BSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

Program 

Within this English-taught program, you focus on artificial intelligence, human cognition and technological innovation. Can computers interpret human emotions in a reliable way? How does our brain process all the impulses which it receives and how does it respond to virtual and augmented reality?  How does communication between humans and robots work? And what forms of artificial intelligence can we expect in the (near) future?

• In the first year you take introductory courses in the fields of artificial intelligence and human cognition. Besides that you develop basic programming skills. 
• In the second year you deepen your knowledge. You apply your skills and knowledge within themes such as Machine Learning, Human-Computer- and Human-Robot-Interaction. You will gain experience with conducting research (for example in our own Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab).
• In the third year, you take the last specialization courses (for example: Introduction to Deep Learning and Advanced Programming). You will also do a minor in which you can choose between gaining in-depth knowledge within your program or broadening your perspective by taking courses of another discipline at Tilburg University, a different university in the Netherlands or even abroad. You will finish your studies with a Bachelor’s Thesis. 

Please note: Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence is an independent English program within the bachelor Communication and Information Sciences.

Read more about this study program

Typical courses are:

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  Learn all about Artificial Intelligence and dive into the underlying philosophy, history, basic principles, perspectives and techniques of ‘AI’.
• Language, Cognition and Computation
  What is ‘meaning’ and how do we assign meaning to words? Learn to identify, understand and evaluate linguistic, psychological and computational approaches to meaning. 
• Basic Programming
  Learn the basics of programming, such as variables, conditions, loops, functions and objects. You apply your knowledge by making interactive applications such as visuals and games.  
• Introduction to Machine Learning
  You learn the fundamental concepts behind Machine Learning and its advantages, shortcomings and (societal) implications. Moreover, you learn how to design and evaluate self-learning systems and implement solutions for problems. 

Check the program per year

Study Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence in Tilburg

• This English-taught program is unique in its multidisciplinary approach. Courses contain topics such as artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computational linguistics, Natural Language Processing, computer science, mathematics and logic. Much attention is paid to computing skills, big data and the understanding of the ethical and moral aspects of artificial intelligence in society.  
• The courses offered include current research conducted in the field of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence. In this way, you are constantly up-to-date on the latest developments. The program has, for example, its own Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab, a Robot Lab and Computing Clusters, where students, scientists, and external stakeholders work together on innovative projects. 
• You learn advanced techniques in the field of data processing, such as Data Mining, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Multi Agent Systems. This state of the art knowledge gives you a perfect head start in the job market since there is great demand for specialists in the fields of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence.

More reasons to choose this program

A short impression of the Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program (video - 2:21 min)

What to expect when coming to Tilburg

• Why Tilburg University?
• Student life in Tilburg
• International student support
• Study in Holland

On top of your Bachelor's

• Join our study organization Flow. They organize formal and informal activities for members such as company visits and drinks.
• Challenge yourself by participating in one of the honors programs.
• Broaden your horizon by studying a semester abroad - an experience of a lifetime.

View all on top of opportunities

Pursue a Master's degree

Most of our students continue towards a Master’s degree after completing their Bachelor. After you have finished your Bachelor’s programme, you can opt for one of the following Master’s programmes at Tilburg University: 

• Want to continue your studies in a different field? Use your minor to follow some required courses that prepare you for a (Pre-)Master’s programme in your prefered field of study. 
• Want to pursue a career in research? Have a look at our Research Master’s in Language and Communication.

Check out all applicable Master's programs

Career prospects

Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence prepares you for a successful career in business, consultancy or science. Developments in this field are extremely rapid, and well-trained specialists are in great demand. You can, for example, become a  web analyst, social media analyst, data journalist, intelligent software developer, social robot developer or technology consultant. 

 Read more about the career prospects

Admission requirements

Dutch students can check their eligibility in the application procedure for Dutch students.

If you have completed, or are about to complete a study programme abroad, please make sure that you meet the following requirements before applying for the program in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence:

• You have obtained or are going to obtain a secondary school diploma that is equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma. Examples of diplomas which are accepted are the IB, EB, Abitur, Swiss Maturité, etc. You can find out whether your diploma meets our admission requirements. 
• Since the Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program is taught entirely in English, you need to demonstrate your English language proficiency. Tilburg University accepts one of the following tests, which cannot be older than 2 years at the time of your application:
  • an IELTS Academic overall score of > 6.0, all four sub-scores > 5.5;
  • a TOEFL iBT total score of ≥80 (TOEFL institutional code of Tilburg University is 9860);
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), with a mark of C or higher.

Deadline

Applying for the Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence program is possible between October 10, 2018 and May 1, 2019.  

Go to application and admission

Tuition fees for international students

Information about tuition fees

Monthly cost of living

Living in Tilburg is relatively inexpensive compared to other student cities in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht. An indication for your monthly cost of living (including rent, food and drink, books, and insurance), of course depending on your lifestyle:

Related Bachelor's programs

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• If you are interested in learning about different fields at the same time, such as Cognitive Neuroscience: Brain and Cognition, Business and Economics, Law in an International Context, Social Sciences: Human Behavior or Arts and Humanities, then have a look at University College Tilburg: Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• If you are interested in understanding more about the mind and our behavior, then Psychology might be right for you. The study about people: about who we are, how we think and feel, and why we do or don't make certain decisions.