Undergraduate Degree Courses - BSc Cognitive Science
Fact File
About the course
Cognitive Science is the study of mind and cognition, using computational models to shed light on human mental processes, and philosophical reflection to consider the relationship between natural and artificial intelligence. This exciting interdisciplinary area has grown dramatically with the development of ever more powerful (but also more user-friendly) computers, which have become an accessible and now indispensable research tool for the cognitive scientist, who can perform practical investigations on previously untestable theories by writing programs which attempt to simulate, or even to improve upon, the processes of human thought.
Such psychological investigations obviously require a good level of computational competence, but they also raise unavoidable philosophical issues about both computers and ourselves: Is a computer that 'reasons' in the same way that we do really thinking or just simulating thinking? Is it indeed even possible for a computer to reason in the way that we do (perhaps through the development of neural technology)? Three departments (Computing, Philosophy, and Psychology) contribute to the teaching of this degree.
The course can be extended to four years incorporating an industrial placement or study abroad.
Find out more about the course modules .
Typical careers
Graduates in computing disciplines from the University of Leeds have always had excellent job prospects. With the continued, rapid growth of hardware and software technologies, their allied industries, and widespread application, the demand for our graduates is set to continue for the foreseeable future. We have close links with companies such as IBM, Accenture and Hewlett Packard, and employers ranging from small/medium enterprises to large multi-nationals consistently target our graduates. Recent graduates from the School have been employed in many types of organisations across a range of sectors including manufacturing, retail, finance, public authorities and consultancies. Recent employers include Fujitsu, Halifax Financial Services, Accenture, Euro Direct, NHS, GCHQ, Stock Exchange, Aquilic Technology, Vodaphone, Citibank, Allied Irish Bank, IBM, Citrix, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Rockliff, Visualfiles, Eurotel, Norwich Union, Orange, BAE Systems, SCEE Computer Games, GE Capital, Nokia and Morgan Stanley.
Further information and how to apply
Please contact the Undergraduate admissions team:
- Email: ugadmit@comp.leeds.ac.uk
- Tel: +44 (0) 113 343 5821
All undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS
This course is part of the School of Computing