Masters Degrees in Neuroscience

The MRes in Neuroscience is designed to provide advanced training in neuroscience research. Students conduct a year-long research project and learn relevant techniques and skills through course work. The overall aim is to give students the necessary skill set to succeed as independent research scientists.

Course information

The MRes in Neuroscience is a full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Highlights

- Intensive week-long introductory module prepares students for the course before the start of Semester 1.
- The course includes a streamlined taught component.
- Students have the opportunity to conduct a year-long project in a single laboratory.

Teaching format

The course begins with a week-long intensive module which continues during Semester 1 with a weekly seminar series. Over two semesters, students will also complete two additional Honours-level modules.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practicals and guided independent study. The modules are assessed principally by written work and oral presentations.

During Semester 1 and 2, and during the summer months, students will conduct an original research project culminating in a written thesis, which forms the main component of assessed work.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development - http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/taught-programmes/neuroscience/#d.en.556406

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue (https://portal.st-andrews.ac.uk/catalogue/) which is for the 2016–2017 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.

Compulsory modules

- Research Design in Neuroscience: intensive week-long module provides an introduction to designing and carrying out neuroscience research at the postgraduate level.
- Techniques and Skills in Neuroscience Research: examines state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques through critical analysis of primary literature.

Optional modules

Students choose two optional modules (optional modules may vary from year to year; see the University’s position on curriculum development (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/taught-programmes/neuroscience/#d.en.556406)). Examples of optional modules include:

- Neurodegeneration and Aging: develops a detailed understanding of molecular neuroscience at the biochemical and molecular level.
- Motoneurons: From Physiology to Pathology: provides an in-depth knowledge of key aspects of neuronal function and potential dysfunction by focusing on motoneurons.
- Behavioural Neuroscience: allows students to access current research in the area of behavioural neuroscience. Possible topics include motivation, learning and attention.
- Vision: from Neurons to Awareness: develops an advanced understanding of the psychological processes involved in visual perception.
- Neural Basis of Episodic Memory: examines how the brain enables us to remember information from our personal experience.
- Neuromodulation: explores the diverse range of neuromodulatory mechanisms and outlines their importance in information processing in the nervous system.
- Synaptic Transmission: covers recent progress in understanding the morphology and ultrastructure of synapses, neurotransmitter corelease and recycling mechanisms, retrograde signalling, synaptic plasticity, the role of glial cells and the development of neurotransmission.
- Mechanisms of Behaviour: Integrating Psychological and Neuroscience Perspectives: explores some of the many physiological and neural systems that modulate patterns of behaviour in a range of species, including humans.

Students on this course will have the opportunity to take new modules in the academic year 2017-2018. The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2017 entry. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Research project and thesis

Students will spend one year conducting an original research project culminating in a data-based thesis of not more than 15,000 words. The thesis will describe the research results obtained from the year-long research project and must be submitted by a date specified in August.

If students choose not to complete the thesis requirement for the MRes, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Certificate. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PG Cert instead of an MRes.

After the MRes

Research degrees:

Many of our graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.

The School of Psychology and Neuroscience offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The PhD comprises three years of full-time study and the submission of an 80,000-word thesis.

The Medical Research Council (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/scholarships/research-council/mrc/) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/scholarships/research-council/bbsrc/) offers studentships for PhD research in health, biological and related sciences covering up to four years of funding and, in some cases, accommodation fees.

Careers:

A large number of Psychology and Neuroscience postgraduates have gained postdoctoral and lecturing positions in universities across the world. The School provides opportunities for students to gain academic experience by being involved in tutorials, laboratory classes and through conducting independent research.

In addition to pursuing careers in academia, postgraduates within the School have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of fields including industry, education and medicine.

The Careers Centre (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/) offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and provides resources specific for neuroscience students (https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/students/careerdecisions/usingmydegree/neuroscience/).

Contact

School of Psychology and Neuroscience
St Mary's Quad
South Street
St Andrews
KY16 9JP

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2157
Email: [email protected]

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Learn how different brain functions contribute to cognition, mediate social interaction, and determine mental health, well-being and psychiatric illness.

