BSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence

Program 

In this English-taught program, you focus on artificial intelligence, human cognition and technological innovation and ask questions like:  "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 in addition to developing basic programming skills. 
• In the second year you deepen your knowledge. You apply your skills and knowledge within themes as Human Computer Interaction and Cognitive Robotics. You 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 Machine Learning and Advanced Programming). You also do a minor in which you 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 finish your studies with a Bachelor’s Thesis. 

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

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. 

More on the program and courses

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. Like this, you are constantly up-to-date on the latest developments. The program has, for example, its own Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab, a Robotics Lab and Computing Clusters, where students, scientists, and external stakeholders work together on innovative projects. 
• You develop 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 head start in the job market since there is great demand for specialists in the fields of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence.

What to expect when coming to Tilburg

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

Beyond your Bachelor: Extracurricular Activities

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

View all extracurricular activities

Pursue a Master's degree

Most of our students continue towards a master’s degree after completing their bachelor's program. After you have finished your bachelor’s program, you can opt for an AI master in the Netherlands or abroad.

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 program in your preferred field of study.

Career prospects

Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence prepares you for a successful career in science, business or consultancy . 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 your career prospects

Admission requirements

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

The admission requirements for international students and students with international previous education are as follows:

Your Education
You need to have a high school diploma which is considered equal to the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands. Examples of qualifying diplomas are:

• The International Baccalaureate
• The European Baccalaureate
• Most European high school diplomas which allow access to university in your own country, such as the German Abitur, the Swiss Matura, or the French Baccalauréat.
• In case of a non-EU diploma, we often require an additional year at university before you can start here.

Math Proficiency
You must have sufficient knowledge of mathematics, equal to the Dutch VWO mathematics A or B level.
The following suffice:

• International Baccalaureate: Mathematics Standard or Higher Level.
• British GCE A-Levels: A-level in Mathematics. At least grade A,B or C.
• Germany: Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife, including Mathematics as Grundkurs.
• European Baccalaureate:  Mathematics; written or oral examination, at least 4 hours during the Orientation Cycle.

Foreign students who do not meet the math requirement can also make use of the training courses and exams offered by the Boswell Institute.

English language proficiency
As our Bachelor's program in Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence is taught in English, a good verbal and written command of this language is essential. That's why all applicants must provide proof of their English proficiency.

Tilburg University accepts the following English proficiency certificates:

• Academic IELTS: ≥6.0 overall score (≥5.5 min. on all components)
• TOEFL (internet-based): ≥80
• Cambridge English test results: C1 advanced (formerly CAE) or C2 proficiency (formerly CPE). For both C1 and C2, we accept a score of A, B or C.

Please note that the provided certificate must not be older than two years at the moment of application.

Please note that an English proficiency test is not required if:

• You are a citizen of one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
• You completed your entire secondary education in English either at an international school (completing the IB, the EB, Cambridge International GCSE and A levels) or in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America.
• Your high school diploma is the Dutch VWO, the German Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife, or the Belgian Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs (ASO), and English was one of the examination subjects. Some other high school diplomas where English is an examination subject also give exemption from this requirement, but this will be decided on an individual basis after your application has been assessed.

Deadline

You can submit your application for 2020-2021 from 1 October 2019 until 1 May 2020.

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

• If you are interested in understanding more about the mind and our behavior, Psychology might be right for you. Psychology is the study about who we are, how we think and feel, and why we do or don't make certain decisions.
• If you are interested in analyzing the large amounts of data on which today's society operates, then Data Science might be the right program for you. 
• 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.