Computation in Neural and Artificial Systems

The human brain is a hugely complex machine that is able to perform tasks that are vastly beyond current capabilities of artificial systems. Understanding the brain has always been a source of inspiration for developing artificially intelligent agents and has led to some of the defining moments in the history of AI. At the same time, theoretical insights from artificial intelligence provide new ways to understand and probe neural information processing in biological systems. On the one hand, the Master's in Computation in Neural and Artificial Systems addresses how models based on neural information processing can be used to develop artificial systems, probing of human information processing in closed-loop online settings, as well as the development of new machine learning techniques to better understand human brain function. On the other hand it addresses various ways of modelling and understanding cognitive processing in humans.

Accreditation: NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

A completed Bachelor's degree

Students must have a completed Bachelor's degree from an academic university (this does not include a Bachelor’s from a University of Applied Science, in Dutch HBO) in Artificial Intelligence or a related programme with a comparable content that sufficiently prepares for an advanced master program in AI. An acceptable applicant should have some knowledge of Computer Science (in particular sufficient programming experience and software development experience, about 15-24 EC), Artificial Intelligence techniques (search/planning/representation algorithms, machine learning, reasoning under uncertainty, neural networks, logics, and robotics, about 36-42 EC), Mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, about 15-18 EC), and some Cognitive Science (e.g. cognitive psychology or cognitive neuroscience).

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to demonstrate fluency in both written and spoken English. Students with a Dutch VWO diploma or an English Bachelor are considered sufficiently proficient in English. Other non-native speakers of English* must obtain one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL score of ≥575 (paper based) or ≥90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of ≥6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

Motivation Letter

Please describe your future plans and what you would like to learn and research at Radboud University. What are the topics of the research you would like to do? This will allow us to find out if your previous education is appropriate. It is not sufficient to say that you 'want to do something in Medical Biology'. Please be more specific, for example: cancer research, genomics, malaria or tissue engineering and explain how your previous education prepared you for this specific Master's programme. Last but not least, motivate your interest in studying at Radboud University (specific disciplines, facilities or other considerations).

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2018/2019). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,060 in 2018/2019). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.