Programs/Master/Humanities, social sciences, communication and arts
Master

Computational Cognitive Science

★ StudyPath verdict
7.8/10
Best for students interested in cognitive science, AI and human-machine interaction pursuing research or tech industry roles. Trade-off: specialised curriculum emphasises theory and research over broad applied software engineering.
Tuition · Intl
€24,900
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2020
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
76
DUO ↓10% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
Bachelor
5 direct routes ↗
Satisfaction
?
no data yet
Employment
98%
field est. ↗
Median salary
€3,536
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUOLast sync: 25 Jun 2026
About this program
How do humans process language, and how does this compare to Large Language Models like ChatGPT? How can AI become safer, more user-friendly, and aligned with human cognition? How can we use AI to better understand memory, perception, and brain activity? If you're eager to combine technical skills with deep questions about the mind and machine, then the Master's degree in Computational Cognitive Science (CCS) is for you. ✔ Study and simulate human cognition and analyze neuroimaging data ✔ ️Use artificial intelligence to study language, memory, and brain activity ✔ Apply cognitive models to improve technology, education, and user experience ✔ Master advanced techniques in data science, machine learning, and computational modelling This two-year Master's program is your chance to explore the depths of human cognition. Explore cutting-edge AI techniques, cognitive models, and neuroscience to understand and improve the way humans and technology interact! Specialize in What to expect from the Master's programme Computational Cognitive Science * Human-Centred AI * Human Language Modelling * Neuro-Cognitive Computing Next to our general programme you have the option to choose the following track: * Science, Business and Policy Want to learn more? * Visit us at the Master's Week * Subscribe to our monthly newsletter * Create your own brochure
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Exact en InformaticaCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
About University of Groningen
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).
Living in Groningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€450/mo
Monthly total
€800–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
234k

Young, vibrant, and welcoming. Groningen has a laid-back northern Dutch charm combined with the energy of a true student city. The compact city center is easy to navigate by bike, and the local community is known for being friendly and open to international students.

View city guide →
Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Neuro-Cognitive ComputingSpecialisation
Explore the brain through computational models and neuroimaging data, and develop Brain-Computer Interfaces.
Human Language ModelingSpecialisation
Use AI to study how humans process language and build systems that understand or generate language naturally.
Human-Centred AISpecialisation
Design AI tools and applications that align with human thinking, behaviour, and societal needs.
Science, Business & Policy TrackSpecialisation
Within the Computational Cognitive Science Master's programme, students can opt for the Science, Business & Policy (SBP) track. This track focuses on applying cognitive and computa
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: kunstmatige intelligentie en kennistechnologie
Median starting salary (field)€3,536/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating98%
Months to a substantial job4
Working in their own field83%
Permanent contract51%
Satisfied with their job3.9/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Softwareontwikkelaars32%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs18%
Systeemanalisten13%
Wiskundigen, actuarissen en statistici7%
Databank- en netwerkspecialisten, niet elders geclassificeerd6%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree66%
Women among first-years68%
Say workload is “just right”67%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
First-party reviews — not collected yet
?No reviews yet
Application timeline
Application deadline
2026-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2026-05-01
Application deadline
2027-05-01
Non-EU deadline
2027-05-01
Application deadline
2028-05-01
Upcoming open days
Open day
27 Nov 2026
Open dayonline
7 Dec 2026
Open day
12 Mar 2027
Open dayonline
15 Mar 2027
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 90
Internships
?No data yet
🤝
Got admitted? We handle the rest.
Document review, visa, housing. 92% success rate. From €499.