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Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning | Master

Group work
Photo: Karla Fritze

The master’s program Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning is a unique, interdisciplinary degree program taught in English that lies at the intersection of computer science and computational linguistics. The program’s goal is the study and advancement of artificial intelligence. It is exceptional in its strong focus on teaching the scientific fundamentals as well as in its emphasis on practice and research.

THE PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
NameCognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning
DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study4 semesters
Credit points120
Language of instructionEnglish
Start of study (1st semester)Winter semester
CampusGolm
Fees & ChargesSemester fees and charges: yes
Tuition fees: no

Program Content

In this interdisciplinary English-language master’s program you will learn to apply state-of-the-art research in computational linguistics (“language”), machine learning (“learning”), and artificial intelligence (“reasoning”). These three areas come together through a cooperation between the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Linguistics at the University of Potsdam, Germany.

In this program, you will acquire advanced knowledge in the newest methodologies in all three areas. The course-work includes modeling and statistical analysis of empirical data. Over the course of your studies, the focus will gradually shift towards independent work and research: from lectures covering the basics to seminars and finally to larger projects in which you and your team find an individual research or programming topic or define and implement an experiment. Here you will also have the opportunity to familiarize yourself independently with the most current research.

Course Objective and Future Career Options

Getting a degree in “Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning” will make you especially well-prepared for research or leadership positions in the industrial sector. The digital processing of language and knowledge as well as learning from large sets of data are absolute industrial growth areas – in large companies such as Google, Amazon or Apple, just as much as in many small and medium-sized companies that are currently being started up in Berlin and Brandenburg. With the degree you will also be in an excellent position to continue with a doctoral degree (in Potsdam and elsewhere) and if you are pursuing an academic career.

You will know how to ascertain specialized problems on your own and to develop solutions. You will also acquire comprehensive and detailed knowledge in the areas of computer science and computational linguistics, and you will be able to implement methods specific to the field as well as those methods that transcend one discipline.

Prerequisites for Admission to the Master’s Program

If you have a fascination for language and an enthusiasm for modeling intelligent behavior using computational tools, you already have every good reason to consider the master’s program in “Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning.”

The prerequisites for the master’s program in “Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning” at the University of Potsdam are a completed bachelor’s degree or another equivalent first professionally oriented university degree from a German or non-German institution of higher learning. The degree must be in a field that is relevant to the master’s degree program, e.g. computer science, computational linguistics as well as linguistics (or related fields).

The program assumes basic knowledge in the fields of mathematics (analysis and linear algebra), computer science (algorithms and data formats as well as formal languages and automata theory) and linguistics. In order to be accepted in the master’s program, you must demonstrate basic knowledge in one of these three fields, which is usually done by documenting the successful completion of the relevant courses in your bachelor’s studies. You will acquire basic knowledge in the other fields in the corresponding foundations modules during your master’s studies.

It is crucial that you have programming skills before you begin. You can usually demonstrate this by showing the completion of six credit points of programming courses in your studies for your first degree.

Besides the willingness to work independently and with dedication, you should also be able to demonstrate a solid command of English. This ability should correspond with the C1 Level in the Common European Framework of Reference. Since the language of instruction is English, knowledge of German is not absolutely necessary. Still, you will enjoy your time in Germany better if you also learn German during your studies.

You can find out more details in the program-specific admission regulations.

Program Structure

You will complete a total of 120 credit points during the four semesters of your studies. Besides lectures, there will also be other teaching formats such as seminars and group work on projects. You will find more information in the following overview. For additional information, please consult the subject-specific Degree Regulations or the Departmental Advisory Office.

CONTENT AND CREDIT POINTS (CP)

Modules

Credit points

Mandatory Modules 27 CP
Advanced Natural Language Processing9 CP
Machine Learning and Data Analysis 9 CP
Advanced Problem Solving Techniques9 CP
Elective Modules
You must successfully complete 24 credits of elective modules. If your admission papers state that you must enroll in foundations modules (6 CP each), these substitute 0-2 of the following elective modules.
24 CP
Current Topics in Computational Linguistics 1 6 CP
Current Topics in Computational Linguistics 26 CP
Current Topics in Machine Learning 16 CP
Current Topics in Machine Learning 26 CP
Current Topics in Computational Intelligence 16 CP
Current Topics in Computational Intelligence 26 CP
Project Seminars
You must successfully complete 24 credits of project seminars.
24 CP
Project in Computational Linguistics12 CP
Project in Machine Learning12 CP
Project in Computational Intelligence12 CP
Academic Work Methods 15 CP
Individual Research Module15 CP
Master's Thesis30 CP
Total120 CP

Contact

Department of Linguistics

Karolina Zaczynska | Departmental Advising

 

Golm
Building 14, Room 2.29

Advantages at a Glance

  • A unique combination of computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
  • Interdisciplinary content and methods
  • Strong emphasis on practice and research
  • High degree of self-responsibility in your studies
  • Excellent prospects for careers in the Berlin/Potsdam region
  • Option for part-time study

Application

Have you decided to do the master’s program Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning at the University of Potsdam? Then you should take the next step on the application pages to find out more about current application and enrollment procedures.

Contact

Department of Linguistics

Karolina Zaczynska | Departmental Advising

 

Golm
Building 14, Room 2.29

This description is based in part on information from the program-specific rules and regulations for the master’s program Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning at the University of Potsdam, dated October 16, 2013 (AmBek No. 05/14, p. 200).