Studying Cognitive Science in Finland

Cognitive science can be studied at several universities in Finland. This guide explains what options are available, how the application process works, and what the studies include.

Cognitive Science Master's Program at University of Helsinki

The only Finnish program where cognitive science can be studied as a main subject is the University of Helsinki's Linguistic Diversity and Digital Humanities (LingDig) master's program.

Program structure

Scope: 120 ECTS credits (2 years) Degree: Master of Arts (MA) Language of instruction: Mainly English, some courses in Finnish

What do you study?

Cognitive science track studies include:

Theoretical foundations:

Introduction to Cognitive Science
Philosophy of Mind and Language
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience

Methodology:

Experimental Research Methods
Statistical Analysis Methods
Computational Modeling
Programming for Research

Specialization:

Language Cognition
Consciousness Studies
Music Cognition
AI and Cognition

Master's thesis (30 ECTS): Independent research applying learned methods to a cognitive question.

Application

Application period: Typically January–March (check annually) Eligibility: Bachelor's degree or equivalent Languages: Finnish, Swedish, or English

Suitable backgrounds:

Psychology
Linguistics
Philosophy
Computer Science
Neuroscience
Mathematics

Applications must include a motivation letter and study plan. Prior experience in the field (courses, research assistant work) is an advantage but not required.

More information: University of Helsinki application pages

Cognitive Science-Related Studies Elsewhere

Although the actual cognitive science major is only in Helsinki, cognitively relevant studies can be pursued at other universities:

Aalto University

Aalto University offers strong opportunities for computational and neuroscientific orientation:

Life Science Technologies – Master's program including neuroscience studies Computer Science – Opportunity to specialize in AI and human-computer interaction Human-Computer Interaction – Interface design specialization

Aalto students can also take courses from the University of Helsinki through the JOO agreement.

University of Jyväskylä

Psychology – Strong cognitive psychology and developmental psychology Music Science – Music cognition research and teaching HCI (Human-Technology Interaction) – Cognitive perspective on technology design

University of Turku

Psychology – Developmental and cognitive neuroscience Philosophy – Philosophy of mind and consciousness Linguistics – Language processing

Tampere University

Information Technology and Communication – HCI and game research Psychology – Cognitive psychology

Bachelor's Degrees and Minors

Cognitive science cannot be studied as a bachelor's-level major in Finland. Instead, you can:

Study your bachelor's in a related field (psychology, linguistics, philosophy, computer science) and apply to the cognitive science master's program
Choose cognitive minors during bachelor's studies
Complete JOO studies at another university

At the University of Helsinki, you can complete a cognitive science minor module (25 ECTS).

International Opportunities

Alongside or instead of a Finnish degree, you might consider international programs:

Europe:

University of Edinburgh – Informatics: Cognitive Science
University College London – Cognitive Neuroscience
University of Amsterdam – Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Osnabrück University – Cognitive Science

North America:

MIT – Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Stanford – Symbolic Systems
University of California San Diego – Cognitive Science
Carnegie Mellon – Psychology / Machine Learning

Exchange studies: Finnish universities offer exchange programs through which you can complete part of your studies abroad. The Erasmus program covers European universities.

What Do Cognitive Science Studies Provide?

Cognitive science studies develop skills valued in many fields:

Analytical thinking – Ability to break complex problems into parts and approach them systematically

Multidisciplinary understanding – Ability to combine perspectives from different disciplines

Research methods – Experimental research, statistical analysis, computational modeling

Technical skills – Programming, data analysis, brain research methods

Critical reading – Evaluating and synthesizing scientific literature

After Graduation

Cognitive science graduates find diverse employment:

UX design and user research
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Research and academic careers
Consulting
Technology companies
Education and learning development

Tips for Applicants

Start early – Familiarize yourself with the program and its requirements well before the application period
Build relevant background – Choose courses in psychology, linguistics, philosophy, or programming during your bachelor's
Write a good motivation letter – Explain why cognitive science interests you specifically and how it relates to your future goals
Network – Join Intelligenzia before applying, meet people in the field, and ask about experiences

Community and Support

Intelligenzia ry is the community for cognitive science students and alumni. The association organizes:

Events and seminars
Mentoring
Networking opportunities
Peer study guidance

Join and meet people in the field from the beginning of your studies!

Cognitive Science at University of Helsinki – Details about the Helsinki program
Cognitive Science at Aalto University – Technical and computational perspective
What Is Cognitive Science? – Basic information about the field
Cognitive Science Careers – Where studies lead