Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Cognitive Neuroscience at Swansea University.
The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on three specialist areas: neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG) and brain stimulation. Students will have the opportunity to gain employment in a wide range of disciplines after studying the current research in the field supported by practical hands on training in data processing and analysis.
Performance:
Teaching and Employability:
Facilities
MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience is at the intersection of cognitive science, brain imaging, and clinical neuroscience.
It is considered one of the most significant areas of contemporary science and it is beginning to transform the understanding of both normal and damaged brain function.
The importance of cognitive neuroscience has been recognised by the Welsh Government which created the multi-centre Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, drawing together the psychology departments at Swansea, Cardiff and Bangor Universities.
A core aspect of the provision for MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience will also be collaboration with the Medical School at Swansea University.
Modules on the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience may include:
The full-time masters degree for Cognitive Neuroscience is studied over one year.
The part-time degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, is studied over two years.
Sessions may be arranged occasionally on other days of the week (e.g. visiting clinician talks/workshops and employability sessions).
The Cognitive Neuroscience course is taught through a variety of methods including: blended learning, lectures, discussions/debates, critical assessment of peer-reviewed articles, hands-on data preprocessing and analysis, training in writing research reports, creating conference posters and effective presentations.
The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience course is suitable for:
- anyone looking for a valuable academic foundation for future doctoral training
- anyone looking to demonstrate their employability across a range of disciplines within cognitive neuroscience and related fields, including psychology, computing, neuroscience, medicine and computer science
- UK and international psychology graduates seeking positions as researchers in psychology, cognitive neuroscience or related fields.
- psychology graduates aiming to secure a PhD by research in a psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related discipline
- graduates from other disciplines such as Biology, Neuroscience, and Medicine who wish to develop further skills related to psychology and cognitive neuroscience
On completion of the Cognitive Neuroscience course students will have the opportunity to apply to any competitive PhD programme in cognitive neuroscience nationally and internationally.
The Cognitive Neuroscience course opens up a range of career options within cognitive neuroscience and related fields including psychology, computing, neurosciences, medicine and computer science, as research associates/officers, teachers, lecturers, the business sector and administration.
Many of the College of Human and Health Sciences team are leaders in their specialist fields of research. They undertake novel and original research in a variety of areas, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.
The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.
In addition, Cognitive Neuroscience students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.
This exciting MSc reflects the broad-ranging and strong neuroscience research profile of our Department, equipping you with a rigorous grounding in the theory and applications of cognitive, clinical, and developmental neuroscience.
We offer two pathways on this Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (CCN) MSc:
The Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway has been developed in partnership with the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Neurodisability Service. The emphasis of this pathway will be on research and clinical aspects of cognitive neuroscience.
You'll take six modules, including a research dissertation:
The emphasis of the Methods and Techniques pathway will be on practical hands-on training in methods and techniques used in cognitive neuroscience research.
You'll take six modules, including a research dissertation:
Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway
This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines, who want to pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in experimental psychology or neuroscience; to teach in higher education; or to develop further knowledge for clinical careers involving work with brain-damaged patients or people suffering from developmental cognitive disorders.
During the course of the MSc, students interested in gaining clinical experience will be encouraged to consider possible placements that may be available with one of the several clinical sites we collaborate with. In some cases, there may also be the possibility of carrying out research for their dissertation in these clinical settings.
Modules
The programme is based on six modules, described below, including a research dissertation. The number of credits per modules represents the overall coursework load, which includes lecturing, practical work, tutorials and workshops.
Assessment
The programme is assessed by written examinations, coursework, an oral presentation, journal club and a research dissertation.
Methods and Techniques pathway
This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines, who want to pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in neuroscience and to teach in higher education. During the MSc, students will receive highly relevant hands-on training in essential methods and techniques used in contemporary cognitive neuroscience research.
Modules
The programme is based on six modules: the five described below, plus a research dissertation. The number of credits per module represents the overall coursework load, which includes lecturing, practical work, tutorials and workshops.
Assessment
The programme is assessed by written examinations, coursework, an oral presentation, journal club and a research dissertation.
