Cognition and Computation (MA)

Birkbeck’s MA in Cognition and Computation is designed for students with backgrounds in computational sciences or the psychological sciences. It is also an ideal foundation for a research career in the cognitive sciences. It studies the cognitive processes and representations underlying human thought, knowledge and behaviour, and integrates a wide range of disciplines and methodologies with the core assumption that human cognition is a computational process, implemented in neural hardware. This programme will cover key topics such as the nature of computational explanation; general principles of cognition; methodology of computational modelling; theories of the cognitive architecture; symbol systems; connectionism; neural computation; and case studies in computational cognitive modelling. The programme involves intensive training in experimental design and methodology, building computational models, and carrying out a substantial piece of original research. Graduates go on to careers in psychology, research sciences, and other disciplines in which computer simulation is used. Possible professions include psychologist or scientific researcher. This degree can also be useful within the field of visual science or in becoming a higher education lecturer.