To apply for this Master’s programme you will need to register in Studielink AND apply for the programme at the Faculty of Science through DataNose before the mentioned dates, even if you have not completed your Bachelor’s programme yet.

Start your application procedure on time

Please be aware that gathering the required documentation will take you some time, as will the application process through Studielink and Datanose itself. Make sure to plan accordingly. 

Deadlines

Deadline with a UvA Scholarship 

Please note that if you want to apply for a UvA Scholarship, other deadlines for application to the Master's programme apply.

Prior Education

Depending on the track of choice the applicant must hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent.

• Behavioural Neuroscience track: Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology, Biomedical Science, Biology or equivalent
• Cognitive Neuroscience track: Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology, (Cognitive/Biological) Psychology, Cognitive Science or equivalent.
• Cognitive Science track: Bachelor's degree in (Cognitive) Psychology, Cognitive Science, Artificial Intelligence, Linguistics, Philosophy of Mind or equivalent.

Applicants with another Bachelor's degree may also be admitted to the Research Master provided they have an adequate academic background in the field of neuroscience and/or cognitive sciences.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Applicants are expected to have an overall grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least:

• 3.0 (GPA American system)
• 2.1 (a 2nd class honours / upper division British system)
• 7,5 (Dutch EC-system)

Admission will not be granted based on a sufficient grade point average alone. Applicants are also assessed on the basis of their motivation and the content of their prior coursework.

Motivation

Motivation is assessed on the basis of a written letter of intent. Prepare a letter of intent (up to one page) seeking a place in the Brain and Cognitive Sciences Master Programme describing your academic interests and reasons for applying. Applicants' prior academic coursework should demonstrate their active interest in cognitive and/ or neural research.

References

Because of our competitive applicant pool, letters of recommendation hold substantial weight in our admissions decisions. Applicants must submit two letters of reference from academic staff members, a person who knows you well professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the field, listing the applicant's ability to conduct independent research and report on the results.

The Research Master Brain and Cognitive Sciences uses a specific format for the letters of recommendation. In the application form you can submit your referee’s name and his/her email. They will receive a link to the specific format and will be able to fill it in. This needs to be filled out digitally. It is the student’s responsibility that the referee is aware of the process and that he/she has submitted the letter of recommendation to go along with the application. Applications without reference letters will not be taken into account.

Extra curricular activities

For this the applicants need to submit a resume (cv), listing among others the activities they did in addition to their studies. You can think of the following activities: (voluntary) jobs, board membership, conference attendance, relevant research experience or other activities that could be relevant for your application for this Master's programme . Note that extra-curricular activities are not obligatory, but desirable for distinguishing yourself from other applicants.

English language requirements

Those who hold a bachelor's degree from a Dutch university, or who passed final examination for the subject English as part of their VWO (Dutch) or ASO (Flemish) diploma, meet the language requirements for English.

Overall Impression

The Admissions Board considers all the above points to obtain an overall impression on competence, preparation and motivation with regards to the training offered in the programme.

Before you can apply to the UvA, you will need to submit an enrolment application in Studielink. Studielink is the national online system for students who would like to pursue a degree programme at a Dutch university.

Check your DigiD (before starting in Studielink)

A DigiD (Digital Identification) is an online ID that provides access to government administration websites.

• Students who do not live in the Netherlands can use Studielink without a DigiD.
• Students who currently live in the Netherlands will need their DigiD to use Studielink. We strongly recommend you to apply for your DigiD at least three weeks before registering in Studielink.

Read the step-by-step guide to Studielink

Before starting your enrolment application in Studielink, read the 'Step-by-step guide to Studielink'.

Important! While selecting the Master’s programme of your interest in Studielink, make sure to select the regular programme (option 1). Do not select option 2 (after a temporary termination of enrolment) or option 3 (elective) if you are a degree seeking student. Note that the track of your interest can be selected later on in DataNose.

Within 48 hours after submitting your enrolment application in Studielink, you will receive an email with your UvAnetID and an email with instructions for the next step of the application process. You need your UvAnetID to continue with your application. Follow the instructions in the email to activate your UvAnetID as you will need it to complete your UvA application.

Only after activating your UvAnetID, you can submit your UvA online application via DataNose.

Please make sure to upload the required documents in PDF format. Applicants who (will) hold more than one academic degree must merge copies of both (or more) academic transcripts into one PDF.

In DataNose we expect you to upload the following documents:

1.  A motivation letter in English (max. 500 words)
2.  Your Curriculum Vitae in English
3.  A copy of your Bachelor’s transcript
4.  A copy of your Bachelor’s diploma/certificate (or, if you have  not yet finished your current academic programme, a list of courses of your final year)
5.  A description of your Bachelor thesis/project

If you have any questions about these documents as a student with a Dutch degree, please contact us: info-mcs@uva.nl.

As soon as you have submitted the (sufficiently) complete online form in DataNose, your application file will be acknowledged. It differs per programme how long it takes before you are informed via email about the decision on admission. An admission will always be conditional as we must still verify your documents (consult step 8).  You can track the status of your admission using the checklist in DataNose

If you are conditionally admitted to the Master’s programme you will receive an admissions letter by means of email. In the letter you will find a link to DataNose to accept or decline your place in the programme. This has to be done within two weeks. If you have questions about this, please contact the Education Desk.

If you are conditionally admitted please consult DataNose for details on which exact documents are required and when and how to send them.

A student ID card is a personal card which serves as proof of identity for examinations or borrowing library books. After admission, you will receive instructions on how to request your student ID card. 

In order to complete your enrolment for a degree programme at the UvA you will need to pay the tuition fee.