SRH University
Master

Cognitive Neuroscience (M.Sc.)
Master of Science | Heidelberg

Study Cognitive Neuroscience in Heidelberg and explore how brain activity shapes perception, memory, language, and behaviour through modern research methods and advanced data analysis.

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All Facts at a Glance
Degree:
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Start:
1. October
Study model:
On-campus study
Language:
English
ECTS:
120
Curriculum:
more info
Info:
in accreditation , without NC
Duration:
4 semesters
Location:
Heidelberg
Costs:
790 € per month -  Show costs split
Optional:
Stay abroad

Course content: Cognitive Neuroscience (M.Sc.)

Research Training and Practical Experience

In the M.Sc. programme in Cognitive Neuroscience, you explore how brain processes give rise to perception, attention, memory, language, decision-making and behaviour. You build a solid foundation in cognitive and biological neuroscience while developing the ability to critically evaluate current theories and neuroscientific research findings. 

From your first semester, you gain hands-on experience with modern neuroscientific methods, including EEG, fNIRS and eye tracking, as well as fMRI and MEG through our partner institutions. You also acquire advanced skills in research design, multivariate statistics, programming computer-based experiments, and analysing complex brain and behavioural data. 

Following SRH’s CORE principle, teaching is research-oriented, interactive and competence-based, combining seminars, practical training, discussions and project work.

A central feature of the M.Sc. Cognitive Neuroscience programme is learning by doing. Through the Teaching and Research Project, Research Training and an internship, you develop your own research questions, plan studies, collect and analyse neuroscientific data, and present your findings. 

The Debating Club encourages you to engage with current and controversial topics in cognitive neuroscience while strengthening your scientific communication and argumentation skills. You also explore applied fields of neuroscience, including clinical and neuropsychological research, human factors, neurotechnology, and data-based applications. 

Throughout the programme, you learn to work responsibly with sensitive data, follow ethical and open science principles, and conduct transparent and reproducible neuroscientific research. The programme concludes with an independent Master’s thesis in Cognitive Neuroscience.

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A Career in Cognitive Neuroscience (M.Sc.)

Your prospects

The M.Sc. Cognitive Neuroscience prepares you for research-oriented and data-driven careers at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, health and technology. Through hands-on research projects, an internship and your Master's thesis, you gain practical experience in experimental design, neurocognitive methods and advanced data analysis while building a professional network with academic, clinical and industry partners. Depending on your interests, you can specialize in different application areas and develop a profile for careers in research, industry or healthcare. The research-oriented curriculum also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies and an academic career.

Career opportunities include:

  • Universities and research institutes
  • Clinical and translational research
  • Neuropsychological diagnostics and rehabilitation
  • Medical technology and biomedical engineering
  • Pharmaceutical and biomedical research
  • Human factors and cognitive ergonomics
  • User research and UX research
  • Product development and innovation
  • Market and behavioural research
  • Data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • Doctoral studies and academic research careers
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  • Detailed information about your studies
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Your path to the future
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Your modules
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Your modules

Your degree programme

The four-semester M.Sc. programme in Cognitive Neuroscience combines theoretical foundations, biological mechanisms, advanced neuroscientific research methods and practical research experience. In the first year, you study core models of cognitive neuroscience, biological foundations, neuroscientific measurement methods, multivariate research methods, experimental programming, theoretical neuroscience and the analysis of brain-activity and behavioural data. Two Debating Club modules connect these foundations with current research in cognitive neuroscience.

In the second year, you apply your knowledge in Applied Cognitive Neuroscience, Research Training, a 12-ECTS internship and an independent Master’s thesis in Cognitive Neuroscience. A Teaching and Research Project guides you through the complete neuroscientific research process, from developing a research question and study design to analysis, interpretation and scientific communication.

Please feel free to request further information about the M.Sc. programme in Cognitive Neuroscience.