The programme will provide you with knowledge of theory and practical issues relevant to neuroscience and clinical psychology in the UK health services and research centres. The two pathways allow students to shape their study plan according to their interests and career objectives. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research project under the supervision of a member of staff and relevant external clinical/research sector staff.
This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines.
The Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway is aimed at students who want to develop further knowledge in clinical cognitive disordersto apply to UK clinical doctorate programs or to students who want to pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in experimental psychology or neuroscience.
The Methods and Techniques pathway is mainly addressed to students who want to apply for a research doctorate (MPhil/PhD) in cognitive neuroscience and related disciplines.
During the course of the MSc, students interested in gaining clinical experience will be encouraged to consider possible placements that may be available with one of the several clinical sites we collaborate with. In some cases, there may also be the possibility of carrying out research for their dissertation in these clinical settings.
Students on the Methods and Techniques pathway will be able to acquire valuable “hands-on” experience and build a research portfolio by means of ad-hoc tutorials, research projects and workshops on some of the most recent cognitive neuroscience techniques (mainly TMS, tDCS, EEG).
Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths.
This Masters is ideal for those who have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline and would like to build more knowledge and skills highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. Students will also be well-equipped should they wish to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.
This Masters degree bridges three research and clinical disciplines:
The major aim of this programme is to provide you with a thorough grounding in the neuroscience that underpins human cognitive brain function, clinical, social and affective interaction, and neuropathology.
Teaching will comprise of seminars, lectures, computing and statistics classes, and supervision of an individual research project. Your learning experience during the programme will be enhanced by an invited speaker’s programme of external experts who work in Clinical, Social or Cognitive neuroscience.
You will have access to all the facilities and laboratories in the Psychology Department. Check our labs facilities in the Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit (CRNU), the Baby lab, the Autism Research Group (ARG), the Human Memory Research Group, etc. For a full list of facilities visit the Psychology Department.
Our members have experience with a wide range of neuroscientific techniques, including neuropsychological testing, psychophysics, electrophysiology, and neuroimaging methods. We have particular strengths in the use of Electroencephalography (EEG), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Electric Stimulation (a weak current applied to the scalp), in addition to measures of human behaviour (e.g. response times, response errors, and eye movements) and physiological measures (e.g. galvanic skin response and heart rate).
We test neurologically normal individuals, special populations (e.g. people with synesthesia) and people with expertise or acquired skills (e.g. dancers, musicians, athletes), as well as people with brain damage (e.g. neglect or split-brain patients), psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. schizophrenia), sensory deficits (e.g. visual and hearing impairments) and developmental disorders (e.g. dyslexia or autism).
We facilitate clinical internships through our specialist research Centre for Psychological Wellbeing and Neuroscience (CPWN) and with the local Mind centre.
Teaching will be comprised of lectures, seminars, group work and discussions, workshops and tutorials, reports, computing and statistics classes and the individual research dissertation.
You will undertake independent study, supported by the teaching and learning team, and will receive detailed feedback on your coursework. You will be provided with assessment and grade-related criteria which will outline your intended learning outcomes, along with the skills, knowledge and attitudes you are expected to demonstrate in order for you to complete an assessment successfully. You will also be assigned a personal tutor as your primary contact, who will advise you on academic matters and monitor your progress through the programme.
You will find a supportive vibrant research environment in the Department. The course is taught by academics, who are internationally recognised experts in their field with different backgrounds in clinical, social and cognitive neuroscience.
Check out what is going on in our laboratories and at the Center for Psychological Wellbeing and Neuroscience (CPWN).
Find our more about our work on our Facebook group.
Your learning will be assessed through essays, examinations, oral presentations, research methods projects and interpretation of statistical analyses, formal research proposals and a dissertation.
The programme consists of eight taught modules worth 15 credits each with around 30-34 hours of face-to-face contact, supported by online resources and an empirical research project (worth 60 credits).
You will learn about the latest advances in clinical, social and cognitive neuroscience and develop an appreciation of the reciprocal nature of research and practice in these domains. For example how insights from functional neuroimaging inform our understanding of neurological disorders and how clinical observations inform neurocognitive modelling.
