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 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 doing research.
• 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.
• Ethics and AI is an integrated part of the program, stimulating you to develop AI solutions that are ethical and sustainable.

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 the MSc Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence of Tilburg University, or an AI master in the Netherlands or abroad.

Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence is part of KION (Kunstmatige Intelligentie-Opleidingen in Nederland). This means that you have access to the AI Master’s programs offered by Dutch universities that are also part of KION, being: UvA, VU, RUG, UM, UU and Radboud.

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

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 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 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 using mathematics and statistics to optimize complex processes, and applying your analytical skills to tackle economic, societal, and organizational challenges, Econometrics and Operations Research may be of interest to you.