What can you do with a Master's in Cognitive Neuroscience?

After your studies

This Master's programme will give you the qualifications you need to attain a PhD position. The majority of our graduates take on a PhD project in Nijmegen or in other parts of the world. Other graduates follow a non-academic career path, as researcher in research institutes in the Netherlands or abroad, government institutions, industrial and commercial settings (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry). Other careers, such as data analyst, research engineer, clinical trial specialist, policy-maker, etc are also possible.

Possible occupations

  • PhD researcher
  • Non-academic / applied researcher
  • Data analyst
  • Policy-maker

Opportunities per specialisation

Language and Communication

In the Language and Communication track you’ll gain knowledge on how language is acquired, understood and produced. You’ll also know a great deal about language development, the neural basis of language skills, language and speech disorders, and linguistics. Furthermore, you’ll have hands-on experience in the use of contemporary research techniques and methodology in the field of language behaviour, such as speech analysis, eye-movement analysis, brain imaging and computational modelling. Graduates of this track may find a position with one of the psycholinguistic research institutes in the Netherlands or abroad, a government institution - for example, in the care sector (rehabilitation centres) or in education (language disorders) - or in a specialised company.

Perception, Action & Decision-making

In the Perception, Action and Decision-making track you’ll gain ample experience in current research and analysis techniques in perception, three-dimensional motor research, psychophysiological studies, neuroimaging and electromyographical studies. You’ll also be able to apply formal theories on and models of perceptive functions, sensorimotor functions, and complex actions in your research. Graduates of this track may find a position with one of the industrial or non-industrial research institutes in the Netherlands or abroad (e.g. traffic research).

Development and Lifelong Plasticity

In the Development and Lifelong Plasticity track you’ll gain ample knowledge of the anatomical and neurophysiological aspects of the human brain and theoretical cognition/neurocognition models. This will enable you to conduct independent research into the neurofunctional architecture of cognitive key functions, such as perception, attention, memory, language, planning and targeted actions. Graduates of this track may more readily find a position with one of the research institutes in the Netherlands or abroad, government institutions or specialised companies (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry).

Natural Computing and Neurotechnology

In the Natural Computing and Neurotechnology track you’ll have ample knowledge of the anatomical and neurophysiological aspects of networks in the human brain and the techniques for the computational analysis and modelling of brain networks. This will enable you to conduct independent research into the neurofunctional architecture of cognitive key functions, such as perception, attention, memory, language, planning and targeted actions and develop technologies to measure, characterise and model networks at the whole brain level and/or the local cortical circuit. Graduates of this track may more readily find a position with one of the research institutes in the Netherlands or abroad, government institutions or specialised companies (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry).

Current job openings

Radboud Career Service

You can always contact the Radboud Career Service or the career service of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Career Service offers students and young alumni guidance and support as they venture into the labour market. Career Service is available for career guidance, job application tips or if you require information about internships and job vacancies.

Keep developing, even after your Master's

Do you want to stay up to date in your field of study even after your Master's? At Radboud University, we offer advanced education for professionals. Here, you connect the challenges of your future work practice and social issues with scientific insights and practical skills. This way, you strengthen your knowledge, stay ahead in your career, and are always prepared for the next step.