This course will provide you with knowledge and skills highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. You will also be well-equipped should you wish to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire in this programme are highly valuable, whether you choose to pursue further research or an applied occupation. They will enhance your employability prospects in a wide range of sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, neuromarketing, the computing industry, science and the media, science and the arts, business or education.
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Our Neuroscience MSc course will provide you with multidisciplinary training in a range of neuroscience topics, particularly those relevant to psychiatry and neurology. It seeks to equip graduates from a wide range of backgrounds for the next stage of their career, which may be either further full-time study in a neuroscience-related academic research environment, or employment in an academic, clinical or pharmaceutical organisation.
Please note that the two year part-time programme runs on alternate years. The next intake will be September 2018.
The Neuroscience MSc inspires the next generation of neuroscientists. The course brings together home and international Students from various academic backgrounds. Our vision is to provide Students with multidisciplinary training in a broad range of neuroscience topics, particularly those relating to psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience and neurology. We believe that our Teaching and Research goals can best be achieved through our Students, Scientists and Clinicians working together on common problems. This approach transforms Students' theoretical and practical knowledge of the neurosciences, and provides them with the applied and professional skills they need for their future careers. In short, our objective is to provide students with a good foundation for life.
The Programme provides:
Course Objectives
Successful students should be able to demonstrate:
MSc Neuroscience Students take three broad-based neuroscience modules during their first term. During the second term Students ‘specialise’ by choosing one of six taught optional modules, ‘Psychiatric Genetics’, ‘Developmental Neurobiology’, ‘Neurodegeneration’, ‘Neuroimaging’, ‘Cognitive Neuroscience’ and ‘Neural Stem Cells and Nervous System Repair’. In the third and final term, Students work together with their Scientist / Clinician Supervisors to produce original research.
While most students applying to the course have a degree in a basic biomedical science or in Psychology, the course attracts a much wider range of applicants. These include:
MSc Neuroscience in a speciality
To obtain an MSc in a speciality, students must complete the 3 compulsory taught fundamental modules (A1-A3), followed by a further taught specialised optional module (from Modules B1-B8) and a research project (from Modules C1-C8) in the same speciality.
While every effort will be made to accommodate a student's wishes, the number of research projects that can be offered on each speciality is dependent on availability.
The degree of MSc Neuroscience will be awarded to:
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, field work and self-study.
You are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.
This course provides excellent training for students who wish to pursue a broad range of careers including an academic or research career, or those who wish to enter medical school, the pharmaceutical industry, or train as clinical psychologists, or work as scientific writers.
Understanding the relationship between brain, cognition and behaviour is one of the biggest challenges the scientific community is currently working on. Computational cognitive neuroscience is a young and exciting discipline that tackles these long-standing research questions by integrating computer modelling with experimental research.
This Masters programme will foster a new generation of scientists who will be trained in both neuro-computational modelling as well as cognitive neuroscience. Its core topics include:
The programme is suitable for students from a variety of disciplines including - but not limited to - psychology, computing, neuroscience, engineering, biology, maths and physics. Students with no prior programming experience are welcome.
Graduates of this Masters will acquire a unique set of complementary skills that will make them extremely competitive in securing research or analyst positions in both academia and industry.
You will study the following core modules:
You will also undertake a 60 credit research project investigating an aspect of cognitive neuroscience using computational modelling, advanced data analysis methods, or a combination of these techniques. Culminating in a 10,000 word dissertation, the project will be carried out by combining the computational, experimental and data analysis skills that students will acquire over Term 1 and 2.
Option modules
You will choose one option from the following two modules:
You will also choose one of the following 4 options:
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Graduates of this programme will have the following assets in their portfolio:
Such a cross-disciplinary profile will make graduates of this Masters particularly competitive on the job market, especially when applying for positions that require complementary expertise and skills.
The course prepares students for employment in areas including cognitive neuroscience, IT consultancy, cognitive robotics, as well as large enterprises developing software systems inspired by human cognition (e.g., web-search engines, systems for natural language processing, information extraction, data mining and human-computer interaction).
