Neuroscientists combine skills in science and research to explore the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. We have researched the top masters in neuroscience uk options. Hence, this article on masters in neuroscience requirements. Below, in this article, you will find masters in neuroscience online. Read on to discover them.
As a neuroscientist, you’ll work to understand and develop treatments for a range of neurological issues. These include the brain’s function in mental health challenges such as depression or schizophrenia, the impact of trauma on the brain such as stroke and head injury, or the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as epilepsy, motor neurone disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
Most neuroscientists are involved in research, working in a range of settings such as universities, pharmaceutical companies or government agencies.
Neuroscientists differ from neurologists and neurosurgeons, who are medically qualified doctors. They’re also different from neuropsychologists, who are clinical psychologists with further training in neuropsychology.
masters in neuroscience requirements
masters in neuroscience uk
Neuroscience is a fast-moving, multidisciplinary subject that has advanced rapidly over recent years. It has developed a collaborative approach that combines aspects from a range of disciplines including computer science, chemistry, medicine, engineering, linguistics and mathematics.
Consequently, there are neuroscientists working in:
- academia (research and teaching)
- clinical sciences
- biotechnology and contract research
- pharmaceutical/drug development
- neuropsychology
- neuroimaging or brain-imaging
- regulatory affairs, policy and research administration
- science communication and public engagement.
Within these areas, there is a range of neuroscientist specialisms. For example, you could focus on cognitive neuroscience, working to understand how the brain creates and controls thought, memory, language and behaviour. Alternatively, you may look into the effect of drugs on behaviour or treat disorders of the brain and nervous system as a clinical neuroscientist.
For more information on the different areas of neuroscience, see BrainFacts.
Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will depend on your area of specialism, but in general, you’ll need to:
- design and carry out experiments to understand more about the brain and nervous system
- study and test samples of brain tissue
- use techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to watch the brain ‘at work’
- research and develop new treatments for neurological disorders
- hold meetings with scientific colleagues to discuss your findings and ideas for potential research projects
- research and develop the techniques and equipment used by medical staff in clinical trials
- work with doctors and other health specialists to trial new drugs with patients
- use theoretical, statistical and computer-based models to analyse data
- use computer programming within your research
- carry out regular literature reviews of neuroscience research
- share your research in peer-reviewed journals
- attend and present at national or international conferences.
Salary
- Research assistants in neuroscience can earn between £25,000 and £35,000.
- Starting salaries for postdoctoral researchers are between £32,000 and £45,000.
- Experienced and senior neuroscientists earn salaries of £50,000 to £60,000 or more.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Working hours
Working hours tend to be standard office hours, from 9am to 5pm. You may need to be flexible to suit the availability of participants in research projects, or when attending conferences. Paid overtime is rare, but you may be offered time off to compensate for extra hours you have worked.
Many research projects run for a specified period, often one to three years. This means that contracts are usually fixed term to suit the project. Roles within industry, such as in the pharmaceutical sector, are more likely to be permanent.
What to expect
- Much of the work is lab based, but you’ll also spend time completing administrative tasks in an office setting.
- The route to becoming a neuroscientist can feel very long, and even after a PhD you may have to take several temporary research contracts to gain enough experience to move into a permanent position.
- Although neuroscience is a growing field, jobs are not available in high numbers. This means you’ll usually need to be flexible and willing to relocate in order to find work.
- Neuroscience is an exciting field, with many discoveries yet to be made. It’s possible that your research could have a direct impact on people’s lives, such as contributing to a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
- Neuroscience is a global industry, and you can find work around the world. There are also opportunities to travel to conferences and form research collaborations in many different countries.
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Qualifications
Most neuroscientists complete a science-based undergraduate degree followed by a PhD. Some will also complete a Masters degree.
There are several neuroscience undergraduate degrees to choose from, as well as combined degrees such as neuroscience with psychology. For a list of neuroscience undergraduate and postgraduate courses, see British Neuroscience Association (BNA) – Neuroscience courses in the UK.
As neuroscience combines many scientific disciplines, there are a range of physical and life sciences degrees that can form a starting point to your career. These include:
- biochemistry
- biology
- biomedical sciences
- pharmacology
- psychology.
It’s also possible to enter neuroscience with a degree in computer science, chemistry, engineering or physics.
Although you may be able to start working as a research assistant in neuroscience without a PhD or a Masters, these roles are competitive, and so you’re likely to be at an advantage if you have a postgraduate qualification.
Another advantage of postgraduate study is that it will further develop the research skills that are so essential for working as a neuroscientist.
