Cognitive Science Newcastle University

Overview

Are you curious about how the human mind functions? Fascinated by how people communicate effectively? Interested in why technologies aren’t always accessible?  

Cognitive Science , like psychology, aims to understand the mind's complexities and how the brain's mental processes influence behaviour. It emerged in the 1950s as a response to Behaviourism, which argued that behaviour is shaped by past experiences and conditioning. This theory became difficult to defend, especially for researchers studying language development, which Behaviourism couldn’t explain. 

Cognitive Science developed as an interdisciplinary field, bringing together insights from psychologists, linguists, computer scientists, and philosophers. This shift led to key breakthroughs in understanding language, perception, memory, and decision-making. 

This Cognitive Science degree offered by  Newcastle University explores key cognitive functions like perception, attention, memory, and language. You’ll understand the various methods used to explore behaviour and understand the strengths and limitations of different approaches. 

Careers Opportunities

The multidisciplinary nature of this degree will result in a broad and versatile set of skills. The critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills you’ll develop will make you an attractive hire in almost any graduate job in the contemporary job market. Cognitive Sciences graduates will be well suited to work in a variety of sectors including:

• artificial Intelligence

• data science

• user experience testing or human computer interaction

• technical and educational consulting

• assistive technology

• healthcare roles in technology, mental health services or administration.

• government policy

• behavioural science or research

Many of the graduates embark on further study, including master's degrees and PhDs. Some go on to pursue careers in academia and research.