Who is it for?

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.

Objectives

This Masters degree bridges three research and clinical disciplines:
-Cognitive neuroscience (the study of human brain functions such as memory, perception and language).
-Clinical neuroscience (the understanding of neurological, psychological or psychiatric illness via their neural and cognitive antecedents).
-Social neuroscience (the investigation of brain processes that help us communicate, feel, learn and interact with others).

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.

Academic facilities

You will have access to all the facilities and laboratories in the Psychology Department. Our members have experience with a wide range of neuroscientific techniques, including neuropsychological testing, psychophysics and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

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).

Placements

We help facilitate Clinical placements and are able and offer Research placements within our department.

Clinical placements: Center for Psychological Wellbeing and Neuroscience (CPWN) in collaboration with City and Hackney Mind (CHM).

Teaching and learning

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.

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed through essays, examinations, oral presentations, research methods projects and interpretation of statistical analyses, formal research proposals and a dissertation.

Modules

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.

Course structure
-Principles of Neuroscience: Brain anatomy, techniques and paradigms
-Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Mental Health, Well-being and Neuroscience
-Fundamental Processes in Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology I
-Fundamental Processes in Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology II
-Social Cognition and the Social Brain
-Statistical models and Research Methods and Programming
-Research Dissertation
-Invited speakers programme

Career prospects

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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We are conscious, we sense, we feel and we act because of our brains. The brain coordinates and is affected by bodily functions, and it integrates the information about the outside world conveyed by our senses – it is the most central player in the physiology of the whole body. Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that studies the brain and the entire nervous system at different levels of organisation, from genes and molecules to nerve cells and networks; and beyond. The focus of a neuroscientist’s research may lie in understanding the neurobiological bases of behaviour, analysing the functional roles of a single molecule, or developing new treatments for neurological disorders or sensory deficits.

The Master’s Programme in Neuroscience provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a scientifically vibrant international environment. You will be taught by scientists who will provide you with a wide spectrum of opportunities for practical training and for becoming integrated into the stimulating neuroscience community. When you graduate, you will have mastered the essentials of neuroscience and have deeper knowledge and skills in the subfields of your choice. The Programme prepares you for PhD studies and a research career, or for a career in the private or public sector.

The University of Helsinki will introduce annual tuition fees to foreign-language Master’s programmes starting on August 1, 2017 or later. The fee ranges from 13 000-18 000 euros. Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, who do not have a permanent residence status in the area, are liable to these fees. You can check this FAQ at the Studyinfo website whether or not you are required to pay tuition fees: https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/higher-education/higher-education-institutions-will-introduce-tuition-fees-in-autumn-2017/am-i-required-to-pay-tuition-fees/

Programme Contents

Training is arranged in modules and consists of lecture courses, hands-on laboratory courses, seminars and book exams. Group work, reports and presentations help you to develop critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for a successful career within Academia and in jobs in the public and private sectors. Compulsory studies provide you with a broad general knowledge of the field, whereas optional studies will offer you freedom to focus on topics of interest to you. You can choose lecture or laboratory courses for example in molecular and cellular neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, sensory biology, regeneration biology, systems neuroscience, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, brain disorders, etc. You can also expand your knowledge by taking courses from other Master’s Programmes.

Selection of the Major

With optional study modules you can refine your specialisation within the field of neuroscience and broaden your knowledge in other disciplines. Discussing the options with your teachers and study advisors during the first months of your studies will help you to identify the various opportunities and prepare your personal study plan. You can revise your plan, if necessary, as your studies progress.

Programme Structure

You undertake modules amounting to the value of 120 credits (ECTS) according to your personal study plan. The Master’s Degree consists of:
-60 credits of advanced studies, including a research project (Master’s thesis, 30 credits).
-60 credits of other studies chosen from the Programme or from other Programmes (e.g. Genetics and Molecular Biosciences, Translational Medicine, or Psychology).

