Neuro-Cognitive Psychology (NCP)

The aim of the four-semester study programme MSc in Neuro-Cognitive Psychology (NCP) is to train a select group of about 15 students each year (recruited from around the world) in both methodological and conceptual topics in this neuroscience-oriented discipline of psychology, and to provide an education that competes with the best international programmes.
More detailed information is provided on the NCP website: http://www.psy.lmu.de/ncp/

Educational organisation

In the first two semesters, students study an optimally structured broad curriculum, learning state-of-the-art basic scientific knowledge. The second part of the programme provides students with the opportunity to specialise and expand their knowledge in particular modules by participating in two full-time research projects between lecture periods and in advanced optional courses on current research topics in the third semester. The fourth semester is set aside for the writing of the Master's thesis.
More detailed information is provided on the NCP website: http://www.psy.lmu.de/ncp/

Study abroad unit(s)

Students may undertake one of the two obligatory research projects (see above) at a partner institution/laboratory abroad. Work for the Master's thesis may also be done abroad.
More detailed information is provided on the NCP website: http://www.psy.lmu.de/ncp/

Internships

In two full-time, supervised research projects (the topics of which are derived from the context of the supervisor's current research and which are to be completed during the semester breaks), students have the opportunity to bring together their acquired conceptual and methodological/technical knowledge and skills in independent work, under the guidance of their supervisors.

Forms of assessment

Examinations are held at the end of each semester. Apart from their performance in written exams, students are also graded according to their performance in seminars and tutorial courses (oral presentations and class participation).
The research projects (reports) are evaluated by the project supervisor(s). In addition, students present the results of their projects in poster presentation sessions which take place twice a year at the LMU.
More detailed information is provided on the NCP website: http://www.psy.lmu.de/ncp/

Course objectives

1. Research-oriented education in state-of-the-art methods and theories of neuro-cognitive psychology (e.g. experimental procedures for the measurement and imaging of neuro-cognitive functions and their disorders, neuro-cognitive modelling and theory formation)
2. Expanding students' intellectual horizons as well as developing their interpersonal skills: cross-disciplinary teaching topics from Psychology, the Neurosciences (Biology, Medicine, etc.), and related disciplines (Philosophy, Computing Science, etc.); discussion, in obligatory seminars, of historical, philosophical, and ethical developments and problems encountered by the neuro-sciences; developing team and leadership abilities in small-group work, as well as of communication skills in project-oriented workshops
3. Key qualifications for postgraduate studies or science-related careers in positions of leadership: qualification for (1) internationally competitive, basic-science research, especially postgraduate studies (doctoral study programmes); (2) the application of basic-science knowledge in innovative applied fields in industry (e.g. ergonomic product and workplace design) and the health sector (e.g. neuropsychological diagnostics); (3) scientific communication (e.g. international conferences and journals); (4) self-organised, advanced studies in a methodologically and conceptually fast developing research field; promotion of team and leadership abilities as well as communication skills; orientation to/sensitisation for novel professional perspectives in research-related (e.g. industrial high-tech) areas of application
More detailed information is provided on the NCP website: http://www.psy.lmu.de/ncp/

Language requirements

Applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency by obtaining acceptable results in an internationally recognised test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, APIEL, CPE). Proof of higher education in English or residence of a reasonable length in an English-speaking country may also be acceptable upon the decision of the Admissions Committee. Language skills may also be evaluated during the personal interviews of selected candidates.

Academic requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in psychology, biology, medicine, or a closely related subject area. Also eligible to apply are students in the final year of their Bachelor's or equivalent degree courses, provided that the degree will be conferred prior to enrolment in this programme in the winter semester (October).
German applicants who do not hold a Bachelor's degree must have successfully completed the "Vordiplom" or "Physikum" examinations in one of the subjects specified above and have completed two semesters of advanced-level courses ("Hauptstudium") by the date of enrolment in this programme.
The applicants' age should not exceed 27 upon enrolment. Exceptions are possible only under particular circumstances upon the decision of the admissions committee.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 120 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Munich metropolitan area.

Costs of living

Living costs (including accommodation in a student hall of residence and health insurance) in Munich range from about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

There are opportunities to supplement your income by working as a student laboratory or research assistant ("Studentische Hilfskraft") on our council-funded research projects. This opportunity is open to all students, although some restrictions apply to students from non-EU countries (who are limited to a total of 120 full days/240 half days of work per year).

Arrival support

An orientation week is offered prior to the start of the programme. During this time, assistance and advice will be provided for managing day-to-day life, including arranging for a bank account, health insurance, residence permit, transport pass, accommodation and enrolment. Students have the opportunity to meet with faculty members for academic advice, and to visit the laboratories of the participating institutions. In addition, the orientation period informs students about computing and library facilities, the city and the university, sports facilities and cultural events.

Services and support for international students

The International Office offers a support and integration programme to assist international students, doctoral students, and postdocs at LMU:
http://www.en.uni-muenchen.de/about_lmu/contact/int_office/index.html

Accommodation

Single rooms for students under the age of 30 are available in student halls of residence administered by student services ("Studentenwerk"), with monthly rents starting at approx. 160 EUR and ranging up to 330 EUR. Information on accommodation will be given to all students upon acceptance into the programme. Private accommodation is usually more expensive, but offers a wider range of options. For detailed English-language information regarding both on- and off-campus accommodation in Munich, see the English-language "Studentenwerk" website: http://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/.