Psychology | Cognitive Neuroscience

In the Cognitive Neuroscience specialisation, you'll study the human brain and how it relates to cognition, perception and behaviour. The programme combines in-depth knowledge on human brain function and cognition with practical training in applying non-invasive brain imaging techniques such as EEG and fMRI.

By addressing key issues in perceptual and cognitive brain research, you will build a detailed understanding of how the ‘working’ brain perceives, feels, moves and attends to relevant information. Specific course topics include auditory and visual perception, attention, language and sensorimotor functions. In addition, you will learn to translate this knowledge in empirical research by hands-on training in all aspects of the experimental cycle, including experimental design, recording brain activation data, data analysis and interpretation. Methods that you will learn to apply include fMRI and EEG, as well as data analysis in the software packages Brainvoyager and EEGLAB.

The programme consists of three theoretical courses (6 ECTS each) and two practical courses (2 ECTS each):

• Theoretical course 1: Constructing Experiences I - Sensory Encoding, Prediction, and Attention
• Theoretical course 2: Constructing Experiences II - Learning, Memory and Consciousness
• Theoretical course 3: Cognitive Neuroscience in Transition - Methods, Models, and Debates
• Practical course 1: Experimental Methods in CN I - Psychophysics and EEG 
• Practical course 2: Experimental Methods in CN II: fMRI and TMS

In addition to the theoretical modules and practicals in periods 1 to 3, two additional courses run in parallel throughout this part of the programme: 1) Professional Skills & Mentoring and 2) Academic Skills & Research Proposal. These courses complement the core curriculum by focusing on students’ professional development, mentoring, academic and research skills, and preparation for their research project and master’s thesis.

You will work within an international and multidisciplinary team that includes psychologists, biologists, physicians, engineers, physicists, and computer scientists: all members of the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center (MBIC). This center offers a unique research infrastructure with the newest ultra-high field imaging facilities.

The Cognitive Neuroscience specialisation focuses on the normal brain and the acquired knowledge directly contributes to clinical applications such as: 

• neurofeedback for the treatment of depression
• brain-based communication in locked-in patients
• guiding brain recovery after stroke or brain injury

  Learn more about the institute at the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center website. 

Maastricht University is focused the development of its International Classroom, a place where our differences become our strengths. From day 1, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over Europe and the world. Your preconceptions and worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching students not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. Roughly 50% of the students in this master’s programme come from outside the Netherlands. Such diversity creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by the international orientation of the programme.

During the master's programme, you will complete a Master's Thesis Research Project, giving you the opportunity to develop your own research question and gain hands-on experience in conducting research.

The project can take two forms:

Research Project and Field Project

When you choose this form, you work in a team of 4–6 students on a Research Project, while each student develops and answers their own research question. Depending on the project, this may involve collecting and analysing data, conducting a systematic literature review, working with an existing dataset, or developing a computational model. You will also complete an individual Master's thesis and oral inquiry based on your own research. The research project is combined with a Field Project, where you work on a practical challenge provided by an external stakeholder. You translate the challenge into a concrete assignment, use scientific knowledge and relevant data, and develop an evidence-based recommendation. 

Advanced Research Project

The Advanced Research Project offers a more intensive research experience. You work in a team of up to 3 students, with each student developing their own research question in close collaboration with an academic staff member. You will carry out the full empirical research cycle: from formulating the research question and designing the study to collecting original data, analysing and interpreting the results, and reporting of your research in your thesis. Your Master's thesis is expected to reach a publishable standard. You will also complete an individual oral inquiry alongside your Master's thesis.

Both formats provide you with valuable experience in designing, conducting and communicating research, while allowing you to develop your own academic interests.

Research project topics

In recent years, internship and thesis topics have included:

• fundamental brain research: mapping auditory space in the temporal cortex; audio-visual interactions in the brain
• applied brain research: fMRI investigation of food reward processing; EEG investigation of attention biases when perceiving health messages
• clinical research: learning and memory in mice models of Alzheimer’s disease; noninvasive brain stimulation (TMS) in fundamental and clinical research