Masters in Cognitive Science (UCD)

Dave!

Hey folks,

I hope everyone is well

I've got a huge interest in psychology and cognitive science, and have been thinking recently about doing this masters when I get back to Ireland. I did an introductory cognitive science undergrad module, and various other psychology modules, and loved them all.

Just wondering has anyone done this masters, or do they know someone who did, and what are the general thoughts on it? Some of the modules sound pretty cool.

I gather there's no specific career benefit to doing a CogSci MA, but I'm really interested in the subject, and am only getting a superficial understanding from the books, blog posts, podcasts, talks, etc., I've been perusing. I reckon the Masters would suit me!

Any thoughts on the course? Anyone aware of a similar course offered in Dublin? I think UCD is the only one

Cheers

Valmont

I know someone who did this course and they went straight to Princeton to do their Phd. That's probably not the average outcome but it gives you an idea!

Dave!

Valmont wrote: »

I know someone who did this course and they went straight to Princeton to do their Phd. That's probably not the average outcome but it gives you an idea!

Cool! The course director said that about 50% go on to do Phd's. I can't say that I have any intentions of doing that, but who knows?

Did your friend enjoy the course? Mention anything about it?

Valmont

Dave! wrote: »

Cool! The course director said that about 50% go on to do Phd's. I can't say that I have any intentions of doing that, but who knows?

Did your friend enjoy the course? Mention anything about it?

It was a short-term lecturer who taught us one module after the msc and then left to go Princeton so I never heard what they thought about it. I would say that it is definitely geared towards the aspiring academic although I'm sure it could be put to use in many other ways. I haven't looked at the description but I'm sure a dissertation is part of the year. The main thing, as I'm sure you know, is that you are into it and enjoy the area itself, once that's sorted, the rest tends to take care of itself.

Dave!

Yes indeed! I'm certainly hugely interested in the area, and I reckon I'll enjoy the course. I'm a little concerned that there would be no specific career benefit to it (besides the general 'having a masters' benefit, which is no longer as big a deal anyway!), so might be pissing away 7k, but oh well !

Cheers

hotspur

I know someone who did it and she found it a challenging course. She got a part-time gig as an assistant lecturer in cognitive psychology with the OU out of it and is now training to be a therapist. It certainly seems like an enjoyable course if you are inclined towards the subject.

LeoD

Sorry about resurrecting this thread but I'm considering this course for next year so wondering if you ever pursued it? As a UX designer in a large multinational software company, I think there would be great career benefits to be had from this course.

Dave!

Nah I didn't end up doing it. Still interested in doing it some time in the future, but no immediate plans

You're right it would probably be good for a UX designer. Not directly, but in some way it's probably useful.

LeoD

I'm considering doing the 2 year part time course. I'll have a look at HCI courses but I'm not really interested in the specifics of how we interact with technology and more how we behave in general, hence my preference for a course like this.

shawnxxiong

Sorry for resurrecting the thread, has anyone done the program yet? Considering doing the master some when next year.