PhD - Doctor of Philosophy in Cognitive Science

University College Dublin

Students study topics in a very wide variety of professional disciplines. The breadth of topics covered is challenging, but encourages students to think beyond the narrow confines of a single speciality. The research project is structured to allow greater depth in the pursuit of a single topic, and results in professionally meaningful deliverables. Lecturers are highly qualified, research active cognitive scientists with a range of specialities.Unique taught offering providing advanced material in psychology, philosophy of mind, computational modeling, neuropsychology, and moreIdeal preparation for future PhD studies tackling interdisciplinary topicsIncludes a substantial research project, conducted largely during the Summer monthsCareers EmployabilityThis is not a vocational course. In the course of one year we cover a very broad range of material, thus greatly increasing the breadth of academic exposure of our students. Historically, about half of the students go on to do PhD studies, and many others look for work in research. This course will not make a psychologist out of a non-psychologist, or an IT specialist out of someone who is not an IT specialist upon entry. It will enable students to tackle research issues they might not have been able for before, and to do PhDs in areas that would not have been possible before. It also has the potential to enrich ones engagement with a very broad range of challenging material. Many students pursue this course because of a passionate interest in our scientific understanding of what it is to be human. Please note that a cognitive science degree is not part of an accredited programme towards a clinical degree.Programme OutcomesArticulate research questions within the field and display an awareness of the empirical methods that can potentially be brought to bear on themBring insights from diverse disciplines to bear on focussed topics within the fieldCommunicate research questions and findings to audiences in diverse disciplines, including the general publicCritique theoretical and empirical claims made in the primary literatureIdentify and describe major topics arising within the domain of cognitive scienceInform discussions that demand the integration of skills and insights from diverse disciplines in addressing topics related to human experience and behaviourPresent their research in public and communicate clearly in writingRecognize and manage the theoretical diversity found within contributing disciplinesSituate contemporary research in cognitive science in a theoretical and practical context