Mind and Brain

The Master's program in Mind and Brain at Humboldt University of Berlin offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationship between mental processes and brain functions. Designed for students with a keen interest in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and related fields, this program provides comprehensive training in both theoretical concepts and practical research skills. Students explore the foundational principles of neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and philosophical questions about consciousness, perception, and cognition, gaining a holistic view of how the mind operates in relation to the physical brain. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in neuroanatomy, neural modeling, experimental methods, and data analysis, preparing graduates for successful careers in research, academia, or applied cognitive sciences. Hands-on experience is emphasized through laboratory work, internships, and collaborative projects with renowned research institutions. Enhanced by expertise from faculty members who are leading specialists in their fields, the program encourages critical thinking and innovative approaches to solving complex questions about mind and brain functioning. Students also have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects, contribute to scientific publications, and attend international conferences. The flexible structure of the program allows students to tailor their study plan in accordance with their specific interests, whether exploring the neural basis of language, emotion, perception, or higher cognitive functions. Graduates of the program are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further academic research or to enter professional fields such as neurotechnology, clinical psychology, or cognitive therapy. Overall, the Master's in Mind and Brain at Humboldt University of Berlin aims to advance scientific understanding of mental processes and foster innovative research that bridges the gap between neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy.

Educational organisation

Course Details
The core of the Mind and Brain Master's programme is made up of nine courses (neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, research methods, empirical research training, ethics, philosophy of mind, linguistics, clinical neuroscience, neuroimaging) to be taken in the first and second semesters, each of which consists of a lecture and a more in-depth seminar. Students have to select seven out of these nine core modules.
The focus themes and the research consolidations are a continuation of the mandatory courses and build further upon them. In the course of these modules students can - according to their area of specialisation (see explanation above) - select from courses that the Master's programme Mind and Brain offers in collaboration with the Charité Medical School, and the Humboldt University Department of Psychology, Department of Philosophy and Department of Linguistics.
In or at the end of the second and third semester, students must complete one of the following, depending upon their area of specialisation: a lab rotation (Track Brain - area of specialisation: psychology or neuroscience); development of a research project with a tutor (Track Mind - area of specialisation: philosophy) or a professional internship (Track Mind - area of specialisation: academic management).
The voluntary semester abroad is to be taken in the third semester. The courses taken during this semester are devised and agreed upon together with the international partners involved.

First Semester Modules

• 1 Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 2 Cognitive Neuroscience (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 3 Research Methods (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 4 Ethics and Neuroscience (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 10 Focus Theme Mind/Brain I + II (ten ECTS, four hours/week)
• Individual Studies (five ECTS, two hours/week)

Second Semester Modules

• 5 Clinical Neuroscience (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 6 Philosophy of Mind (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 7 Language and the Brain (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 8 Empirical Research Training (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 9 Neuroimaging (five ECTS, four hours/week)
• 13/1 Lab Rotation/Research Project/Internship I (ten ECTS)

Third Semester Modules (third semester may also be spent abroad)

• 13/2 Lab Rotation/Research Project/Internship II (ten ECTS)
• 11 Research Consolidation Mind (ten ECTS, four hours/week) or
• 12 Research Consolidation Brain (ten ECTS, four hours/week)
• Individual Studies (five ECTS, two hours/week)

Fourth Semester

• Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants may spend the third semester abroad. The courses taken during this semester are devised and agreed upon together with the international partners involved.

Forms of assessment

Core courses (modules 1-9) (see above): multiple choice tests or oral exams
Focus themes/research consolidations/research projects (modules 10, 11/12, 13): essays (approx. 20 pages)

Course objectives

The "Mind and Brain" Master's programme acquaints students with the most up-to-date approaches to and results of neuroscience research as well as their bearing upon the fields of psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, and cognitive science.
Students will gain an overview of the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience and learn how to employ this knowledge in tackling questions related to their specific field of study.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English at level B2 must be proven with a recognised language certificate. Accepted certificates are:
1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.0
2. Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): B-C
3. ETS Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):

• internet-based test: 87
• paper-based test: 560

4. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) language certificate: a minimum of C in all skills
5. UNIcert® II-Zertifikat: 3.0

Proficiency in German is not required.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree in psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, linguistics, biology, cognitive science, or a related subject is required.
Please see: http://www.mind-and-brain.de/master/admission/

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 290 EUR per semester (includes a public transport travel pass for six months for the Berlin metropolitan area and parts of surrounding Brandenburg)

Costs of living

Approx. 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (including accommodation, food, health insurance, enrolment fees, public transport)

Job opportunities

Although it is a demanding Master's programme, it is possible to work one day each week.

Arrival support

Humboldt-Universität offers a variety of welcome services and guided tours for foreign students to introduce them to the structure and facilities of the university and the city.

Services and support for international students

The coordinator of the Master's programme and the staff of the Berlin School of Mind and Brain will assist with the administration of students' stays in Berlin (visa, registration, health insurance, matriculation, etc.).

Accommodation

Berlin has a huge market for flats. Compared to other German cities, flats for rent or shared flats for rent in Berlin are often still reasonably priced, but have recently become much more difficult to find. Prices for a room in a shared flat or for a one-room studio range from 400-700 EUR, depending on the district in Berlin and the amenities provided.