Level: Master Degree
Course (Italian classification): LM 55 - Scienze Cognitive
Language of the course: English
Admission: public selection
Location: Center for Mind/Brain Sciences - CIMeC, corso Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto (TN)

Course overview

The two-year CIMeC Master’s in Cognitive Science provides students with advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge in behavioural, cognitive and computational neuroscience and computational linguistics through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the mind-brain system. The program emphasises the interplay between biology-based and technology-based explorations of the human mind and a close relationship between teaching and research. Together with training discipline-specific knowledge and skills, the program develops key transferable skills such as critical thinking, scientific speaking and writing.

During the first year students are mostly involved in both theoretical and methodological courses, while during the second year they enroll in an extensive internship and research project where they acquire an invaluable direct exposure to the scientific research practice having access to the laboratories at CIMeC, working with CIMeC PIs and their groups, and gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge research technologies.

The tracks share some common basic courses including introduction to cognitive neuroscience, basic programming, research designs and statistical analysis, and a selection of specialized courses that allow students to tailor their training to their academic interests.

A summary description and provisional courses of each track are published at page Course content.

Specific educational goals of the course

The Master’s degree course in Cognitive Science is aimed at the acquisition of advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge in cognitive science through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the mind-brain system and of human language through computational models. The perspective adopted is that of the interdisciplinary approach, which integrates the biological, technological and cognitive approaches in order to allow a better understanding of human action, focusing the educational intervention and other educational activities mainly on cognitive neuropsychology and on computational linguistics.

The curriculum is characterized by training experiences and significant research activities at highly qualified laboratories, both in the field of brain-imaging (fMRI, EEG, TMS, etc.) and in the field of natural language processing, also in order to achieve the implementation of the skills acquired. We also offer students the opportunity to attend training courses abroad as part of international exchange programmes and of numerous collaborations with foreign universities. The assessment of the competences acquired will take into consideration both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills acquired by students, also in the context of integrated courses across multiple disciplines.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be able to apply advanced skills in cognitive science using computational, observational and experimental methodologies in the study of the mind-brain system and computational linguistics. The course of study will also allow students to conduct research activities as part of the analysis and development of systems related to human cognitive performance, conducting empirical research and the development of neural and computational models of cognition. They can perform these tasks as independent professionals or also as consultants at public and private entities.

The Master's degree in Cognitive Science provides access to doctoral courses in the disciplines of cognitive science, both in Italy and in Europe and the United States. The CIMeC offers a PhD program in Cognitive and Brain Sciences.