Cognitive Science University of Trento

Overview

Introduction

The two-year CIMeC Master’s in Cognitive Science provides students with advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge in behavioral, cognitive and computational neuroscience, as well as computational linguistics through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the mind-brain system. The program emphasizes 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. During the second year, they enroll in an extensive internship and research project where they acquire an invaluable direct exposure to scientific research practices through access to the laboratories at CIMeC, working with CIMeC PIs and their groups and gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge research technologies.

Students choose between three tracks:

• Cognitive Neuroscience (CN)

• Computational and theoretical modeling of Language and Cognition (CLC)

• Fundamental Behavioural Neuroscience (FBN) 

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

Admissions

Application Deadlines

• Call to be published in December 2025 for non-EU citizens with residence outside Italy

• Call to be published in December 2025 for EU citizens and non-EU citizens with residence in Italy

How to Apply

• Access the online application form via the UniTrento web site

• Upload the required documents

• Submit your online application by the deadline

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent - at least three years)

• Background in the disciplines characterizing the area of the cognitive sciences

• English at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Selection Criteria

• Assessment of previous studies and experience and their coherence with the program

• Academic background and reference letter 

• Statement of purpose

CurriculumStudents choose between three tracks

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of the mind and brain and it is concerned with the neural and cognitive bases of how and why people perceive, think and act the way they do. The CN track trains students to combine a variety of behavioral and neuroimaging techniques to understand the neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying human cognitive functions, from perception to motor control, from language and memory to conceptual processing. It offers a range of theoretical and practical courses in basic and advanced cognitive neuroscience and neurobiology, in healthy individuals and in neuropsychological patients, as well as courses in advanced signal processing and data analysis with a special focus on brain imaging (EEG, MEG, functional and anatomical MRI) and brain stimulation techniques (TMS, tDCS). This track prepares students to pursue a research-oriented career in the field of human cognitive neuroscience, whether in academia or industry.

Communication via language and other modalities is a fundamental component of human activity. It is therefore not surprising that the technologies originated from the scientific study of these activities are having a major impact on modern society. This track emphasizes the use of computational approaches to model and understand human cognitive functions, with a special emphasis on language. The program offers basic courses in theoretical and computational linguistics, computer science and cognitive neuroscience, allowing students to develop expertise in aspects of language and human cognition that AI systems could or should model. The program also offers courses on research design and evaluation methods, which help students acquire the necessary skills to evaluate and improve the design of models and contribute to data collection and evaluation. Examples of professional outcomes include working as AI enablers, helping develop unbiased intelligent systems that meet human needs, or support health practitioners working on cognitive impairments.

The FBN track is devised for students fascinated by the complexity of animal cognition and the neurobiological basis behind it. We welcome, in particular, students with backgrounds in psychology or biology, but also students with other backgrounds (e.g., physics, engineering, philosophy, etc.) who are eager to learn about animals’ brains and behaviors.

The FBN track offers a range of theoretical courses in basic and advanced neurobiology and neuroscience in a range of healthy animals and animal models of clinical conditions (e.g., rodents, birds, fish and invertebrates). The core disciplines of the courses include animal cognition and neuroscience, as well as typical and atypical brain development. The FBN track trains students to combine behavioral, physiological and molecular biology in animals of different species to unveil the neural underpinnings of basic sensory and cognitive functions with a comparative perspective. Within our state-of-the-art laboratories, we offer a set of hands-on courses in fundamental behavioral neuroscience data recordings and analyses.

This track prepares students to pursue a research-oriented career in fundamental cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, whether in academia or industry.

Program OutcomeCareer Opportunities

This Master’s program in Cognitive Science offers a unique opportunity for students aiming to train as research scientists both in academia and in industry. All three tracks prepare strong Ph.D. candidates who are well trained and that can be competitive and confident in performing high-quality research in international settings. Outside academia, the computational, theoretical and scientific skills learned in this program define a unique and competitive profile that well fits the needs of the current strongly AI-based job market.

All courses are given in English by scientists who developed research programs in top-level international institutions and continue to do so through their wide network of collaborations.

Students have access to many different research laboratories at CIMeC during the Master’s program. This provides invaluable hands-on experience with the latest research tools in human and animal neuroscience (high-field fMRI, M/EEG combined with brain stimulation, single-cell recordings, two-photons calcium imaging, genome editing) and state-of-the-art technologies in computational linguistics, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Opportunities

The Master in Cognitive Science program is international and our students arrive from all continents and, after graduation, find positions in their home countries and others.

Although the program is relatively young, its strength is already evident in the satisfaction reported by the students and in their placement after graduation. The combination of theoretical learning with hands-on research experience gives our students the adequate profile to successfully compete for entry into PhD programs at top universities. Career opportunities for our students also include paths outside academia, where they may become AI enablers, helping develop unbiased intelligent systems that meet human needs, or support health practitioners working on cognitive impairments.