The curriculum of the Programme enables you to complete 90 credits in 12 months of full-time studying and utilising study opportunities during the summer months, but not including your Master’s thesis research project. However, we recommend that you complete the Programme in 2 years as this will give you more flexibility for your optional studies. You can include career planning or extracurricular activities in your personal study plan.

In order to qualify as a biology teacher, you will need to have 60 credits of pedagogical studies in your degree. This applies only to Finnish or Swedish speaking students.

Career Prospects

Basic research and biomedical research are career paths that offer many opportunities. After completing a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, you will be eligible for Doctoral Programmes at the University of Helsinki (e.g. Doctoral Programme Brain & Mind) or worldwide for other Doctoral Programmes in neuroscience, biosciences or biomedicine.

In addition to Academia, neuroscientists work as specialists in many fields, such as the pharmaceutical industry, education, biotechnology, public policy, science writing and publishing.

A Master’s degree in Neuroscience is a popular choice among Finnish and Swedish speaking students studying towards biology teacher qualification.

Internationalization

Neuroscience research at the University of Helsinki is conducted at the highest international level. The research groups participate in international collaborative networks, which is also reflected in teaching and research training. A large number of international exchange students and degree students pursue their studies in neuroscience, and many international scholars participate in teaching.

As a student here you are encouraged to seek exchange or postgraduate positions in international partner universities and companies.

The Master’s Programme in Neuroscience is part of the Network of European Schools in Neuroscience, NENS, which provides further opportunities for exchange programmes and networking within European universities.

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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.

Degree information

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. They receive case demonstrations of brain-damaged patients, insights into transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation, and gain experience with functional neuroimaging techniques.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Communication Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Fundamental Processes
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Elaborative and Adaptive Processes
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience III: Translational Research
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Lesion Approaches
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Neuroimaging
-Research Methods (Statistics)
-Structure and Function of the Brain

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.

Careers

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.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Analyst, Chinese University of Hong Kong
-Research Assistant, UCL
-Research Worker, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry
-Assistant Psychologist, NHS Great Ormond Street Hospital
-Honorary Assistant Psychologist, The Tavistock and Portman

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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

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.

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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.

Degree information

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
-Key Skills Module: Generic Research Skills – Statistics
-Key Skills Module: Communication Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience

Optional modules - students choose one optional module from group one* and one module from group two**
-Structure and Function of the Brain*
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Lesion Approaches*
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Neuroimaging – Designing and Analysing fMRI Experiments*
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Fundamental Processes**
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Elaborative and Adaptive Processes**
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience III: Translational Research**

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.

Careers

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.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Proofreader, Akademie věd České republiky (The Czech Academy of Sciences)
-DPhil in Psychiatry, University of Oxford
-PhD in Psychology, Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
-PhD in Psychology, University of Cambridge

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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

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.

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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.

Degree information

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
-Advanced Quantitative Methods*
-Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience*
-Genetics of Development*
-Issues in Educational Neuroscience
-Neuroimaging Methods*

*indicates modules taken at Birkbeck.

Optional modules - students choose two of the following optional modules offered by the IOE:
-Autism: Research and Practice
-Cognitive Development and Learning
-Language Development
-Personality and Social Psychology in Education
-Reading and Spelling Difficulties
-Social Development

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.

Careers

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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Department of Psychology and 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 centre 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.

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Summary

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.

Content

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.

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Research profile

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.

Programme structure

You start with a taught component in the first 12 weeks, and attend ‘themed weeks’ which run in parallel with elective courses.

• Visit programme website for full details on electives and programme themes

Elective courses include:

• Developmental Neurobiology
• Neural Circuits
• Neurodegeneration and Regeneration

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.

• Edinburgh Neuroscience

You can decide to do two consecutive projects to gain a strong overview of research areas, or do a longer project to get a more in-depth laboratory experience in one field.

Career opportunities

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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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.

Degree information

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
-Developmental Neurobiology
-Receptors and Synaptic Signalling
-Systems and Circuits Neuroscience
-Neuroscience Journal Club

Optional modules - students choose one of the following:
-Neurobiology of Degeneration and Repair
-Cognitive Systems Neuroscience

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.