The course is also ideal preparation for further study at PhD level.
Neuroscience is an exciting and emerging discipline which seeks to understand the most complex organ in the body - the nervous system. Neuroscience is a modern, multidisciplinary subject. As such, it draws together knowledge and expertise from many areas of science, from molecular biology up to the psychological study of the mind.
This innovative qualification from King’s is taught 100% online over two years, and is therefore designed to fit around your work and life commitments. This postgraduate course will allow you to apply your neuroscience knowledge to real world settings. From the research lab to marketing and games design, the application of neuroscience has the potential to deepen your understanding of how the brain and the nervous system serves to drive our every thought, sensation and emotion.
Studying Applied Neuroscience MSc at King’s is ideal for people who either:
The Applied Neuroscience MSc programme provides a comprehensive and integrated exploration of our current understanding of the neuroscientific field, and will provide opportunities for students to develop specific interests in the applied neuroscience areas of psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, neuroimaging and how neuroscience can impact society.
This 100% online neuroscience master’s programme draws upon the wealth of research, education and clinical expertise and experience across the world-renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN).
From this course you will:
Teaching
The programme is delivered entirely online. There are video lectures, coursework including critical appraisal of published work, essays and abstracts and self-directed learning activities. Assessment will include discussion board participation, multiple choice question and short answer questions examinations.
Assessment
You are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations and may typically expect assessment by:
Two multiple choice examinations (40%)
Short essay examination (50%)
Discussion board participation (10%)
At King’s, you’ll enter into one of the world’s most competitive student bodies and join a legacy of graduates that are sought out by some of the leading employers in the field.
The Applied Neuroscience MSc will:
This cutting-edge programme offers an exciting opportunity to study modern neuroscience with a focus on clinical implications. You will gain a strong foundation in understanding the mechanisms and treatments of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.
This course is designed for students from a range of backgrounds, who are interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience. You will develop a detailed understanding of modern theory and concepts relating to brain research and neuroscience and the application of these principles in the treatment of brain disorders. This course places emphasis on the clinical relevance of recent developments in neuroscience.
The development of your research methods skills is an integral part of the course. You will further your understanding of applied neuroscience with a research project which will develop your data handling and analysis skills, use of applied theory and statistics.
You will join the Health Sciences Research Centre whose academics are currently investigating a range of topical issues such as the addictive nature of new psychoactive substances, effects of stress on the brain regulatory systems and the mechanisms of brain cell death and repair using neural stem cells. You will be welcome to attend research seminars and discussions on topical developments in neuroscience and health sciences, led by experts.
MSc Clinical Neuroscience is recognised by the Federation of Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and included in the Network of European Neuroscience Schools (NENS), which is the highest accolade in European neuroscience teaching.
In this postgraduate programme, you will develop an integrated overview of contemporary neuroscience as a rapidly developing discipline with multiple links with molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology and medical sciences.
You will be introduced to a diverse range of topics and will have the chance to focus on areas that interest you. Examples of topics that you might cover include: clinical relevance of recent developments in neuroscience, brain imaging techniques and their applications in neurology and psychiatry, neurobiological mechanisms of human brain disorders, effects of nutrition and addiction on brain function, and research methods.
You will discuss ethical issues in clinical neuroscience and develop your ability to critically evaluate current developments in clinical brain research, which are relevant to healthcare.
This course can accommodate students from a range of backgrounds including new graduates from life sciences or psychology as well as health professionals who hold non-traditional qualifications. The programme options of PG Diploma or PG Certificate can be useful to health professionals who wish to refresh update theory knowledge without the commitment of conducting a research project (MSc). It is also suitable for applicants from the NHS, for example neuro-nurses or therapists.
Modules
Here are examples of the modules:
Health professionals, research careers in academia, NHS or private sector including the pharmaceutical industry. Alternatively, graduates may opt for further academic study at PhD level.
The Cognitive Neuroscience MSc at UCL is a research-led, state-of-the-art degree programme on mental processes in the human brain. The programme brings together some of the world's leading researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology.