After completing a PhD you’ll usually move into a postdoctoral research position, in order to get more laboratory experience. It’s also possible, however, to move straight into an industry position.
Some organisations offer free MOOCs and online courses relating to neurosciences, which provide a good starting point for developing your skills and understanding in the area. For a list of courses, see the BNA website.
Skills
You’ll need to have:
- a keen interest in how all aspects of the nervous system work and what goes wrong in disease states, for example in neuropsychiatric diseases
- strong research skills in design, implementation and analysis, including lab work
- the ability to think critically
- strong communication skills to interact with research subjects and their families, or with clients in industry
- scientific writing skills to contribute to journals, magazines or manuals
- a willingness to develop your computer and programming skills and to embrace statistical methods and mathematical analysis to work with data
- patience, as research progresses slowly
- the ability to work independently, as well as within project teams and across disciplines
- excellent organisational and time-management skills
- the motivation to read scientific research to keep your knowledge up to date and inform your own work.
Work experience
Neuroscience can be a challenging area to find work experience in and it’s important to focus on improving your research skills. Some universities offer opportunities for you to help academics or postgraduate students with their research during term time or over the summer. The British Neuroscience Association (BNA) provides a list of organisations that offer funding for 6-8 week undergraduate summer research placements. You need to approach labs or researchers to ask about participating in research before applying for funding.
You may also be able to participate in research experiments that other students are conducting as part of their programmes. Many universities will pay you a small amount of money to encourage participation, but the real benefit is that you experience many different forms of research, which will increase your effectiveness at designing your own experiments.
Many large pharmaceutical companies offer summer internships, which will give you valuable experience and enable you to develop your research skills.
Many voluntary opportunities are available with charities that support people who are struggling with neurological issues such as Parkinson’s, dementia or brain injuries. This type of experience provides an insight into the lived experience of neurological disorders or degeneration and the types of people who may be involved in your research. Most charities advertise volunteering opportunities on their websites. If you prefer paid work, there are care-based roles, which are often part time and flexible, within the NHS or private residential settings.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.
Employers
Neuroscientists are employed across the public and private sector, often working in laboratory-based environments within:
- universities
- government departments
- contract research organisations
- the NHS
- the pharmaceutical industry
- food industries.
Research goes through cycles, with different types of employers often focusing on a similar problem, such as dementia. This means that it’s possible to move from one type of employer to another, as the experience and skills you develop are transferable. Even where research topics vary, many neuroscientists transition from one sector to another.
Neuroscientists may also be employed within medical or scientific publishing, and science journalism.
Look for job vacancies at:
Professional development
The kind of training and opportunities for professional development available will depend to a certain extent on the sector you work in, for example academia or industry. Wherever you work, however, you’ll need to keep your skills and knowledge up to date throughout your career.
In academia, for example, the focus of training may be on critical aspects of your work, such as getting your work published in academic journals and writing bids to win funding for your research. In industry you may spend time learning about the legal aspects of clinical trials or the drug development process.
In either area, you’ll attend conferences and collaborate with other neuroscientists around the world to help understand what your peers are researching. You may also present your own research.
You will also undertake specialist training in emerging experimental methodologies, techniques and technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound or statistical modelling software.
Membership of the BNA provides access to a range or resources, training and events, as well as opportunities to network with other neuroscientists.
Career prospects
A range of factors is driving growth in the number of neuroscientists around the world. For example, as people continue to live longer, more funding is being made available to tackle problems with age-related neurological decline such as dementia. Also, as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, there is increasing demand for neuroscientists to create smarter interfaces between humans and machines. The rapid evolution of brain imaging techniques means that neuroscientists are in a unique position to share insights into human behaviour.
These developments mean that there are good opportunities to progress your career in a wide range of industries, including government policy, education and business. It can take time to get established, however, and develop your career in your chosen area. Flexibility in terms of relocation to find work is helpful.
Career progression depends on the sector you work in. Neuroscientists working in universities, for example, may pursue an academic pathway or teach alongside their research. Academic careers are highly competitive, and you’ll often have to undertake a number of short, fixed-term contracts before securing a permanent role.