Careers

The majority (more than 80%) of our graduates take up PhD positions in neuroscience research, including some who stay on at UCL.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Assistant, Toronto General Hospital
-Lab Scientific Officer, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics
-MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery), King's College London
-PhD in Biological Science, University of Cambridge
-PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL

Employability
The MSc in Neuroscience provides an introduction to a career in neuroscience. Around 80% of our students progress to a PhD and them 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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

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.

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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.

Choose your own angle

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.

Why study Neuroscience at Radboud University?

- 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.

Change perspective

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.

Career prospects

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

Our approach to this field

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

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The programme is a one-year Masters course with both taught and research components. Students selected onto the course will follow the structured MPhil in Basic and Translational Neuroscience research training. The aims of this one-year, full-time research training course are as follows:

- to give the student experience of research work;
- to expose them to a variety of laboratory environments and the balance of self sufficiency and team work needed in a researcher;
- to introduce them to the basic skills of experimental design, project management, time management etc. needed in research;
- to familiarise the student with the practicalities of laboratory research, imparting an understanding of the nature of bench research, of record keeping and data handling and of good laboratory practice;
- to introduce them to basic analytical techniques needed to understand and contextualise their research;
- to familiarise them with basic scientific writing and presentation skills.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/blpdmpbtn

Course detail

The additional objectives that are specific to this programme will be:

- to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds into neuroscience by providing a taught module with a basic overview of neuroscience;
- provide students thorough training in neuroscience methods, data analysis and statistics techniques;
- give students the necessary basic but broad understanding of neuroscience to prepare them for future PhD studies;
- provide students with adequate experience in neuroscience research to enable them to make an informed choice of PhD project if they so wish.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Masters course, students drawn from a diverse range of subject backgrounds are all expected to have:

- developed a broad understanding of modern research techniques, and thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to research in topics related to Neuroscience;
- been exposed to a number of theoretical approaches to brain science and trained in critical thinking in the area;
- acquired specific expertise in neuroscience research methods and statistics;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the field;
- acquired knowledge of a broad range of interdisciplinary research areas and supervisors to inform their choice of PhD projects if applicable;
- undertaken training in generic and transferable research skills including the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies.

Format

The course offers both taught and research components including:

A project rotation in a laboratory of the student’s choice, among the projects offered by Cambridge Neuroscience Principal Investigators. The write up for the project will be formally assessed.

Supervisors will be drawn from Principal Investigators listed on the Cambridge Neuroscience web site: http://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/directory/faculty.php. For projects in external organisations (industry-based), the student would have an additional academic University based supervisor in addition to the industry-based supervisor.

Students will be expected to choose from three out of 5-7 research training modules offered from modules and may be shared by other courses. These modules may vary from year to year.

In addition to the research project and research training modules, the students will receive a total of >20 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops on the five main themes of Cambridge Neuroscience.

Students taking this degree will be members of the University’s Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) who offer a wide variety of Generic Skills Training.

Continuing

Students wishing to progress to the PhD after completing this MPhil course must apply via the Graduate Admissions Office. They will be required to pass the MPhil degree at a sufficient level to satisfy the Departmental Graduate Education Committee of the Department they are applying to and that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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The programme provides multidisciplinary training in a range of neuroscience topics, especially those that are relevant to psychiatry and neurology, through taught compulsory modules and a choice of optional, specialised modules, both taught and research. Students may graduate with an MSc Neuroscience in a speciality.

The programme 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.

Key benefits

- Appeals to students from a variety of backgrounds.

- Offers specialised graduate training in several neuroscience subject areas, both clinical and non-clinical.

- Aims to equip all graduates for the next stage of their career, usually further full-time study in basic neuroscience in an academic research environment or in a taught clinical programme, employment in an academic, clinical or pharmaceutical organisation. Some students have entered scientific publishing.

