Cognitive sciences and studies of the mind

Course Overview

The Master's Degree in Cognitive Sciences and Mind Studies (LM-55) is a two-year programme offering advanced, interdisciplinary training in the study of the mind, the brain, and behaviour, integrating neuroscientific, psychological, philosophical, and technological perspectives.

The programme was established with the aim of training a new generation of scholars and professionals capable of understanding, analysing, and modelling mental processes through an integrated approach that connects cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, robotics, bioengineering, and philosophical inquiry into the mind.

In a rapidly evolving scientific and technological landscape, the study of cognition today requires cross-disciplinary competencies ranging from the analysis of the neurobiological foundations of mental processes — including mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation — to the development of computational models of the mind and intelligent systems. With this in mind, the programme prepares graduates to work in the fields of neuroscientific research, cognitive technologies, and clinical and digital applications of mind science.

The curriculum is distinguished by an interdisciplinary structure organised around three strategic areas:

• clinical neuroscience and neuromodulation, with particular focus on the study of the neural bases of cognition and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques

• artificial intelligence and cognitive robotics, for the modelling of mental processes and the development of intelligent systems inspired by the functioning of the brain

• philosophy of mind and epistemology of cognitive sciences, for the critical analysis of theoretical models of cognition, consciousness, and the interaction between natural and artificial systems

Why choose this course

• an interdisciplinary approach combining neuroscience, technology, and the humanities

• integration of theoretical models with clinical and technological applications

• access to research laboratories and top-tier clinical settings

• use of advanced technologies (neuroimaging, biosignals, neuromodulation, AI)

• opportunity for specialization through two distinct study tracks

What you will learn

The program is structured with a common first year, followed by a second year divided into two tracks: Neurophysiopathology of the Mind and Mind and Behavioral Sciences.

Throughout the program, you will acquire the skills to:

• analyze cognitive processes and human behavior

• study the interaction between the mind, the brain, and the environment

• use advanced neuroimaging and data analysis techniques

• develop computational models and intelligent systems

• design educational, clinical, and technological interventions

• integrate neuroscientific, behavioral, and computational data

• evaluate the ethical aspects of scientific and technological applications

Internship and Laboratories

The curricular internship (12 ECTS credits) takes place at IRCCS Neuromed, allowing students to acquire practical skills within research and clinical application settings.

Students have access to advanced laboratories and facilities, including:

• neuromodulation and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques

• structural and functional neuroimaging

• biosignal analysis and computational modeling

• digital technologies for cognitive assessment and rehabilitation

• biomedical research and translational neuroscience

Admission Requirements

Possession of a three-year undergraduate degree (laurea triennale) in one of the following subject areas (classi di laurea):

• L-20 (Communication Sciences),

• L-24 (Psychological Sciences and Techniques),

• L-31 (Computer Science and Techniques),

• L-19 (Education and Training Sciences),

• or a degree in a health profession (L/SNT/1, L/SNT/2, L/SNT/3, L/SNT/4);

• alternatively, possession of an academic qualification obtained abroad that is recognized as equivalent.

- For those who have obtained an undergraduate degree in a subject area (classe di laurea) other than those listed above, it is required to have earned at least 54 ECTS credits (CFU) in fields relevant to the LM-55 degree program.

Students must meet these curricular requirements prior to the assessment of their individual academic background; specifically, it is not permitted to assign educational debts (debiti formativi) or additional learning requirements (obblighi formativi aggiuntivi) to students enrolling in a master’s degree program (laurea magistrale).

Final Examination

The final examination consists of the defense of a Master’s degree thesis, developed independently under the guidance of a supervisor and focused on topics consistent with the student's course of study.

The topic, agreed upon with the supervisor, must align with the educational objectives of the degree program. The thesis may be experimental or theoretical in nature and can be conducted at external organizations, companies, or public/private institutions. The work must demonstrate not only a mastery of the subjects addressed but also the ability to tackle complex problems using a multidisciplinary approach.

Further Studies

The program provides access to:

• PhD programs

• Second-level Master’s degrees

• Advanced professional training programs

Learning Objectives

The Master's Degree Programme in Cognitive Sciences and Mind Studies trains graduates with advanced expertise in the study of cognitive processes, mind-brain systems, and their applications in clinical, technological, and research settings.

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

• analyze cognitive processes and human behavior through neuroscientific, psychological, and computational models
• studying complex mind-brain-environment systems by integrating theoretical and empirical approaches
• design innovative training and rehabilitation interventions based on advanced technologies, neuromodulation, and artificial intelligence
• use data analysis tools for data derived from neuroimaging and other advanced neuroscientific methodologies
• contribute to the development of theoretical models and experimental evidence in the study of the mind, including mechanisms of synaptic plasticity
• participate in interdisciplinary research activities on cognition, behavior, and interfaces between biological and artificial systems

Career Opportunities

The fields in which the programme can find application. No employment data will be published until verified surveys of the University's graduate cohorts are available.

• neuroscience and cognitive science research centers
• PhD programs in neuroscience, cognitive science, and technology
• multidisciplinary clinical and rehabilitation settings
• neurotechnology and applied neuroscience centers
• development of intelligent systems and cognitive robotics
• analysis of cognitive and neuroscientific data
• educational and training design
• consulting in organizational and decision-making contexts

Study plan

The complete curriculum, year by year, as outlined in the official document. Open a year to view the courses.

Master's Degree Programme in Cognitive Sciences and Mind Studies — Study Plan