Master Of Cognitive Science at Carleton University - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-04-26

Program overview

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Program Overview

Carleton University offers Canada’s first Master of Cognitive Science program, which is an interdisciplinary program that spans the fields of the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. This unique program focuses on the study of thought, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of cognitive processes. Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue a collaborative specialization in Digital Humanities and Data Science, enhancing their learning experience and career prospects.

Program Structure

The Master of Cognitive Science program is designed to be completed in a duration of 16 to 24 months. It offers various pathways for students, including:

Research Project
Thesis

This flexibility allows students to tailor their educational experience according to their interests and career goals. The program is available for entry in the Fall term, with an application deadline of January 15. Students will benefit from the program's strong connections with local organizations, providing valuable networking and career opportunities.

Featured Experiences

Collaborative opportunities with organizations such as Statistics Canada, the Ottawa Hospital, and the National Research Council.
Access to research highlights that include cognitive mechanisms, language comprehension, and human-machine systems.
Engagement in foundational research in cognitive science, focusing on formal and experimental linguistics.
Opportunities to study children's developing cognitive skills and their ability to handle representations.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Cognitive Science program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Cognitive Scientist: Conduct research on cognitive processes and develop theories related to human thought and behavior.
User Experience Researcher: Analyze user interactions with products and services to improve design and functionality.
Data Analyst: Utilize cognitive science principles to interpret complex data sets and inform decision-making.
Human-Computer Interaction Specialist: Design and evaluate systems that enhance user experience through cognitive understanding.
Educational Consultant: Apply cognitive science knowledge to develop effective teaching strategies and learning materials.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-04-26

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Cognitive Science program, the following Academic Requirements apply specifically to international students, particularly those from Vietnam:

Four-year bachelor‘s degree equivalent: Bang Tot Nghiep Dai Hoc/Bang Cú Nhân (Bachelor’s); requiring at least 4 years of study.
Minimum requirement overall (B-): 7.
Minimum requirement in the major (B+): 7.99.

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the admission process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Carleton is English. For admission into Carleton’s graduate programs, you will need to demonstrate that your knowledge and use of English are strong enough for graduate studies at an English-language university.

If your first language is not English, you can demonstrate your language proficiency by:

Presenting one of the official Language Proficiency (ESL) test scores as defined in the table below;
Showing that you have completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton University with a final grade of B- or higher; or
Presenting official certification (transcripts) that you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university in any country in which the primary language is English, where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was English, and the language of instruction in their most recently completed undergraduate or graduate degree was English.

Applicants who present their most recent degree and transcripts from a Canadian institution are exempt from language proficiency requirements, unless otherwise required by an individual program.

Note: Letters from your universities stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable.

Minimum Language Proficiency (ESL) test score requirement:

Language Proficiency Test	Score
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL, CAEL-CE)	70 (minimum 60 in each band)
Duolingo English Test (DET)	125 (minimum 130 in Literacy; 135 in Comprehension; 115 in Conversation; 110 in Production)
IELTS, IELTS Online (Academic)	6.5 IELTS (minimum 6.0 in each band)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) including PTE Online (Academic)	60 overall (minimum 60 in each Communicative Skill)
TOEFL iBT (including iBT Home Edition)	86 (20 in reading and listening; 22 in speaking and writing)

* IELTS One-Skill Retake is accepted

** TOEFL MyBest Scores is accepted

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!