Brain and Cognitive Sciences
What our students say
Brain and Cognitive Sciences (MSc)
Gert-Jan Munneke (The Netherlands), student 2011 - 2013
The research master Brain and Cognitive Sciences of the CSCA is definitely one of the best of its kind. So far I have been amazed by the way this programme manages to give the students a broad understanding of all the major current issues of cognitive neuroscience while at the same time providing enough depth and freedom so that students can specialize in their own specific topics of interest. The interdisciplinary approach really helps in broadening your horizon. During the research internships you can than specialize in your particular topic of interest, work together with leading professors and get some hands on practical experience with techniques like EEG and fMRI. I, for example, am now working with children with dyslexia, using EEG to investigate the neural underpinnings of reading disabilities.
What also really stands out is the international orientation of this master. Not only the teachers but also the students come from all over the world. In my class there are 11 different nationalities! It was also really nice to get to know them outside of the academic setting during the annual study trip. Their motivation and varying academic backgrounds create an inspiring atmosphere in which all students can learn from each other. The teachers are engaged and informal, making it easy to approach them if you want to discuss something or when you’re looking for an internship. So far this programme has been a great experience.
Ger Post (The Netherlands), student 2009-2011
‘Once you realize that the brain is the most complex structure of the universe, you have two options; you either get depressed by the enormous amount of brain related questions that need to be answered, or you get a big part of your 100 billion neurons to find some answers. You will find students that choose the latter option at the Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences.' ‘Together with philosophy, neurobiology, mathematics, and language students, I (with a psychology background) have journeyed into the brain and so far it has been ‘a great adventure'. The enthusiasm of the lecturers, the staff, and my fellow students is definitely contagious. Classes are full of debates, we have been to London for a meeting with researchers at Birkbeck University, and I am conducting my research project at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. So, even though the brain is still an overwhelming structure, there is simply no time to get depressed.'
Hannah Widmann, Track Cognitive Science, student 2008-2010
“My experience with this programme has been a whirlwind so far. After I had chosen Amsterdam for their interesting course schedule and their dedicated and friendly staff (both research and support) I immediately discovered that although the academic backgrounds of the student group are very diverse, there are other people on this programme who are interested in the same research questions as I am. At UvA I thus first experienced how brilliant it is to be surrounded by peers - and how intimidating it feels when everyone else is extremely dedicated and slightly competitive! All in all, I just love the rapport we have going in the student group even after just one semester. We are united by our diverse but geeky interests and the knowledge that there are no cut-out solutions to our questions but that we instead have to work on these ourselves!
I also like the contact with teaching staff of the university, which are all extremely involved and helpful. The nature of the subject matter makes the class sessions very lively and full of debates- which means that preparation needs to be done extra carefully on our part, but also requires the lecturers to be on their feet! All in all, I am very glad I have chosen the Brain and Cognitive Sciences master at UvA.”
Gunes Kantaroglu (Turkey), alumna 2010
‘The master in Brain and Cognitive Sciences is an advanced research programme, unique in its flexibility, intellectual content and multidisciplinarity. The course gives you the freedom to research whatever may strike your interest, providing state of the art facilities and top-class researchers at your service. The department collaborates with economists, psychologists, biologists, linguists and computer scientists. In addition to this, you get to bounce your ideas off of classmates who are not only highly intelligent but also come from different backgrounds, giving you a fresh outlook on your research. I really cannot think of a better environment to be in on your way to becoming a cognitive science researcher.‘
Max Keuken (The Netherlands), alumnus 2009
'The Research Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences in Amsterdam is one that emphasizes that research is dynamic, creative and interdisciplinary. As a student you are encouraged to get to know the ins and outs of a research topic by talking with professors in class or in the nearby pub over a drink. You are able to decide which direction you want to go in this field by choosing your own topics for research.
Last but not least: it also helps that the Master is filled with talented national and international students. Each of which have different backgrounds but all share a common ground: the interest in cognitive science. It's a pleasure and an honour to be able to work with so many talented students and teachers.'