Psychology

The Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw offers a second-cycle program in Cognitive Science, designed to provide students with advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge in two thematic paths of empirical research in cognitive science and related fields. The program builds on the curriculum content of the first-cycle program in Cognitive Science conducted in Polish by the University of Warsaw, but is also open to graduates of other fields of study who meet the necessary competencies. The program is structured around two thematic paths: neurocognitive and computational. The former focuses on the biological basis of cognitive processes and the use of modern techniques for studying brain activity, as well as the application of new technologies to improve cognitive functioning in various contexts. The latter emphasizes modeling cognitive, language, and social processes, with a particular focus on natural language processing, data analysis, and data mining. Both paths are designed to equip students with skills that are increasingly in demand in the modern labor market. The program begins with introductory courses that provide a minimum level of skills required of modern cognitive scientists, and students must choose one of the two paths to specialize in after the first semester. However, there is also a high level of flexibility and freedom in shaping students' own course of study, allowing interested students to complete both paths. Throughout the program, students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through participation in the work of research teams and internships in companies from the R&D sector. Another unique feature of the program is the individual approach to students through the introduction of a tutor from the first year. The tutor analyzes the student's previous experience and selects appropriate "compensatory" courses and other individual forms of activity that will allow the student to make up for possible shortcomings. Overall, the program aims to prepare students for scientific and research work in the R&D sector, as well as in companies developing new technologies. Graduates of the program are equipped with skills valued by employers on the modern international labor market, including the creation of computational models of cognitive and social phenomena, data mining, natural language processing, and the creation of technologies supporting education, rehabilitation, and technical solutions aimed at helping people with disabilities. The program admits a limited number of students each year, with 20 places available in the first phase (June/July) and 12 places available in the second phase (August/September). To qualify for admission, candidates must hold a bachelor's, master's, engineer's, or equivalent degree in any field of study and pass a written entrance examination in the form of a test conducted in English. The exam covers the content of the readings, the list of which will be published on the Internet Recruitment of Candidates (IRK) website and the UW Cognitive Science program website. The maximum score for the entrance examination is 100, and candidates must score at least 60% to be considered for admission.