Master in Cognitive Science (MASCO)

MaSCo is a new MA in Cognitive Science, delivered by Aix-Marseille University and supported by the Institute of Language, Communication and the Brain.

MaSCo provides an advanced scientific curriculum on human cognition, as well as a technological and methodological expertise in evaluation, analysis and modeling of cognitive processes. Brain imaging technologies and computational methods are at the core of the MA.

information link : Guidelines_Candidature en, Guidelines_Candidature_fr

Program 2023/2024 PlaquetteMasco_2023-24

Program 2024/2025 Plaquette_MASCO_2024-25

Sujets de stage 2022/2023

Head: Bruno Torresani

Educational coordinators: Marlène Abadie, Maud Champagne-Lavau

Educational support: Lilia Mena

Administrative support: Nadéra Bureau

Catalogue des Formations 2022 - 2023

 


Why choose MaSCo?

An interdisciplinary degree

With an interdisciplinary approach based on cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science and mathematics, the MA trains future cognitive engineers, experience users specialists, and fosters a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

An immersive professional integration

With 620 hours of internship, professional projects, and the intervention of professionals at every stage (teaching, supervision, assessment, personal development support, professional monitoring), the MaSCo offers comprehensive professional immersion. In addition, collaborations with professional organizations ensure excellent occupational integration, at regional, national and international levels.

A unique research environment

Supported by the Institute of Language, Communication and the Brain, MaSCo students benefit from an attractive scientific environment of 10 research centers with a range of world-renowned academics, a network of experimental platforms unique in Europe, with a large array of techniques (fMRI, EEG, MEG, eye-tracking, EMA, virtual reality centers, primate centers, etc.), and partnerships with hospitals.

Some mobility grants available

In-coming foreign students can benefit from an installation grant as well as administrative assistance. Successful candidates are also exempt from tuition fees for upgrading Summer School, held before the start of classes.

A university with international ambitions rooted in its territory

With 130 Research Centers, 74 000 students, and a strong commitment to international openings, Aix-Marseille University is today one of the most renowned and largest universities in France, based on the number of students and staff and its budget. All of which made Aix-Marseille University a top institution of higher education and excellent research.

What can I do after the MaSCo?

The MaSCo trains Cognitive Engineers, with openings in fields of Academy (Research and Teaching), Digital Communication, Artificial Intelligence, User Experience, Education (development of didactic tools), Health (development of diagnosis tools and remediation), etc.

MaSCo graduates can also apply for a PhD in Cognitive Science, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Psychology or Linguistics.

In terms of competences, MaSCo graduates will be able to:

  • Master the major theories in Cognitive Science, with a specialization in Neuropsychology, Neurolinguistics or Computational Linguistics, as well as experimental methods and tools;
  • Describe, interpret, and model Human cognition, through transdisciplinary knowledge in Cognitive Science (Psychology, Linguistics, Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Computer Sciences);
  • Build a scientific framework to test the modeling of human cognition;
  • Select appropriate tools of investigation in Cognitive Science, as well as Mathematical and Computational Methods for signal and data processing;
  • Design and manage projects with transdisciplinary issues;
  • Master ethical issues related to Cognitive Science;
  • Test and assess products and services from various areas of activity related to cognitive technologies, through theoretical knowledge, methods and tools from the Cognitive Science
  • Develop a personal project using the above competencies in Cognitive Science and their applications, for professional integration.

Masco


Two programs

Language, Communication and the Brain

Supervisors: Marieke Longcamp, James German

The “Language, Communication and the Brain” Program provides advanced knowledge of cerebral aspects of language and communication, through interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological training in the neuroscience of language, linguistics, psychology, computer science, and mathematics.

Students are trained in Language processing in the Brain through major Theories, Models and Structures of Cognitive Processing of Language; cerebral Imaging and Experimental Tools for Investigating Language; Mathematic and Computational Tools for Data Analysis of Cerebral Aspects of Language; Computational Methods for Natural Language Processing; and Technological Proficiency in Interfaces for Human-Human and Human-Machine Communication.

This specialization offers professional opportunities in Language Technologies, especially the development and evaluation of technological solutions for human-human and human-machine communication, and the conception and management of projects related to the cerebral aspects of language, such as personal digital assistants (Siri, Cortana, Google Assistant, etc.)

Cognitive Function: Normal and Pathological Aspects

Supervisors: Laurence Casini Chaillan, Marlène Abadie

The “Cognitive Function: Normal and Pathological Aspects” Program provides advanced knowledge about various cognitive functions, such as perception, language, learning processes, memory, reasoning, and executive functions, in their normal and pathological processes, as well as their neural aspects.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, including Cognitive Psychology Methods, Psychophysics, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Computational Neuroscience, students are trained in Cerebral processing of cognitive functions, through different functional and computational models of (normal and pathological) cognitive functions; Investigative Methods for human or animal cognitive functions; Mathematics and Computational Tools for data analysis of cerebral aspects of cognitive functions; Screening, Diagnosis and Remediation Tools related to cognitive functions.

This specialization offers professional opportunities in Cognitive Technologies, especially the design and evaluation of tools for Diagnosis, Remediation and Cognitive Stimulation, with applications to Health for neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson of Alzheimer), Education for neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism or dyslexia), Digital Technology or Robotics.


How to apply?

International Students: Contact us AND your Campus France Office.

E.U. Students: Send your application at eCandidat

Applications will be examined by a jury and should include:

  • Official Academic Transcript of your BA/Licence in one of the following fields: Life Sciences, Psychology, Computer Sciences, Linguistics, Mathematics, Sciences & Humanities, Mathematics and Computer Sciences applied to Social Sciences.
  • A professional project (1 page)
  • A research project (1 page)
  • Documentation of international experience and/or professional experience, if any

Important Dates

  • Deadline for applications – International Student - March
  • Deadline for applications – EU Students: April-May
  • Interview of Shortlisted candidates: mid-June
  • Upgrading Summer School (mandatory for successful candidates): First week of September
  • Courses Start: Early September