Cognitive Artificial Intelligence: Utrecht University

About the programme

The central theme of the Master’s programme in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence (CAI) is the integration of two kinds of knowledge: knowledge of human intelligence and knowledge of machine intelligence.

The man/machine theme can go in two different directions: our primary focus can alternate between understanding human intelligence and constructing intelligent machines. If the primary focus is understanding human intelligence, then knowledge of machines becomes a modelling tool. We use machines to simulate human abilities, thereby learning things about those abilities. If, on the other hand, the primary focus is the construction of intelligent machines, then our knowledge of human capacities can be used as a heuristic guideline in developing the desired capabilities for such machines.

Career Opportunities

Some graduates will continue doing research at a university as a PhD student or in a government or semi-government research organisation. The research done by scientists with a Cognitive Artificial Intelligence background encompasses many fields: scanning the brain as part of neuro-physiological research, building speech recognition systems, programming autonomous robots or writing philosophical articles, to name just a few.

Many Cognitive Artificial Intelligence graduates find employment in business or government, for example as an employee or independent entrepreneur in an information, communication and technology company. They frequently end up in the Research and Development departments of larger companies.

Entrance Requirements

Educational requirements:

• BSc in artificial intelligence or Bachelor's in cognitive science / linguistics / philosophy / computer science and minor in artificial intelligence.

Language requirements:

• TOEFL (minimum score: 580 (paper test) 237 (computer test) 93 (internet))
• IELTS (minimum score: 6.5. (6.0. for the writing module).),
• Cambridge EFL:
  • Cambridge Advanced English: B
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English: C.