Cognition and Computation Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

This postgraduate programme in Cognition and Computation (Hons) delves into the intricate understanding of intelligence as it pertains to humans, machines, and other entities. Students will confront thought-provoking inquiries such as the essence of intelligence, the necessity of a brain for intelligence, and the ethical implications and limitations of artificial intelligence. Designed for graduates from computational sciences, engineering, philosophy, or behavioural and psychological sciences, this course serves as an excellent foundation for those aspiring to pursue research careers in cognitive sciences.

Why Cognition and Computation at Birkbeck, University of London?

Birkbeck boasts a distinguished reputation, consistently ranked among the top institutions for psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2023 National Student Survey, the School of Psychological Sciences achieved an impressive 5th place for teaching quality. The programme benefits from the expertise of world-renowned researchers and is a key initiative of Birkbeck’s Centre for Cognition, Computation and Modelling. Students will also have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to engage with leading research centres in the Bloomsbury area.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

For the academic year 2026-27, the tuition fees for the Cognition and Computation (Hons) programme are as follows:

• Full-time international students: £21,690 per year
• Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
• Full-time home students: £12,840 per year
• Part-time home students: £6,375 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The course structure consists of a total of 180 credits, which include six compulsory modules and two optional modules, culminating in a 10,000-word dissertation. The compulsory modules encompass:

• Academic Skills for PG Students
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Case Studies in Computational Modelling of Mind
• Computational Approaches to Mind
• Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
• Principles of Programming

Students can choose from various option modules, including:

• Applied Machine Learning
• Cognitive, Affective, and Social Neuroscience
• Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Networks and Deep Learning
• Sensorimotor Processes and Attention

Careers with Cognition and Computation

Graduates of the Cognition and Computation (Hons) programme are well-equipped for various career paths in behavioural and psychological sciences, as well as fields utilising computational simulations, such as data science and social policy. Alumni have found roles as:

• Scientific Researchers
• Data Scientists
• AI Scientists
• Policy Advisers
• Higher Education Lecturers

Notable employers of graduates include prestigious organisations such as Nesta, ITV, Google DeepMind, Cambridge University, and the University of Westminster. The comprehensive careers service at Birkbeck assists students in navigating their career journeys, ensuring they can effectively connect their experiences and education with future ambitions.