<p>I’m a Philosophy major (in Canada) interested in grad studies in the U.K. I’m interested in getting into a cognitive science program. Is Philosophy a good undegrad for applying to grad schs for cognitive science (in the U.K), or should I be looking into changing programs into one of the sciences, like Biology. I know some grad schools here and the majority in the U.S are looking for undergrads in the sciences, I’m not sure if that applies to schs in the U.K. There’s an interdisciplinary studies program at my school where you can choose some programs as options (along with your major) and cognitive science is one of them. I’m wondering if i should do it as an option, along with my major. Would that be of any advantage to me, or would it be unnecessary…if U.K schs don’t really care which undergrad program you’re coming from…as long as you meet the other requirements? Are there schools that are well known for their c.s programs? As an international student from Canada, what would make me stand out? </p>
<p>I would imagine philosophy is an acceptable undergraduate degree. Whether it’s your best choice I don’t know.</p>
<p>Have a look at the websites of some UK universities that offer CogSci Master’s degrees. Two respected universities that do a CogSci degree are University College London (well known for its neuroscience research) and Edinburgh (strong in Artificial Intelligence). Entry requirements are normally slightly biased towards a department’s research strengths.</p>
<p>Translated to the Canadian system, a 2:1 honours degree is considered equivalent to “3.3 on a 4.0 GPA scale, 7.0 on a 9.0 GPA system or a lettered grade of B+ overall.”</p>
<p>As you can see, philosophy is considered an appropriate background for both degree programmes (biology isn’t even mentioned). The main reason to come from a scientific background is that it gives you more opportunities to pick up practical skills like computer programming or knowing how to handle scientific experiments. If you can minor in a subject that gives you exposure to this (e.g. computer science, physics, psychology), it might help. Also, a subject that demonstrates your mathematical skills can also help.</p>
<p>I don’t know whether undergrad cognitive science itself would help you much. It might show you’re keen on the subject, but perhaps it will be nothing like the CogSci programme you’re applying for in the UK, and therefore be irrelevant. That’s for you to decide.</p>
<p>My best piece of advice would be to really research the particular degree programmes you want to apply for. They’re all slightly different, so find out what the academics there are interested in, and tailor your application to fit. For example, Edinburgh say they want computer programming experience; if you don’t already have this, start learning now or your application will look weak!</p>
<p>You can pick up all sorts of clues on universities’ websites as to what they’re looking for in applicants. You can also email the people there if you’re not sure. Showing intelligent attention to detail would make you stand out, IMO. It’s also important for you, because it would be a real shame if you came all the way to this rainy and miserable island and then have to leave because the course wasn’t what you were expecting!</p>