Cognitive Science MSc
The University of Edinburgh
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( 4.2)

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Main Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

1 Year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Main Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

1 Year

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Psychology
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England
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Course info

Cognitive Science is an exciting and interdisciplinary area spanning fields including computer science, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. Edinburgh is a widely recognised leader in the area, and the School of Informatics has particular strengths in the computational study of higher cognition and reasoning, speech and language, and neuroscience, as well as related areas such as human-computer interaction, robotics, and computer vision. The Cognitive Science degree offers ...Read more

Cognitive Science is an exciting and interdisciplinary area spanning fields including computer science, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. Edinburgh is a widely recognised leader in the area, and the School of Informatics has particular strengths in the computational study of higher cognition and reasoning, speech and language, and neuroscience, as well as related areas such as human-computer interaction, robotics, and computer vision. The Cognitive Science degree offers courses in many of these areas, providing a strong grounding in the shared computational and mathematical foundations while also allowing students to pursue specialised courses in their particular interest areas. Many students also take advantage of relevant courses offered in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences or other parts of the University. Reputation The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks in the top 30 globally for Computer Science. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked our School 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics. This means you will learn from experts at the forefront of their fields, undertaking cutting-edge research in a wide range of areas. Environment You will be part of a large, vibrant department with around 1,750 students across undergraduate, master’s and research programmes and 150 academic staff. You will study in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, and one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech hubs.

Key stats

  IDP Connect
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
17th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
18th

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in informatics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computer science, electrical engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics or psychology, plus experience in computer programming.

Entry to this programme is competitive. A typical offer will normally require a UK first class honours degree.

You must have a sufficient mathematical and informatics background for your chosen area of study.

This should include experience of computer programming equivalent to an introductory programming course and completion of the equivalent of 60 SCQF credits or 30 ECTS credits of mathematics during your degree that have typically covered the following subjects/topics: calculus (differentiation and integration), linear algebra (vectors and multi-dimensional matrices), Discrete mathematics and mathematical reasoning (e.g. induction and reasoning, graph theoretic models, proofs), and probability (concepts in discrete and continuous probabilities, Markov chains etc.)

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£17,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£17,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£17,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£17,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£43,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

£43,300 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Standard single room - 9950 per year

IDP Connect

Uni info

The University of Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.2 miles away
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