Students learn about the relationship between the mind and the brain in patients and healthy individuals, alongside the ideas, methodology, and current state of knowledge in cognitive neuroscience. Students learn in the classroom and laboratory via a combination of lectures, discussions and practical work. Alongside discipline-specific knowledge and skills, the programme develops key transferable skills.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an empirical research project in the area of cognitive neuroscience, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory classes and student presentations. Depending on the chosen taught modules, it includes case demonstrations of neuropsychological patients, hands-on experience with the analysis of neuroimaging data, critical analyses of published scientific papers, and discussion seminars. Assessment is through examinations, essays, practical exercises, reports and the research dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Cognitive Neuroscience MSc
The MSc is a very selective programme that develops key research skills in the field of cognitive neuroscience and serves as a basis for PhD study in an academic setting or a research career in industry or business. The MSc also promotes key skills that prepare students for more general careers in clinical psychology, marketing, teaching, and consultancy.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Students will have the opportunity to study and conduct cutting-edge research alongside some of the leading researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Students will be immersed in this research environment and will learn directly from experts in the field rather than just text-books.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL is among the principal research centres in the world in this area and offers an ideal environment to study cognitive neuroscience.
Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources such as a behavioural neuroscience laboratory, a centre for brain imaging, and extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.
Opportunities for graduate students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Psychology & Language Sciences
83% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
The Educational Neuroscience MA/MSc will introduce students to the methods and findings from the emerging field of educational neuroscience. It will develop their understanding of key issues in educational neuroscience and the application of neuroscience to education, and provide the opportunity for them to undertake research in educational neuroscience.
This programme will develop students' understanding of research processes and give them the opportunity to be taught by staff with a wide range of expertise in psychology of education and developmental cognitive neuroscience. Students will also benefit from strong links with psychological expertise in other colleges of the University of London, especially Birkbeck, with whom this is a joint award.
Students undertake modules to the value of 210 credits.
The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits) - four taught at Birkbeck and one at UCL - two optional modules (60 credits) - taught at the IOE - and a dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
* indicates modules taken at Birkbeck
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation.
Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered by face-to-face daytime or evening sessions and attendance may vary depending on your choice of optional modules. It is assessed by coursework assignments of up to 5,000 words and a 10,000-word dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Educational Neuroscience MA/MSc
Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as research assistants, while others have jobs as teachers. Graduates can also be found working as PhD students.
Employability
Students gain experience of thinking critically about how to apply scientific theories and findings to educational practice, and how to build an evidence base for education. These are crucial skills that aid career development in both the science and the education sectors.
The Department of Psychology & Human Development brings together staff with research and teaching interests that encompass psychological approaches to learning, development and teaching from early childhood to adulthood.
The Centre for Educational Neuroscience (CEN) was formed in 2008 to promote applications of cognitive neuroscience within educational research, and build partnerships with professionals to translate findings into new practice. The CEN involves 30+ academic staff with expertise in developmental psychology, pedagogy and learning technologies (UCL Institute of Education), cognitive neuroscience and educational psychology (UCL) and developmental neuroscience and computational modeling (Birkbeck).
The CEN established the MA/MSc in Educational Neuroscience, with an intake of psychology graduates and education professionals, which feeds into an ESRC-accredited doctoral training pathway.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Psychology & Human Development
78% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Our brain and its workings define who we are. Neuroscience is discovering how the nervous system functions in health and disease from the molecular to the behavioural level. It is a vibrant area of science with regular exciting new breakthroughs, but there is still much to be discovered. UCL is the leading neuroscience institution in Europe, and students benefit greatly from a vast reservoir of expertise.
