Skip navigation

Application

Admission requirements

Degree

Applicants must hold a Dutch Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Biomedical Sciences, Psychobiology, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics or Philosophy.
Applicants with Bachelor's degrees in other fields may also be admitted provided they have an adequate academic background in the field of neuroscience and/or cognitive sciences.

Grade Point Average and Motivation

Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:

  • 3.5 (GPA US System)
  • 2.1 (a 2nd class honours / upper division British system)
  • 7,5 (Dutch EC-System)

Admission is not based on grade point average alone. Applicants are also assessed in terms of their motivation and the content of their prior coursework. Motivation is assessed on the basis of a written letter of intent. Applicants' prior academic coursework should demonstrate an active interest in cognitive research.

References

Applicants must submit two letters of reference from academic staff members at their degree institution testifying to the applicant's ability to conduct independent research and report on the results. The Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences uses a specific format for these references. Please make sure the referee uses the reference form that can be downloaded by following the link below. This can be filled out digitally, but we would like to point out that we need the academic staff members’ original signatures.
Reference form for academic staff member   

 

Intake

Once their applications have been received, applicants may be invited to an admission interview with the programme manager. This interview is used to assess students' motivation, academic potential and progress and ambition. The programme manager and the Board of Examiners consult to determine whether a student is suited for admission to the Research Master's programme.

Deadline

  • Non-EU/EEA students are advised to apply before 1 February.
  • EU/EEA students are advised to apply before 1 April
    (for applications later than 1 May, please contact the International Office first).
  • Dutch students should apply before 15 April
    (a first come, first served policy applies after this date).

In case you missed the deadline or if you cannot submit the necessary documents on time, please contact us via email studieadviseur-iis@uva.nl

How to apply?

General Procedure

The Board of Examiners will assess the applications based on a number of factors:
1. Previous Academic Education
2. Grades
3. Motivation
4. References
5. Extra curricular activities.
6. Overall impression (such as interest in research, interdisciplinary focus etc.) 

Based on the assessment of the application files, applicants will be divided into three groups

  • those who will be directly accepted
  • those who will be invited for a selection interview*
  • those who will be directly rejected   

* All suitable international applicants will be invited for a selection interview as part of our standard procedure.

Application procedure International students

International applicants must also fulfil the general entry requirements set by the Faculty of Science regarding proficiency in English. For this information and more information on the application procedure for international students, please follow the link below.
Refer to Application procedure - international students

Application procedure Dutch students

Dutch applicants must fill out the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Application Form and opt for the track of their choice. Applicants should submit the following:

  • Application form. A completed application form plus one passport photo - please write your name on the back
  • Motivation letter. State in about 300 words the reasons why you wish to attend the programme.
  • Academic transcripts (Certified copies). Official transcripts of all university courses/examinations you have taken including the credits and grades you have obtained. If you have attended more than one university, please enclose a chronological overview with your application
  • Two letters of reference from academic staff members.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • A copy of your passport or ID card
  • Written work. A copy of your BA thesis or BA internship report, if not available, please hand in a copy of another recent academic paper.

Please download the application form below, and send a completed version together with all other required documents to:

Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS)
Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences Application form
Sarphatistraat 104
1018 GV Amsterdam
Application form 2011 - 2013 brain and cognitive sciences [PDF]

Further information

For further information regarding admission requirements or the application procedure for international students, please contact the International Office of the Faculty of Science.
Refer to master@science.uva.nl

Dutch students can contact the study advisors for further questions regarding admission requirements or the application procedure.
Refer to studieadviseur-iis@uva.nl