Cognitive Science

Students will gain an understanding of how perceptual and cognitive processes function and interact in humans, technology, economics, organisation, communication, and behaviour.
Central disciplines of this programme are:

• Psychology
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Linguistics
• Philosophy

Educational organisation

The study programme starts with the introduction module in the first semester. After this, students should choose a specialisation from five possible areas:

• Perception
• Cognition and Knowledge
• Language and Linguistics
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Computation

The final part of the programme is the industrial internship followed by the Master's thesis.

Forms of assessment

Written exam, portfolio, oral exam, presentation of practical work

Language requirements

English Language Proficiency:
TOEFL test: 550 points (paper-based)/213 points (computer-based)/80 points (Internet-based)
and/or IELTS: 6.0 points

No proof of German language proficiency is necessary.

Academic requirements

• Qualified Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Psycholinguistics, Informatics, Biology, Physics, Cognitive Science, or equivalent degree
• Language proficiency in English: TOEFL 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 Internet-based and/or IELTS: 6.0 points

Enrolment fees

• Enrolment fee: approx. 200 EUR per semester, includes e.g. free transport in the area around Kaiserslautern (up to 100 km), more than 50 free university sports courses, and more
• Assessment fee: 50 EUR single payment for verification of foreign certificates
• Recommended: German Language & Orientation Course for international Master's students and PhD candidates: 650 EUR single payment

Costs of living

High standard of living at low cost:
Monthly costs: in total approx. 600-650 EUR to cover all personal expenses, e.g. accommodation: approx. 280 EUR; health insurance: approx. 80 EUR; food: approx. 200 EUR

Cost of living - a snapshot of regional prices

• Meal in refectory: 2.40 EUR
• Loaf of bread: 1.20 EUR
• Orange juice (1 litre): 1.00 EUR
• Rice (1kg): 0.90 EUR

Job opportunities

Student assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these are not usually granted in advance. Support in finding a job as a student assistant is available through the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS).

Arrival support

International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern:
Lending a hand in every phase of your stay
Before Your Arrival...
Effective pre-arrival communication helps you to regulate application, visa, residence permit and housing affairs. We supply any information and assistance needed to manage the application procedure and arrange accommodation on demand, and provide support on an individual basis by completing your documents for arrival.
Once You Are Here...
One major task of the ISGS team is to help the students settle into and become part of the university's community. The welcome-package includes pick-up from the train station and drop-off at the student's apartment as well as support with first shopping and highly individualised support in administrative and organisational issues, e.g. enrolment, registration with local authorities, opening a bank account and insurance matters.

Orientation Course - A prelude to German communication, academic culture and daily life. This course is offered twice a year prior to the start of the lecture period (6-8 weeks). It includes intensive language training, administrative support as well as cultural and social events. You will improve your knowledge of German and learn about our teaching styles and methods. In short, this course enhances orientation on campus, in town and in the student community. Once having established a foothold, you will have a clear mind for efficient studies or research!
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Services and support for international students

The International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) cares for international graduates and PhD candidates from the very decision to come to Kaiserslautern until you graduate or leave the university. We lend a hand during every phase of your stay!
Besides the individual support during the pre-arrival phase and warm welcome, we will provide you with continuing support that will enhance your learning:
Mentoring Your Studies and Research...
Whether during your studies or research, ISGS offers a variety of cultural and social events as well as extracurricular activities enhancing your professional skills - such as workshops in academic culture or intercultural communication - which are supplementary and free of charge. These are highly recommended for your personal development.
Jump-Start Your Career...
The ISGS offers professional development training on teamwork and leadership, time management and cross cultural training as well as specific language training with regard to job applications. To achieve outstanding success with regard to your thesis, the variety of our special offers for PhD students during the final period at university is growing consistently.
The ISGS establishes meetings with reputable contacts from science and industry within our Career Services and sets up visits to factories, company headquarters and research institutes in order to help the students launch new careers.
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Accommodation

The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. Unlike in other countries, German dormitories are not owned or operated by the university, but by external institutions. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk, which typically have a waiting period. For international Master or PhD students, the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service.
The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished:
  • Kitchenette: no plates & pots, etc.
  • Bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows)
  • Wardrobe
  • Shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent range: 200-280 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to ISGS is advisable.
http://www.uni-kl.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation/