Study how perception, memory, language, and reasoning unfold, and learn to connect insights across psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and computing.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science (MSc) will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
The currently-named MSc will have one final semester 2 intake (starting July 2026). Application closes 15 June 2026 for domestic students (the international student application deadline has now passed for the July 2026 intake).
Domestic and international students intending to begin study in 2027 should apply for the Master of Science (Thesis).
Why study postgraduate Cognitive Science?
Cognitive Science helps you understand how humans interpret information and how intelligent systems learn – bringing together research on perception, memory, language, reasoning, and problem-solving.
You’ll examine how people process information, how mental patterns form, and how behaviour changes in different contexts. You’ll also explore how computational models can support explanations of thought and behaviour, and how these models can be used ethically and effectively.
This subject prepares you to work with complex information and to contribute to discussions about human behaviour, technology, and intelligent systems.
Otago's MSc in Cognitive Science is New Zealand's only dedicated interdisciplinary Cognitive Science programme, bringing together staff from Psychology, Computer Science, Information Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, Anatomy, and Zoology.
Career opportunities
Cognitive Science prepares you for roles that require strong analysis and an understanding of how people interact with information and technology.
Career pathways might include:
- Research in cognition and behaviour
- User experience and human–technology interaction
- Data and behavioural analysis
- AI or computational support roles
What it’s like to study at this level
You will learn through guided research, collaborative discussion, and hands-on inquiry into how thinking and behaviour can be studied.
Postgraduate study involves seminars, close supervision, and opportunities to explore research questions that matter to you. You may work with behavioural datasets, computational approaches, or theoretical frameworks that help explain how minds operate.
You’ll test ideas, refine arguments, and develop practical skills in interpretation and analysis. Your learning will be supported by staff who bring experience from different research traditions and who encourage independent, thoughtful work.
This is for you if ...
A suitable background in one, or a combination of the following areas is desirable: Computer Science, Information Science, Linguistics, Logic, Neuroscience, Philosophy and Psychology. However, course work or degree work undertaken subsequent to a BSc, BA or BASc will also be taken into account.
Where ideas about the mind collide and evolve
Cognitive Science at Otago gives you space to explore how explanations of the mind are built, tested, and refined. You’ll learn how different research traditions approach questions about thinking and behaviour, and how those approaches shape the evidence we collect and the conclusions we draw.
This programme encourages you to compare theories, challenge assumptions, and experiment with new ways of understanding mental processes. You’ll develop a clear sense of how models of cognition are created, why they matter, and how they help us make sense of complex human and technological systems.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Master of Science (MSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) from 2027.
Master of Science (Thesis) MSc(Thesis)
Available from 2027. A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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