*Please note that the two year part-time programme runs on alternate years; the next intake will be in September 2016.*

Visit the website: http://www.iop.kcl.ac.uk/sites/neuroscience/?id=53

Course detail

- Description -

The programme provides multidisciplinary training in a range of neuroscience topics, especially those that are relevant to psychiatry and neurology, through three taught compulsory fundamental modules, one taught specialised module (from a choice of seven) and an approximately 20 week research project. Students choosing a research project in the same subject area as their specialised module may graduate with an MSc Neuroscience in that speciality.

The programme 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.

- Course purpose -

Neuroscience as a degree subject is still under-represented in the undergraduate sector and, consequently, most students coming onto the programme have degrees in subjects other than neuroscience. The aim of the programme is to extend the students' theoretical knowledge of the neurosciences and to develop, through their chosen research project, the practical skills that they may wish to practise in their future careers. This may be in further full-time study in an academic research environment or employment in an academic, clinical or pharmaceutical organisation.

- Course format and assessment -

Each of the Fundamental modules (A1-A3) is assessed with a written examination and a coursework essay. The Specialised modules are assessed with a written examination and the writing of an abstract to an unseen published paper (presented without the abstract). The research project is assessed by a research report, a laboratory notebook and a poster presentation.

Career prospects

Past students have obtained PhD positions both in the UK and overseas, entered medical school, the pharmaceutical industry, or trained as clinical psychologists; clinicians have obtained clinical research positions.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/prospective-students/Masters-Scholarships.aspx

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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This degree programme is unique through its dual emphasis on specialist training in the area Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as on generic, transferable research skills for career and professional development.

The course is based on a core curriculum of six taught modules and a research dissertation. The taught modules provide a detailed and critical understanding of contemporary research and analysis methods used in Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as generic professional development and research-related communication skills.

Students will acquire comprehensive research experience from working with researchers of international standing. The programme is especially recommended to graduates who want to:
-Specialise in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience
-Continue to do a PhD, or get a feel for research before embarking on a PhD
-Enhance their CV by a research-related Masters qualification

Modules and content:
-Introduction into Cognitive Neuroscience
-Mini-project in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Advanced Statistical Analysis
-Advanced Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Advanced EEG and MEG Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Communication skills in Research / Professional Development

In addition, students will complete a
-Research Dissertation

Learning, teaching & assessment

The course is delivered mainly through lectures, which are often followed up by laboratory-based practical sessions. The course is assessed by a combination of coursework, examinations, practical work, oral and written presentations, and the dissertation project.

Career prospects & Personal Development

This programme is designed to provide postgraduate-level education and training for graduates who want to specialise in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience, continue to do a PhD, or enhance their CV by a research-related Masters qualification.

Previous students on this programme have moved on to:
-PhD studies: destinations of recently successful PhD applicants include Aston, Cardiff, Derby, Liverpool, Sussex and Warwick
-Research-related roles: e.g. Research Assistant, Data Analyst (for example for the NHS)
-Education: e.g. Science Teacher, Educational Consultant

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Neuroscience is beginning to influence education across the world. This programme, which is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, will provide you with the skills and understanding to integrate insights from neuroscience and education.

The programme is suitable for teachers of all subjects and across all ages, including teachers of children with special needs, educational psychologists, education managers and policy makers. It is for those who want to enrich their thinking and practice with insights about learning and development from the sciences of the mind and brain.

You will be supported in exploring this exciting new field through:
-Engaging with the most up-to-date research literature, including the latest findings arising from the sciences of mind and brain in areas relevant to education. These include reading, mathematics, learning disorders, technology and creativity, but also many other areas.
-Becoming an active researcher who draws on findings from neuroscience, psychology, genetics and educational research.
-Carrying out your own small-scale experiments and research studies, leading to the major work of your dissertation.
-Carrying out assignments that encourage written, graphical and oral communication of your ideas.
-Becoming part of a broader community of study and research in the field of neuroscience and education, though lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
-Becoming confident with argument and discussion in the field of neuroscience and education.

The programme also provides an excellent foundation for further research studies (eg at PhD level) involving the ideas and methods of neuroscience in areas related to education.

