Special emphasis are placed on improving methodological skills, to ensure that students enter the phase of writing their dissertation with firm methodological and substantive knowledge. Courses are the responsibility of the MPI CBS, the University of Leipzig, and the MPI EVA. Students may be assigned a specific additional course programme at the University and/or the MPI for Evolutionary Anthropology based on the skills they bring from their previous studies, and on the additional qualifications they need for their dissertation project. Additionally to the core courses, students participate in the regular research activities at the MPIs and the University of Leipzig, such as biweekly Institute Colloquia for doctoral students, guest lectures and seminars, and short courses on general skills in computing, academic writing, and publishing. Students also concentrate on developing a proposal for their thesis in this time.

At the end of their first year, students must have completed their course programme. They are also required to present a proposal for their doctoral thesis. Based on course work and the proposal, the Board of the IMPRS decides whether a student will be accepted into the second year of the programme.

In the second year students acquire deeper knowledge of cutting-edge cognition research. Additionally to the core courses, students participate in the regular research activities at the MPIs and the University of Leipzig, such as biweekly Institute Colloquia for doctoral students, guest lectures and seminars, and short courses on general skills in computing, academic writing, and publishing.

At the end of their second year, students must have completed their course programme and present a progress report on the stage of their doctoral research. Based on course work and progress report, the Board of the IMPRS decides whether a student will be accepted into the third year of the programme.

During their third year, no courses take place. In addition to the regular research activities at the MPIs and the University of Leipzig, students in the third year may have the opportunity to spend a certain time at the School’s British partner institution, the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience in London. Doctoral students from the ICN have the opportunity to spend up to six months at the IMPRS in Leipzig. Students may also spend time at other foreign research institutions, depending on availability and on the topic of their research.