In addition to providing experience and participation in cutting-edge neuroscience, delivered by internationally recognised researchers, the programme generates several transferable skills, notably advanced laboratory research methods, data analysis, computer literacy, oral presentation, critical appraisal of specialised literature, and time management.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (75 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a research project (90 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose one of the following:
Research project/report
Students undertake an original research project which culminates in a 7,000-word dissertation.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and a laboratory project. Student performance is evaluated through formal examination, coursework, and the research project.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Neuroscience MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
The majority (more than 80%) of our graduates take up PhD positions in neuroscience research, including some who stay on at UCL.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The MSc in Neuroscience provides an introduction to a career in neuroscience. Around 80% of our students progress to a PhD and then onto careers in academia, industry and other allied biomedical professions. The remainder go into careers in the fields of healthcare, education and commercial scientific research.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Division of Biosciences is one of the largest and most active research environments for basic biological research in the UK, and UCL has one of the largest, most dynamic and exceptional neuroscience communities in the world.
UCL has over 450 principal investigators covering all aspects of neuroscience.
This MSc provides students with a broad knowledge of neuroscience, together with deep knowledge and hands-on experience in the area of their research project.
There is increasing international demand for high-quality research training on mental processes in the healthy and diseased human brain. This MRes brings together some of the world's leading researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology, offering students an ideal environment to prepare for independent research careers in this fast-developing field.
Students learn about the relationship between the mind and the brain in patients and healthy individuals, alongside the ideas, methodology, and current state of knowledge in cognitive neuroscience. In addition to specialised, research-oriented training, the programme develops key transferable skills. These include project management, logical thinking, oral and written communication, and independent learning. The MRes has a greater emphasis on the research project than the Cognitive Neuroscience MSc.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two key skills modules (30 credits), two optional modules (one from Group One and one from Group Two to a total value of 30 credits) and a substantial research project (120 credits).
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose one optional module from group one* and one module from group two**
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an empirical research project in the area of cognitive neuroscience, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000–17,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory classes and student presentations. Depending on the chosen optional modules, it includes case demonstrations of neuropsychological patients, hands-on experience with the analysis of neuroimaging data, critical analyses of published scientific papers, and discussion seminars. Assessment is through examinations, essays, practical exercises, reports and the research dissertation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Cognitive Neuroscience MRes
The MRes is a very selective programme that develops key research skills in the field of cognitive neuroscience and serves as a basis for PhD study in an academic setting or a research career in industry or business. The MRes also promotes key skills that prepare students for more general careers in clinical psychology, marketing, teaching, and consultancy.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
Students have the opportunity to study and conduct cutting-edge research alongside some of the leading researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Students will be immersed in this research environment and will learn directly from experts in the field rather than just text-books.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN) is among the principal research centres in the world in this area and offers an ideal environment to study the subject.
Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources such as a behavioural neuroscience laboratory, a centre for brain imaging, and extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.
Opportunities for graduate students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Division of Psychology & Language Sciences
83% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
A flexible and interdisciplinary programme, which challenges you to use your specific knowledge to unravel the workings of the human brain.
Our brain contains many ingenious networks of millions of interconnected neurons. Together, they have a storage capacity and flexibility that far exceed modern supercomputers, or any artificial intelligent system. The Master’s specialisation in Neuroscience aims at unravelling the neuro-biological and neuro-computational mechanisms of this fascinating, complex system. We study the full spectrum from molecule to man, and from experiment to advanced theory and models.
The brain, as part of the human body, may at a first glance seem the exclusive domain of Biology. However, as the communication between neurons involves neurotransmitters and electrical ionic currents, understanding these mechanisms calls for knowledge of Chemistry and Physics. Moreover, studying mechanisms of coding and encoding of neural signals, requires advanced concepts from Mathematics and Informatics. By working together, our students learn to view complex issues from all these different sides.
Neuroscience at the Science Faculty ranges from biology to physics and mathematics, and will thus appeal to students from different Master’s programmes. The programme can be readily adapted to your individual academic background – whether that is in the field of Biology, Mathematics, Physics or Computing Science. Apart from fundamental knowledge of the brain, the Neuroscience specialisation also provides you with a general background in the principles of complex systems, and of intelligent behaviour of living and artificial systems.
- Radboud University is the only university in the Netherlands that covers the complete research field of Neuroscience, from cognition to behaviour, and from sub-cellular processes, to single cell analysis and big data.
- The specialisation is closely connected to the world-renowned Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (DI). You will get the chance to work with DI researchers during your internship, and build up a high profile network for your future career.
