Courses are taught exclusively in English.
1 June
The MSc Cognitive Systems programme is a two-year Master's degree programme that covers the areas of computational linguistics, machine learning, and knowledge representation and reasoning. The programme is unique in bringing together all three fields in an interdisciplinary combination. The main focus is on developing intelligent computer systems; we also cover formal models of human cognitive processes.
The programme teaches you how to build computer systems that process language and that learn, reason, and solve problems autonomously. It is a four-semester programme that is jointly taught by the Department of Computer Science and the computational linguistics and psycholinguistics groups within the Department of Linguistics. The programme provides students with strong foundations in computational linguistics, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, and statistical modelling.
The study programme starts off with lectures that teach you the basics of language, learning, and reasoning.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the MSc Cognitive Systems programme, we assume that most students will have incomplete knowledge of one or two of the foundation areas (mathematics, computer science, and linguistics). These students must attend and pass the foundation modules for the respective areas in their first semester. All students are expected to pass three basic modules that will provide them with deeper knowledge of the foundation areas. As you progress through the programme, the responsibility of defining your own research problems will then shift more and more from us towards you. You can further extend your knowledge in the chosen areas via advanced elective modules, two project modules, and one individual research module. At the end, you will complete your first larger-scale research project in the form of your MSc thesis.
PDF DownloadStudents have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad via the Erasmus+ programme.
No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). There is only an administrative fee, which currently amounts to 316 EUR. This semester contribution includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin.
Living in Germany is rather cheap compared to other countries in Northern and Western Europe. Monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam vary between 870 and 1,200 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.
Applicants need to demonstrate that they already have programming skills as well as background knowledge in at least one of these areas: Foundations of Mathematics, Foundations of Computer Science, or Foundations of Linguistics. We accept students from a variety of backgrounds, such as computational linguistics, computer science, linguistics, or neighbouring disciplines, e.g. mathematics and psychology.
Documentation of your background knowledge in at least one of these areas: Foundations of Mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics), Foundations of Computer Science (data structures and algorithms, formal languages and automata), or Foundations of Linguistics (syntax, semantics, phonology, pragmatics). It is possible to document your background knowledge by having taken at least 9 ECTS worth of classes.
Documentation of your programming skills. The preferred way is that your transcript of records clearly lists at least 6 ECTS worth of programming classes. Alternatively, you can send in certificates regarding extracurricular programming courses that you have attended or documentation of programming projects that you have completed.
Your English language skills should be at the level C1. Acceptable certificates include:
1 June
Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. The German capital, Berlin, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.
There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Potsdam's Association for Student Affairs ("Studentenwerk Potsdam"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.
For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click this link.
The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