Programme structure

Core units
-Introduction to Educational Inquiry
-Brain, Mind and Education
-Statistics in Education
-Cognition and Learning
-Issues in Neuroscience and Education

Optional units include
Students following this programme will also be able to take optional units from across the school, such as:
-Psychophysiological Research Methods in Education
-Designing Technologies for learning
-Social and Socio-cultural Psychology

For those who already possess a psychology degree, the option of taking the following units from the Department of Experimental Psychology may also be available:
-Magnetic Resonance Summer School
-Functional Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience Methods
-Applied Neuropsychology

Dissertation
You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation.

Careers

We offer the academic and personal development opportunities to equip you for the intellectual, social and personal challenges that you will encounter during your career. Our overarching goal is to enable our graduates to display the following characteristics:
-Equipped to demonstrate impact, excellence and distinctiveness in their chosen field.
-Visionary, imaginative, innovative, reflective and creative.
-High ideals and values, including a strong sense of social justice.
-Highly employable throughout the world.
-Adaptable, with the potential to be a leader in work and in the community.

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The new Dementia MSc is offered jointly by the UCL Institute of Neurology and the Division of Psychiatry and tackles one of the biggest global health problems facing society today. It provides research-oriented and cutting-edge training in the study of dementia and its scientific basis, led by international leaders in the science and practice of dementia. Two specialised pathways, in neuroscience and in mental health, are offered.

Degree information

The neuroscience pathway brings the latest bench-top research findings to the bedside, develops and integrates basic and clinical neuroscience skills, and equips students for future careers in the clinical practice or basic neuroscience of dementia. More information about the Mental Health pathway is also available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

Core modules
-Clinical Neuroscience of Neurodegenerative Diseases
-Current Research in Dementia
-Neurobiology of Degeneration and Repair
-Higher Functions of the Brain
-Research Methods and Critical Appraisal
-Practical Neuroscience of Dementia

Optional modules
-Advanced Neuroimaging
-Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia
-Statistical Methods in Mental Health
-Introduction to Biological Research in Mental Health
-Quality Improvement in Health Care

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which may take the form of a critical literature synthesis or collection and analysis of original data, depending on project availability and student background. The project culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words and a viva voce examination.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, journal clubs, workshops, masterclasses and patient-based teaching sessions supplemented by self-directed learning. Assessment is through ongoing formative assessments, for example interactive discussions and timetabled summative assessments (including short-answer and multiple-choice unseen examinations), essays, posters, oral presentations, and a research project and a final report in the format of a journal paper.

Careers

This is a new programme and no information on graduate destinations is currently available. For scientists and psychologists, the programme can lead to future placements in clinically oriented research environments or clinical training. For clinicians, this is an excellent opportunity to gain a higher qualification at a world-leading centre of excellence in neurodegeneration research, which could be tailored to a variety of future roles in clinical, research and management fields. Many students will go on to pursue PhDs and research careers in the fields of dementia and neurodegeneration.

Employability
This unique programme will equip graduates with in-depth knowledge of dementia diseases and their treatments; strong, practical research skills that could facilitate doctoral or postdoctoral research in the field; and transferable scientific communication skills. Students will harness the expertise of scientists and clinicians who are currently setting the neuroscience research agenda in dementia internationally. This experience could support further doctoral studies and applications for nationally funded fellowships. For clinicians, the programme will provide research perspectives and practical skills that could inform subspecialty practice in dementia. We aim to train the next generation of neuroscientific and clinical leaders in dementia.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme is unique in linking neuroscientific foundations with specialist clinical skills and knowledge in dementia.

The programme integrates the expertise of UCL Institute of Neurology with affiliated departments at the forefront of the global mission to defeat dementia, and is taught by international leaders working closely together to link bench and bedside as part of UCL's Dementia Strategy.

The programme builds on UCL's global perspective, targeting students in developing as well as developed countries to drive future training opportunities. The programme emphasises active student participation and enquiry, develops practical skills, and offers unparalleled exposure to laboratories and patients.

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