Cognitive Scientist

Cognitive Scientists are professional scientists who study the human mind and cognitive functions including intelligence, memory, reasoning, decision-making, learning and development, language, emotional responses, and consciousness. They advance the field of knowledge in these areas and work with medical practitioners and psychologists to develop treatments for brain injuries and cognitive disorders like dyslexia and schizophrenia.

As a Cognitive Scientist you could be recording participant reaction times in a study of cognitive processes, using advanced brain imaging to evaluate brain activity while a stroke patient is moving their right arm, developing a computational model to simulate neural pathways in children with dyslexia, evaluating the data from three key behavioural experiments, writing an academic paper from your latest research findings, or attending an international conference for cognitive neuroscientists.

To succeed in this occupation you will need to be an innovative and critical thinker with the ability to clearly document and explain your research and findings.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $105,040
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a cognitive scientist?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $27,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Neuroscientist Neuropsychologist Research Officer
Cognitive Scientist Audiologist Neurophysiologist Psychological Researcher
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Neuroscientist Neuropsychologist Research Officer Cognitive Scientist Audiologist Neurophysiologist Psychological Researcher + 4 more

Bachelor of Psychological Science
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 years
$0 - $102,240
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Psychologist Counsellor Psychotherapist
Academic Psychologist Cognitive Scientist Sports Psychologist Organisational Psychologist Behavioural Psychologist EAP Psychologist Psychological Researcher
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Psychologist Counsellor Psychotherapist Academic Psychologist Cognitive Scientist Sports Psychologist Organisational Psychologist Behavioural Psychologist EAP Psychologist Psychological Researcher + 7 more

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Neuroscience)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $27,401
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Medical Researcher Cognitive Scientist Neuroscientist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Medical Researcher Cognitive Scientist Neuroscientist

Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Blended, On Campus, Online
12 - 24 months
$0 - $47,920
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Clinical Psychologist Counselling Psychologist Educational Psychologist
Cognitive Scientist Community Psychologist
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Clinical Psychologist Counselling Psychologist Educational Psychologist Cognitive Scientist Community Psychologist + 2 more

Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $27,942
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
AI Architect AI Ethicist AI Specialist
Computer Vision Engineer AI Consultant AI Engineer Analyst Programmer Cognitive Scientist
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
AI Architect AI Ethicist AI Specialist Computer Vision Engineer AI Consultant AI Engineer Analyst Programmer Cognitive Scientist + 5 more
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Related occupations

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Avg yearly income $260,000
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Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists study the brain and nervous system, focusing on conditions like dementia and mental health, while conducting innovative research.

Avg yearly income $78,104
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Common questions

How much do Cognitive Scientists earn?

The average weekly salary for a Cognitive Scientist in Australia is approximately $1,883. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining supporting qualifications in psychology, information technology, data analytics, and neuroscience. You could also join the Australasian Cognitive Neuroscience Society (ACNS).

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What are the job opportunities for Cognitive Scientists?

There are no clear employment figures for Cognitive Scientists currently working in Australia. They can work in academia, health and medicine, artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-computer interfaces.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Cognitive Scientist?

To become a Cognitive Scientist in Australia you will need post-graduate qualifications including a PhD. Get started with an undergraduate Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience), Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), or (double-degree) Bachelor of Cognitive and Brain Sciences/Bachelor of Information Technology. You’ll then need to pursue a Master of Research (Medicine, Health and Human Sciences), Master of Neuroscience (Advanced), or Master of Brain and Mind Sciences.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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