). For this endeavour, Cognitive Science was the best option. At that time, the degree was offered in Osnabrück and Vienna. The emphasis in Osnabrück seemed to me more IT-based, while in Vienna it was more interdisciplinary orientated. Therefore, I chose Vienna.
In my opinion the interdisciplinary approach of the study, the excellent student-to-teacher ratio as well as the modular structure and the possibility of setting individual priorities are the three main points that characterise the master’s degree programme Cognitive Science."
Michael Kecht, MSc
"Since January 1st I’m working at the Austrian Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (OFAI) as junior researcher. In my scientific work, I need all acquired knowledge of my study and many more - not acquired - aspects.
I chose to study Cognitive Science due to its topic and the interdisciplinary approach. To me, the degree offered a lot of appealing aspects: interdisciplinary thinking and working is the backbone of this degree programme. The small, very international and interdisciplinary student group as well as the teachers were strongly research oriented. A huge part of the degree had to be completed practically (by doing research internships) and an obligatory semester abroad had to be undertaken.
Cognitive Sciences offered the opportunity to choose one’s specialisations freely. Therefore, it was possible for students - who knew which field of research they wanted to focus on - to start working in this field even before finishing the degree. This implies, that one can even change from one field of study into an entirely different field of research with help of this programme (as in my case from philosophy to informatics)."
Mag. phil. Wolfgang Hörleinsberger, BSc MSc
Continuing after Graduation
- [Center for Doctoral Studies - everything about doctorcal/PhD programmes at the University of Vienna](http://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/)
- Alumni of the University of Vienna
- [Postgraduate Center - postgraduate programmes at the University of Vienna](http://www.postgraduatecenter.at/en)
- Uniport - career service of the University of Vienna
Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme
#### Degree programme in retrospect
Graduates ...
- say that this degree programme receives the grade: 1.7 (good)
- rate the level of difficulty as: 3.9 (high)
→ These results are based on feedback from 25 graduates.
*You can find further assessments of the degree programme from its graduates’ perspective in the graduate survey of themaster's programme in Cognitive Science(in German).
3 years after graduation ...
- 61% of graduates residing in Austria are gainfully employed.
- graduates earn approx. € 2,998 gross/month.
- graduates work e.g. in the tertiary/post-secondary education sector.
*You can find precise information on implementation, evaluation and use as well as further data for this degree programme in the graduate tracking "MA Cognitive Science".