Cognitive Systems: Language | Learning & Reasoning

Subjects: Psychology;Language

M.Sc. | Master of Science

Course description

In this interdisciplinary master's degree program in English, you will explore the research and application of cognitive processes on computers. The course covers computational linguistics ("Language"), machine learning ("Learning"), and artificial intelligence ("Reasoning"). This program mirrors the successful collaboration of these fields in research, bringing it into the classroom. You will master advanced methods in all three areas. The curriculum includes modeling and statistical analysis of empirical data, such as in psycholinguistics. As you progress, you will shift towards independent work and research. Starting with basic lectures, you will move on to seminars and larger projects. In these projects, you will define your own research or programming topic, or conduct an experiment in a team. You will also engage with the latest research literature on your own. This program is designed to foster your ability to work independently and develop your expertise in these interconnected fields.

Application Requirements

Language Requirements

UNIcert® III or IV certificate TOEFL® Internet-Based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Home Edition with at least 95 points Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE) with at least 180 points IELTS “Academic” or IELTS Online with at least 7 points in every test component Proof of completion of a program of study at a recognized university with English as the exclusive language of instruction. Suitable certificates or documents to prove an English-language program of study include the degree certificate, a transcript of records, a diploma supplement, regulations concerning access to and conduct of studies, or comparable evidence. Certificate of the higher education entrance qualification obtained for an Englishlanguage course of education in a country that has English as an official language Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online with at least 76 points Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Qualification Requirements

If you have a fascination for language and an enthusiasm for modeling intelligent behavior using computational tools, you already have every good reason to consider the master’s program in “Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning.” The prerequisites for the master’s program in “Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning” at the University of Potsdam are a completed bachelor’s degree or another equivalent first professionally oriented university degree from a German or non-German institution of higher learning. The degree must be in a field that is relevant to the master’s degree program, e.g. computer science, computational linguistics as well as linguistics (or related fields). The program assumes basic knowledge in the fields of mathematics (analysis and linear algebra), computer science (algorithms and data formats as well as formal languages and automata theory) and linguistics. In order to be accepted in the master’s program, you must demonstrate basic knowledge in one of these three fields, which is usually done by documenting the successful completion of the relevant courses in your bachelor’s studies. You will acquire basic knowledge in the other fields in the corresponding foundations modules during your master’s studies. It is crucial that you have programming skills before you begin. You can usually demonstrate this by showing the completion of six credit points of programming courses in your studies for your first degree. Besides the willingness to work independently and with dedication, you should also be able to demonstrate a solid command of English. This ability should correspond with the C1 Level in the Common European Framework of Reference. Since the language of instruction is English, knowledge of German is not absolutely necessary. Still, you will enjoy your time in Germany better if you also learn German during your studies.