February 1, 2025Intelligenziacognitive-science

Studying Cognitive Science in Finland

Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary field that combines psychology, computer science, philosophy, neuroscience, and linguistics to study the mechanisms of the mind and cognition. In Finland, you can study cognitive science at two universities: the University of Helsinki and the University of Jyväskylä.

What is Cognitive Science?

Cognitive science investigates the workings of the human mind from a multidisciplinary perspective. The field combines:

Psychology – the study of human behavior and mind
Computer Science – artificial intelligence and computational models
Neuroscience – brain structure and function
Philosophy – philosophy of mind and epistemology
Linguistics – language structure and processing

Cognitive science students learn to understand how humans perceive the world, process information, make decisions, and interact with technology.

University of Helsinki – The Home of Cognitive Science in Finland

The University of Helsinki is the birthplace of cognitive science in Finland. Cognitive science education began in Helsinki in the 1980s, and Intelligenzia ry was founded in 1989 as the association for cognitive science students and alumni.

LingDig Master's Program

Cognitive science is studied at the University of Helsinki as part of the Master's Programme in Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities (LingDig). Cognitive science is one of the program's five specialization tracks.

Program Details:

Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration: 2 years
Degree: Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Philosophy (FM)
Languages of instruction: Finnish, English, and Swedish

What Do You Study in Helsinki?

The cognitive science studies at the University of Helsinki focus especially on:

Human information processing research
The relationship between language and cognition
AI and human interaction
Computational models of mind
Cognitive neuroscience

Applying to the University of Helsinki

Application Period: January (check exact dates at studyinfo.fi)

Application Routes:

Direct application to the master's program – previous higher education degree in a relevant field
Option right – for those who completed their bachelor's at the University of Helsinki (languages, philosophy, psychology, computer science, mathematics, biology)
Minor studies – open to all UH students and through JOO (flexible study rights) agreements

Minor Study Modules:

KIK-KK100 Communication and Cognition (in Finnish)
LDA-C500 Cognitive Science (in English or Finnish)

Tuition Fees

EU/EEA citizens: No tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens: €13,000/year (scholarships available)

University of Jyväskylä – Human-Technology Interaction

The University of Jyväskylä offers a unique cognitive science master's program that focuses specifically on human-technology interaction.

Cognitive Science Master's Program

Program Details:

Credits: 120 ECTS
Duration: 2 years
Degree: Master of Philosophy (FM)
Faculty: Faculty of Information Technology

What Do You Study in Jyväskylä?

The Jyväskylä program is unique in Finland with its focus on:

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
User Psychology
Interaction Design
User Experience (UX)
Cognitive Modeling
Artificial Intelligence
Argumentative Design

Career Paths from Jyväskylä

Cognitive science graduates from Jyväskylä typically work as:

UX Designers
UI Designers
Usability and Accessibility Specialists
User Researchers
Interaction Designers

Career Opportunities in Cognitive Science

There is growing demand for cognitive science expertise, especially in the technology sector. Typical career paths include:

Technology and Design

UX/UI Design
User Research
Product Development
AI Development

Research and Education

Academic Research
Doctoral Studies
Teaching and Training

Consulting and Expert Roles

Cognitive Ergonomics
Human-Machine Interaction
Digital Service Development

Why Study Cognitive Science?

Interdisciplinary approach – understand the human mind from multiple perspectives
Career relevance – growing demand in the technology sector
Future-proof field – as AI develops, experts who understand humans are needed
Unique expertise – few people understand both technology and humans

Why Helsinki?

The University of Helsinki has the longest tradition of cognitive science education in Finland. Benefits include:

Historical expertise – over 40 years of cognitive science research
Strong alumni network – Intelligenzia ry connects students with professionals
Research opportunities – access to cutting-edge research groups
Location – Helsinki is Finland's tech hub with numerous job opportunities

More Information

Intelligenzia ry is a cognitive science student and alumni association founded in 1989. Join us and network with professionals in the field!