Bachelor Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc

3 years English Starts end of August

The interdisciplinary Bachelor’s program Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence integrates the study of artificial intelligence with the study of human cognition. The program offers a balanced mix of theory and practice and includes courses on programming, Machine learning and Deep learning. By exploring topics such as the interaction between humans and technology, the program equips you to develop technological innovations that benefit society.

>50%
international

students

>50%
international

lecturers

Short overview of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

  • The program promotes ‘learning by doing’. It confronts you with real-world problems and acquaints you with AI applications in a variety of settings, for example by participating in project with external partners
  • Education is offered in a state-of-the-art environment with several labs, including Mind Labs, a Robot Lab, and a Virtual and Mixed Reality Lab.
  • Ethics and AI is an integrated part of the program, stimulating you to develop AI solutions that are ethical and sustainable
Program and courses

Program content

In this English-taught program, you learn about how intelligent systems operate and how it is related to the workings of the human brain. The study handles questions like: 'Can computers interpret human emotions in a reliable way? How much meaning can be derived from language? What is required to create a natural interaction between a human and a robot? How do you avoid ‘black box’ software, where the user doesn’t understand how decisions or conclusions are reached? What is the potential impact of Augmented Reality on our  experience of the world?'

  • In the first year you take introductory courses in the fields of artificial intelligence, and human cognition. In addition, you will gain basic programming skills. 
  • In the second year you deepen your knowledge.  You will apply your knowledge and skills within themes such as Machine Learning and Human-Computer and Human-Robot-Interaction. You will also gain experience in conducting research.
  • In the third year you follow specialization courses (for example: an Introduction to Machine Learning and Advanced Programming). You will also follow a minor. In this minor you can choose between gaining in-depth knowledge of your study program or broadening your perspective by taking courses from a different discipline at Tilburg University, a different university in the Netherlands or even abroad. You finish your studies by writing a Bachelor’s Thesis.

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

Typical courses are:

  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 1 & 2
    Explore in what ways the intelligent behavior of living organisms is copied by computers and machines and how this knowledge can be applied to solve problems.
  • Human-Computer Interaction for CSAI
    Understand how humans and computers interact. Specifically, how psychological models are applied in new computer interfaces, such as website designs, apps, and other everyday digital aids. 
  • Introduction to Deep Learning
    Delve into the fundamentals of Deep Learning and learn about the main building blocks of Deep Neural Networks and the primary algorithms used to train them. You will also develop practical skills to apply Deep Learning techniques to a variety of problems through hands-on sessions and project-based assignments

More on the program and courses

Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities

Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities

  • Enigma is the study association for Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence students. They organize a variety of social and educational events, from workshops and guest lectures to hackathons and research presentations, to help their members learn, grow, and connect with others who share their passion for the fields of Cognitive Science and AI. 
  • Challenge yourself by participating in our on-top programs.

View all extracurricular activities

After your Bachelor's

Careers and subsequent Master’s programs

After obtaining your Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, you can choose to do a Master's program. After you have completed a Master's program, you will have favorable career prospects as an Intelligent Software Developer, AI Researcher or Machine Learning Engineer.

Graduates found work at MicrosoftIncentro or Capgemini.

 Discover what you can do after your Bachelor’s

Application and admission

Please follow the national application and admission procedure (in Dutch) if you are applying based on a Dutch vwo or hbo-p diploma, regardless of your nationality. A general description of the national application procedure is also available in English.

Admission requirements

  • To be eligible for admission to a research university such as Tilburg University, you must have a high school diploma equal to the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands (the Dutch vwo diploma).
  • As this Bachelor’s program is taught entirely in English, you must prove your English language proficiency
  • A good knowledge of mathematics is important for being successful in this Bachelor’s program. In order to be admitted, you must therefore prove that you have sufficient knowledge of mathematics.

You can find more detailed information about the admission requirements on this program's 'Application and admission' page.

Go to application and admission

Tuition fees and monthly cost of living

Tuition fees

When you wish to study at Tilburg University, you must pay a tuition fee.

  • Tuition fees cover the cost of lectures and facilities provided by the university, such as the extensive university library, Wi-Fi on campus, and symposia and other meetings.
  • Tuition fees at Tilburg University are always for one full academic year.

More information on the tuition fees and rates

Estimated monthly costs of living

Besides the tuition fees, you will have living costs and other expenses. You will find life in Tilburg relatively inexpensive compared to life in other Dutch university cities, such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. The approximate cost of living is between € 925 and € 1.125 per month.

(Furnished) accommodation Starting from € 550 per month
Foods & Drinks € 200 per month
Books & Readers € 65 per month
Insurance € 100 per month
Sport membership + € 139.95 per year

The Bachelor's program in less than 3 minutes

Do you want more information on this Bachelor's program?

  • Prakhar

    Prakhar

    Bachelor's student

    "The Intersection of Cognitive Science with rapid advancements in the age of AI is what makes CSAI most appealing to me. The interdisciplinarity, open-mindedness and diverse range of courses in CSAI is what keeps it so interactive, while broadening its application in multiple areas." 

    Ask me a question

  • Arash

    Arash

    Bachelor's student

    "'There’s more than meets the eye' is a perfect way to describe the field of AI. Behind every system, be it simple or very complex, an interdisciplinary team has worked together to optimize the outcome. And this concept is precisely what this Bachelor's program focuses on."

    Ask me a question

  • Bachelor student CSAI Raya

    Raya

    Bachelor's student

    "What intrigues me is the opportunity to explore the intersection of various disciplines, revealing the intricate connection between human cognition and AI. It's more than just studying—it's about shaping the future alongside fellow passionate learners in a vibrant community."

Study choice activities

Throughout the year you have the opportunity to meet us and learn more about Tilburg University and the programs that we offer. You can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.

All information in one e-brochure

Create your own e-brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, and student life in Tilburg.

All information in one e-brochure

Are you and Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence a match? If you...

  • are good at logical reasoning, analyzing and have a creative mindset

  • are curious about how computers and robots show intelligent behavior

  • are interested in being at the forefront of how technological innovations can be used in a responsible way to benefit society

Then this is the program for you!

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