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Your curriculum

5 Semester 150 ECTS
1st Semester

1st semester

  • Methods in Neuroscience

    6

  • Research Methods

    6

  • Core Models and Concepts in Cognitive Neuroscience

    6

  • Biological Foundations of Cognitive Neuroscience

    6

  • Debating Club: Current Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience I

    6
2nd Semester

2nd semester

  • Analysis and Interpretation of Brain Activity Data

    6

  • Programming Computer-Based Psychological Experiments

    6

  • Theoretical Neuroscience

    6

  • Teaching and Research Project

    6

  • Debating Club: Current Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience II

    6
3rd Semester

3rd semester

  • Applied Cognitive Neuroscience

    12

  • Research Training

    6

  • Internship

    12
4th Semester

4th semester

  • Master's thesis

    30
5th Semester

  • Master’s Thesis

    30
Your choice

The M.Sc. Cognitive Neuroscience has a strong international focus and is taught entirely in English. You can broaden your academic and professional experience through an optional exchange semester, research placement or internship at one of our partner institutions abroad. The third semester is particularly suitable for international mobility because it combines Applied Cognitive Neuroscience, Research Training and an internship. Subject to approval by the programme director, equivalent coursework and practical experience completed abroad can be recognised. International guest researchers, collaborative projects and the programme's network of universities, clinics and research institutes also provide regular opportunities to work in intercultural and multidisciplinary environments.

Our Locations

Campus Heidelberg
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The spacious campus in Heidelberg-Wieblingen is idyllically located on the Neckar, yet close to the city centre. As the oldest and largest campus, it offers accommodation, short distances and a vibrant environment for learning, living and well-being.

About the Campus
Your lecturers and points of contact

Your contact

Our CORE principle
The CORE principle describes a unique teaching model consisting of 5-week blocks that focuses on thematic emphasis, competency development, and interactive teaching methods. It was awarded the Genius Loci Prize in 2018.
Our CORE principle

Straight from university into the workplace

As well as subject-specific and methodological skills, social and personal skills are crucial today. SRH University’s innovative, successful and award-winning CORE principle promotes independent and active learning, enabling you to apply your knowledge directly in a practical setting – giving you a clear competitive advantage.

Find out more about CORE
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Costs

Smart financing

As a state-recognised private university, SRH University is funded by tuition fees. This income is used to fund our campus facilities, student services and quality assurance. In this way, we ensure that you receive the best possible education under optimal study conditions. 

Tuition fees 

  • Nationality | EU/EEA (including the Western Balkans, Switzerland and Ukraine): €790 per month
  • Nationality | Non-EU/EEA: €5,500 per semester

The monthly fee remains the same throughout your studies. The tuition fee (per month/per semester) remains the same throughout your studies. A one-off registration fee of €750 (EU/EEA) / €1,000 (non-EU/EEA) is charged. Apart from any placement, aptitude or equivalence tests that may be required, no separate examination fees or similar charges are levied, not even for resits. This ensures maximum cost transparency throughout your studies. 

If you have already completed your Bachelor’s degree at an SRH University or are a Diakoneo employee, the tuition fees for the full-time programme are reduced to €590 per month and the enrolment fee is waived. This also applies to graduates of WLH/WLA degree programmes. 

Studying with a clear goal in mind requires not only efficient organisation but also a solid financial foundation to cover rent, living costs and tuition fees. There are various funding options available, such as student loans or scholarship programmes.  

We have compiled a list of all the funding options for you. 

Your financing options

Entry requirements and application

Authorisation

You can apply at any time via our online portal, with no obligation. We will then review your application documents and invite you to a personal interview. 

To apply for the Master’s programme in Cognitive Neuroscience, you will need: 

  • A completed Bachelor's degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Neurobiology or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent German or international qualification. 
  • A CV with a recent passport-sized photograph
  • A copy of your identity document (front and back); for international students, a copy of your national identity card
  • Proof of English language proficiency at CEFR level B2 or higher*

A separate proof of English language proficiency is not required if:

  • your qualifying degree was taught entirely in English, 
  • your higher education entrance qualification was completed entirely in English, or English is your first language.
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Application process

You can find the application and late arrival deadlines here

We look forward to welcoming you to SRH University. Here’s how our application process works:

  1. You apply online via the SRH application portal
  2. If you meet the entry requirements, we’ll invite you to a selection interview
  3. If you are successful in the interview, we will send you an offer of place and the student contract
  4. You sign the study contract and return it to us
  5. You pay the enrolment fee
  6. We’ll issue your letter of admission
  7. You’ll take part in our induction week, and then you’re all set to begin!
✉ Do you have any questions?
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