Studies and Research: Fachbereich Humanwissenschaften

Early research experience in an excellent research environment - this is one of the special features of the Cognitive Science degree program at Osnabrück University. Students come into contact with research as early as the BSc, whether in the form of volunteer hours or as assistants in experiments, and often as an essential part of their final theses. Through their involvement in student initiatives, students actively contribute to scientific discourse and acquire valuable skills for their careers.

Doctoral studies

PhD students’ projects constitute an essential part of research at universities. If you are interested, we recommend taking a look at the PhD page of the Institute of Cognitive Science ( Promotion: Kognitionswissenschaft), as well as the official page of the Faculty of Human Sciences ( Promotion: Fachbereich Humanwissenschaften)).

Early research experience

Gain your first research experience : As a test subject

As part of your bachelor's degree, you will be required to complete 10 subject hours. This gives you the opportunity to gain direct insight into the labs and current research projects and when the time comes, you will be able to recruit subjects for your own study more easily for your final thesis.

Stay up to date! Subscribe to our mailing lists to receive current requests for test subjects or to find participants for your research yourself.

Im VR-Lab erklärt eine Studentin einem Probanden, der die VR-Brille anhat, was er beim Experiment machen soll.

Acquire technical and practical skills : As a student assistant

The institute regularly offers exciting opportunities to work on a variety of projects - from research and laboratory activities to the organization and implementation of conferences and events. We are therefore always looking for committed student assistants. mailing lists to receive current applications for student assistants.

We are also looking for tutors for our courses every semester. Register at Stud.Ip under "Cognitive Science Tutor Applications" to be informed about upcoming vacancies.

The first step towards independent research : Final theses

With your thesis, you prove that you are able to work independently in a scientific manner. When finding a topic, it is advisable to first define your preferred schools and the methods you like to work with.

You can then contact potential supervisors directly or find out about current thesis topics in the respective fields on the research groups' websites. If you are interested in writing your thesis abroad or in cooperation with another university or company, please contact the Mobility Office or the coordinator for individual study planning.

To gain an insight into successful theses at the Institute, visit PICS.

Student initiatives and science communication

An impressive student initiative : Sleep & Dream

Since 2012, dedicated students have been impressing with their contribution to sleep and dream research. The initiative produces publications (see below for examples), promotes exchange with sleep researchers and laboratories in Europe and even gives rise to start-ups.
For the latest news, visit the Sleep & Dream Instagram channel

Real-time dialog with dreamers

Successfully inducing lucid dreams

Vier Studierende diskutieren angeregt über eine Publikation

Making a contribution to scientific discourse during your studies : Publications

At our institute, early participation in scientific discourse is a top priority. Courses are regularly offered in which students can work together on scientific publications. This enables them to learn the basics of scientific work during their studies and to develop their own research results. (e.g. translation of the book: Feminist Thinking)

In addition, students are actively supported in publishing their individual work or contributing to existing publications. This includes supervision in the preparation of contributions for conferences and support in the submission of articles to specialist journals.

The Institute's staff are on hand to offer advice and expertise. In addition, students benefit from financial support from the University Society and the CogSci Network e.V., for example for travel expenses in connection with conference participation and publication fees. This encourages active participation in scientific exchange and facilitates a well-founded entry into research.

Zwei Moderatorinnen des Kaleidopodcast Teams machen eine Aufnahme

Students make research visible : Science communication

We support students in developing their scientific skills and their ability to communicate complex content. Through their own projects, such as our student journal "CogSci Journal" and the podcast "Kaleidoscience", they gain practical experience in all areas of science communication - from topic identification and research to writing and editing, publication and dissemination.

Cognitive Science Student Journal: Our student journal offers a unique platform where students can publish their work from seminars and projects. In addition to the authoring experience, they learn about important editing and publication processes by participating in the editorial team.

Kaleidoscience Podcast: The entirely student-led podcast offers students the opportunity to conduct, design and produce interviews with current Institute researchers, alumni and renowned cognitive scientists. In this way, they develop their interview techniques, their ability to prepare topics and their audio production skills. The team receives technical support from Osnabrück University's DigiLab.