Brain and Mind Sciences MSc

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This international programme is offered by three of Europe's most prestigious centres of research and teaching in cognitive studies and neuroscience: UCL, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (part of Sorbonne University), and Ecole Normale Supérieure. Students design an individualised programme of study, exploring multidisciplinary perspectives.

About this degree

Students develop an understanding of the cognitive sciences and neurosciences, and how mechanisms operating at the molecular, cell, network and system level affect normal brain function. They gain a working knowledge of modern methods for scientific and clinical investigation of the human nervous system, along with exposure to leading-edge research.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits in the first year of the programme at UCL and are registered UCL students only for the duration of Year 1.

The programme consists of up to six taught modules (at 15- or 30-credit weighting to a total value of 90 credits) a library project (30 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

_{Compulsory modules}

• Library Project (30 credits)
• Research Project (60 credits)

_{Optional modules}

Students choose up to six modules from the following degrees:

• Clinical Neuroscience MSc
• Neuroscience MSc
• Language Sciences (with specialisation in Neuroscience and Communication) MSc
• Language Sciences (with specialisation in Linguistics with Neuroscience) MSc
• Philosophy MA
• Neuromuscular Diseases MSc
• Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc
• Cognitive Neuroscience MSc
• Stroke Medicine MSc
• Advanced Neuroimaging MSc
• Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (Neuroscience) MSc
• Translational Neurology MRes

Choosing a module is always dependent on its availability in the current year; other UCL departments may cap module numbers or make them available only to their own students, therefore it is not guaranteed you will be able to take modules outside the IoN. You are invited to make enquiries with the relevant departments before the year begins. Modules at the IoN are not capped and are available to all but you should check for timetable/assessment clashes with your core modules.

_{Dissertation/report}

All students undertake a library project which is assessed by a 5,000-word essay, and a laboratory research project which culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation and oral examination.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Lectures are supported by audio-visual aids and supplementary materials, including hand-outs, reading lists and references to original papers and/or reviews. Assessment is through coursework, examination, library project, research dissertation and oral examination.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Funding

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Careers

Students will graduate with a Master's from UCL (awarded at the end Year 1), and an international university diploma (Master's level) from UPMC/ENS (on completion of Year 2). Upon successful completion of the two-year joint MSc programme, students will be able to embark upon a successful career in their chosen field of research into the expression of human behaviour and its biological substrate.

Employability

Students will design their own curriculum in both London and Paris, tailoring their studies to their own area of interest. The individualised nature of the programme attracts intellectually mature students who are confident enough to define their own research path. The opportunity to undertake original research in two centres of excellence makes the successful student more attractive to potential PhD supervisors, as evidenced by the fact that 90% of graduating students go on to full-time doctoral studies.

Why study this degree at UCL?

Students on this programme benefit not only from the high-quality teaching and training available through the UCL Institute of Neurology, but also through our partners in Paris.

The programme is two years in length, with the first year spent in London and the second in Paris. Students will undertake two distinct research projects.

Department: UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology

Applications

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding should take note of application deadlines.

Who can apply?

The programme is suitable for students who will benefit from a personalised programme of study and research in the neurosciences and cognitive science disciplines relevant to a career in brain and mind sciences. All students will be rigorously selected on the basis of academic excellence and academic recommendation.

Application deadlines

22 June 2019

Please ensure you mention your plans for both the London and Paris years in your personal statement. Please note you will be enrolled at UCL only during Year 1 of the Dual Programme.

For more information see our Applications page.

Apply now

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study a two-year, two-centre Master's programme
• what you think the strengths of a "pick and mix" curriculum are
• how you think your previous academic and/or research experience might help you meet the demands of the programme
• what languages you speak, and to what level
• whether or not you want to do a PhD, or other professional scientific or clinical training when you complete the programme

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Visit the Brain and Mind Sciences MSc page on the University College London website for more details!