Your degree in Cognitive Systems

Skills you’ll develop

While studying Cognitive Systems, you’ll be learning different approaches to natural and artificial thinking. You’ll also be developing important interdisciplinary skills that can be applied to cognition, language, and computation.

These skills may include:

Evaluating of the connections between computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology, and relating them to real-world applications
Applying of principles and techniques used by natural and artificial intelligence systems
Research, data collection, synthesis, and presentation of information across diverse subjects
Observing of issues through diverse perspectives grounded in theories
Critical thinking and ability to debate different sides of an argument while considering philosophical and ethical implications
Designing new intelligent systems or interfaces
Collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds to innovate systems accounting for human-centred designs

Explore career possibilities

Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including research and development, technology, finance, public health, education, consulting, manufacturing, transportation, and others.

There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. See the job titles below for ideas, but note that some career options may require further education or training.

Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.

Aerospace engineer
Animal health technologist
Artificial intelligence designer
Biological technologist
Business manager
Business systems analyst
Child life specialist
Cognitive neuroscientist
Consultant
Crime scene examiner
Data analyst
Forensics psychologist
Gerontologist
Guidance counsellor
Human-computer interface designer
Human resources specialist
Information systems manager
Linguistics advisor
Mediator

Member of Parliament
Mental health worker
Occupational therapist
Pharmaceutical researcher
Psychologist
Public affairs officer
Rehabilitation counsellor
Robotics specialist
Scientific programmer
Social policy researcher
Social worker
Software developer
Speech pathologist
Systems quality assurance analyst
Technical support analyst
Technical writer
UX/UI designer
Web developer

Make the most of your program

Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.

UBC Cognitive Systems Society
Meet students interested in neuroscience, artificial intelligence, human-computer interfaces, and more.
Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions.
entrepreneurship@UBC
Get the resources and mentorship support you need to take your startup idea to the next level.
UBC Brain, Attention, and Reality Lab
Apply to volunteer as a research assistant.
Centre for Artificial Intelligence Decision-making and Action
Volunteer your time in a research role focused on the development, analysis, and application of AI systems.
#BCTECHSummit
Attend the conference, do some industry networking, or join an innovation challenge in term 2.
UBC Neuroscience Club
Learn about neuroscience research through weekly journal club meetings, student-led seminars, and an annual conference.
UBC Turing Club
Learn how to understand and work with artificial intelligence and machine learning – no coding experience required.
UBC Computer Science Student Society
Find volunteer opportunities, socialize with your peers, and network with industry members at events.
UBC Speech and Linguistics Student Association
Access peer tutoring services, attend career panel talks or social events, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
UBC Philosophy Students’ Association
Attend guest lectures, departmental dinners, and the annual undergraduate conference.
UBC Psychology Students’ Association
Sign up for resume and CV workshops, meet your Psychology professor, and attend fun events.

Build your network

Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.

The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and accessing job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.

Connect with alumni on LinkedIn

Find UBC Cognitive Systems graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.

More information

From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.

Cognitive Systems is also a UBC Science specialization. Check out what you can do with a UBC Science degree or learn about other Science specializations.