The core of the Cognitive Systems program is characterized by its focus on system functions of cognitive mechanisms which require a formal description. For that reason, applicants should have a solid mathematical background (analysis, algebra, statistics) and be prepared to extend their knowledge and skills broadly. If you are unsure about the required knowledge level, we recommend to visit the website www.ombplus.de. You find the online course OMB+ that is intended to refresh the high school level mathematics knowledge as it is expected from German applicants.

Applicants will benefit from having practical experience in programming with some higher-level programming language. We do offer an introduction to computer science for applicants with non-computer science background which provides an overview of the scientific field of computer science as a structural and engineering scientific discipline. It introduces basic algorithmic and computational principles which are realized in programming languages as well.

Applicants with a German Bachelor apply via the university's online application system. Other applicants apply via uni-assist. For details, please check the application website.

Application period for the winter semester: 01 April - 15 May (cut-off period)

The precise legal rules for the application process are defined in the admissions statutes (Zulassungsordnung). For your convenience, we explain the most important points here; if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Be sure to include the following documents to demonstrate that you are qualified to enroll in the MSc Cognitive Systems. All documents must be in English or German.

1. An official copy of your BSc degree in Psychology, Computer Science, Cognitive Science or a related degree. For the latter, your course contents should cover basic knowledge in at least one of the three topics: information processing in natural systems, information processing in technical systems or mathematical modelling. Graduates of other subjects (in particular engineering, physics, biology with a focus on neuroscience, and mathematics) can also be considered provided that the subject-specific suitability for the program is given. The BSc course duration should at least have been three years. The grade of your bachelor's degree must be 2.5 or better. If you did not yet complete your bachelor's degree, you must already have achieved examination results with an average mark of 2.5 or better.
2. An official copy of your “transcript of records” document, which lists all the courses you have taken for your first degree. The list must specify the grade and number of credit points for each course and must include the final grade or average grade.
3. Total number of credit points required for BSc degree
4. An official copy of your "diploma supplement" (if available)
5. In case of foreign certificates: a grading scale stating maximum and minimum passing grade of BSc degree.
6. Additional subject-specific information if your BSc degree is not in Psychology, Computer Science or Cognitive Systems.
7. A declaration that you have never been expelled from an MSc degree program in Germany.
8. If you are not a native English speaker and you have no university degree completely taught in English, we require a proof of an adequate command of English of level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) through Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL, with at least 95 points in the internet-based TOEFL; or any comparable proof such as IELTS with a minimum of 7.0 points.
9. In the case of a higher education degree from China, Vietnam or India: APS certificate or APS confirmation. If APS certificate from India is not yet available, please upload proof of application.
10. If your documents are not in German or English, please provide a certified translation.

After the application deadline, all applications will be examined according to the admission procedure laid down in the admissions statutes. When we have more applicants than we can enroll, we will rank applicants according to their grades of their BSc degrees. 

The university-wide language statutes regulate the English language requirements.