Entry requirements
Brain and Cognitive Sciences (MSc)
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Previous Education
Depending on the track of choice the applicant must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent.
- Behavioural Neuroscience track: Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology, Biomedical Science, Biology or equivalent
- Cognitive Neuroscience track: Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology, (Cognitive/Biological) Psychology, Cognitive Science or equivalent.
- Cognitive Science track: Bachelor's degree in (Cognitive) Psychology, Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Philosophy or equivalent.
Applicants with another Bachelor's degree may also be admitted to the Research Master provided they have an adequate academic background in the field of neuroscience and/or cognitive sciences.
International students need to submit a preliminary application form to see if your academic background is sufficient to participate in the Master's programme.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:
- 3.5 (GPA American system)
- 2.1 (a 2nd class honours / upper division British system)
- 7,5 (Dutch EC-system)
Admission will not be granted based on a sufficient grade point average alone. Applicants are also assessed on the basis of their motivation and the content of their prior coursework.
Motivation
Motivation is assessed on the basis of a written letter of intent. Prepare a letter of intent (up to one page) seeking a place in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Master Programme describing your academic interests and reasons for applying. Applicants' prior academic coursework should demonstrate their active interest in cognitive and/ or neural research.
References
Because of our competitive applicant pool, letters of recommendation hold substantial weight in our admissions decisions. Applicants must submit two letters of reference from academic staff members, a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the field, listing the applicant's ability to conduct independent research and report on the results.
The Research Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences uses a specific format for the letters of recommendation. In the application form you can submit your referee’s name and his/her email. They will receive a link to the specific format and will be able to fill it in. This needs to be filled out digitally, but we would like to point out that the academic staff member’s original signature is needed. It is the student’s responsibility that the referee is aware of the process and that he/she has submitted the letter of recommendation to go along with the application. Applications without reference letters will not be taken into account.
The PDF file only works in Acrobat Reader. To fill out the Letter of Reference form (PDF version) correctly, please use Acrobat Reader. In other cases, use the Word file version.
Extra curricular activities
For this the applicants need to submit a resume (cv), listing among others the activities they did in addition to their studies. You can think of the following activities: (voluntary) jobs, board membership, conference attendance, relevant research experience or other activities that could be relevant for your application for this Master's programme . Note that extra-curricular activities are not obligatory, but desirable for distinguishing yourself from other applicants.
English language requirements
All our international programmes are conducted in English. Non-native English speakers need to submit proof of their proficiency in the English language before enrolling in one of these programmes.
Please note we only accept the TOEFL test, The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS test) or a Cambridge Examination Score. The test result should be received by the International Office of the Faculty of Science before May 1st of the year of application.
- TOEFL Test. Minimum scores required; Internet-based test (iBT): 98. Please note the TOEFL-code for the Faculty of Science of the Universiteit van Amsterdam is: 8628.
- IELTS-test. Minimum score IELTS-test: 7.0, at least 6.5 on sub-scores listening and reading.
- A Cambridge Examination Score with a minimum test result of CAE A or B will also be accepted. For the CPE test a minimal score of B is required.
Chinese applicants are required to take an IELTS test or the TOEFL (Internet-based test only). These are the only two tests accepted by the Nuffic, which provides certificates to all Chinese students who wish to study in the Netherlands.
Please note there are some differences between the TOEFL and IELTS test. Available practice material, test dates, prices and locations differ per country.
Overall Impression
For the overall impression the board of examiners takes the six points mentioned above into account, in addition they will look at such things as interest / experience in research, interdisciplinary focus, interest in cognitive processes, future ambitions.