- The courses have a strong focus on research: they will cover the latest developments in brain research and technology, and train you the essential academic skills.
- You will work with students and researchers from different backgrounds in the natural sciences and become acquainted with a wide variety of research methods and scientific approaches.
The brain, as part of the human body, may at a first glance seem the exclusive domain of Biology. However, as the communication between neurons involves neurotransmitters and electrical ionic currents, understanding these mechanisms calls for knowledge of Chemistry and Physics. Moreover, studying mechanisms of coding and encoding of neural signals, requires advanced concepts from Mathematics and Informatics. By working together, our students learn to view complex issues from all these different sides.
Master’s specialisation in Neuroscience
The Master’s specialisation in Neuroscience gives you the chance to work at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, and build up your own network of international renowned scientists who are working on the human brain: an excellent preparation for a future career in science. Neuroscience will also provide you with general skills that are required for any other job you aspire:
- the ability to structure complex problems
- excellent social skills for working in a multidisciplinary team
- extensive experience in presentations
- academic writing skills
At Radboud University, all branches of Neuroscience are accounted for, and strongly intertwined through the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (DI). This unique combination of expertises is a real advantage for Neuroscience students: it gives you absolute freedom to develop your knowledge in your field of interest and a high profile network for your future career.
- Science faculty
In this specialisation at the Science faculty, you will use your background in the natural sciences to unravel neurobiological processes. When completed, you will receive a Master’s degree in Medical Biology, Molecular Life Sciences, Physics & Astronomy or Science. For highly talented students it is possible to obtain a second Master’s degree at the selective Research Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience of the DI, which has a more cognitive approach. This extra Master’s degree takes one additional year (60 EC) to complete.
- Themes
The Master’s specialisation in Neuroscience focuses on three of the four research themes of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour:
- Perception, Action and Control
Focus: Studying sensorimotor mechanisms, their cognitive and social components, their clinical implications, and their relevance for robotics.
Research: Researchers use theoretical analysis, psychophysical and behavioural studies, neurophysiological techniques, neuroimaging, clinical and pharmacological interventions, developmental and genetic approaches.
- Plasticity and Memory
Focus: The development and decay of the healthy and the maladaptive brain.
Research: Researchers in this field study the mechanistic underpinnings and behavioural consequences of long-term changes in neural structure and function. Genetic, molecular and cellular methods, animal models, as well as human neuroimaging and cognitive neuropsychology are used.
- Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication
Focus: Complex neural networks, ranging from the very smallest – communication between individual neurons – to the largest: communication between different brain areas and the outside world.
Research: The research groups combine the development of new techniques for measurements of connectivity and activation, with the experimental application of these techniques in studies of cognition in humans, non-human primates and rodents. Computational modelling is an important component.
- Custom approach
The specialisation programme depends on the Master’s programme that you will follow. In this way, it will perfectly fit to your current knowledge and practical skills. However, as all neuroscience research topics are interdisciplinary, you will become acquainted with other disciplines as well. This will help you to develop a common ground that is necessary to communicate in a multi-faceted (research) team.
See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/medicalbiology/neuro
The MSc by Research in Integrative Neuroscience is a one-year, full-time research programme covering all levels of modern neuroscience, which makes it an ideal programme to prepare you for a PhD.
We include molecular, cellular, systems, regenerative, cognitive, clinical and computational neuroscience. We also allow you to choose your specialty right from the start, allowing you to shape your learning around your interests and career goals.
You start with a taught component in the first 12 weeks, and attend ‘themed weeks’ which run in parallel with elective from which you choose your optional courses. The Elective optional courses include:
The elective courses run during the first 12 weeks on two half days per week. These will give you a deeper insight into the concepts and methodology of a specific field of interest.
For your research you can choose available projects or contact principal investigators from more than 120 groups in the Edinburgh Neuroscience community to develop your own project, which can range from psychology to nanoscience.
Examples of completed projects are:
This programme is designed to help you in your research career. Over 90% of students on the MSc by Research in Integrative Neuroscience have positive next destinations, including PhD, research or clinical career paths.
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