Cognitive Systems: Language, Learning and Reasoning | Master

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).