If you’re working in industry, you’ll typically progress into a senior scientist role or become the lead for a specific research area, sometimes known as a research development manager. This may involve managing other neuroscientists and having overall responsibility for a piece of research.
masters in neuroscience online
NEUROSCIENCE COURSES IN THE UK
Undergraduate courses
Neuroscience undergraduate and integrated master’s courses
University | Location | UCAS Code/ Course Title | Qualification | Duration/Study Mode | Link |
Aston University | Birmingham | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Birmingham | Birmingham | B140 Human Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Bristol | Bristol | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Bristol | Bristol | B141 Neuroscience | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Cardiff University | Cardiff | B142 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Cardiff University | Cardiff | B143 Neuroscience including Professional Training Year | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Cardiff University | Cardiff | 37JL Neuroscience | MNeurosc | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Cardiff University | Cardiff | 4K5G Neuroscience with Professional Training Year | MNeurosc | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Central Lancashire | Preston | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Central Lancashire | Preston | N456 Neuroscience (Foundation Entry) | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Dundee | Dundee | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Exeter | Exeter | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Exeter | Exeter | B141 Neuroscience with professional placement | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Glasgow | Glasgow | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | B141 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | B141 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | B141 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | B143 Neuroscience with Science Foundation Year | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | B143 Neuroscience with Foundation Year | BSc (Hons) | 3.5yrs/FT | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B149 Neuroscience | MBiol (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B149 Neuroscience | MBiol (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B149 Neuroscience | MBiol (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | 3L47 Neuroscience | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | B143 Neuroscience with industrial/professional experience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Middlesex University | Barnet | B14A Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Middlesex University | Barnet | B14F Neuroscience with Foundation Year | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Middlesex University | Barnet | B14F Neuroscience with Foundation Year | BSc (Hons) | 6yrs/PT | Website |
University of Nottingham | Nottingham | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Nottingham | Nottingham | B141 Neuroscience | Msci (Hon) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Plymouth | Plymouth | C849 Human Neuroscience | MPsych | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Plymouth | Plymouth | C849 Human Neuroscience | MPsych | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Queen Mary University | London | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Queen Mary University | London | B14Y Neuroscience with a Year Abroad | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of St Andrews | St Andrews | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Southampton | Southampton | B141 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Southampton | Southampton | B140 Neuroscience | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | B101 Neuroscience | MSci (Hon) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | B142 Medical Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | B143 Medical Neuroscience | MSci (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
UCL (University College London) | London | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
UCL (University College London) | London | B141 Neuroscience | MSci (Hon) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Warwick | Warwick | B140 Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Warwick | Warwick | B141 Neuroscience with placement year | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Warwick | Warwick | B142 Neuroscience | MBio | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Warwick | Warwick | B143 Neuroscience with industrial placement | MBio | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Neuroscience-related undergraduate and intergrated master’s courses
University | Location | UCAS Code/ Course Title | Qualification | Duration/Study Mode | Link |
University of Aberdeen | Aberdeen | B170 Neuroscience with Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Aberdeen | Aberdeen | B1C8 Neuroscience with Psychology with Industrial Placement | Msci (Hon) | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Aston University | Birmingham | H190 Foundation Programme in Science: Biosciences and Pharmacy | BSc (Hons) | 4-5yrs/FT | Website |
Bangor University | Bangor | C801 Psychology with Neuropsychology | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Bolton | Bolton | C820 Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Bolton | Bolton | C820 Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/PT | Website |
University of Bristol | Bristol | CB81 Psychology and Neuroscience | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Central Lancashire | Preston | C860 Neuropsychology | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Durham University | Durham | CL86 Psychology and Anthropology | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | C808 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | C806 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Including Year Abroad) | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | C999 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Four-year integrated Masters) | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | C813 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (including Foundation Year) | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | C809 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (including placement year) | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | CA98 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Integrated Masters) including placement year | MSci | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | CA99 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Integrated Masters) including year abroad | MSci | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | B099 Biomedical Science (Four-year integrated Masters) | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | BA99 Biomedical Science (Four-year integrated Masters) including placement year | MSci | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | BB99 Biomedical Science (Four-year integrated Masters) including year abroad | MSci | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | C998 Psychology with Advances Research Methods (Four-year integrated Masters) | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | H172 Neural Engineering with Psychology (including Foundation Year) | BEng | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Goldsmiths | London | C991 Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BC17 Biochemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BC17 Biochemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BC17 Biochemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BF11 Chemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BF11 Chemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BF11 Chemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BG14 Computer Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BG14 Computer Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BG14 Computer Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | GB41 Data Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | GB41 Data Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | GB41 Data Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | FB41 Forensic Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | FB41 Forensic Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | FB41 Forensic Science and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BFC1 Medicinal Chemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BFC1 Medicinal Chemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BFC1 Medicinal Chemistry and Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BC18 Neuroscience and Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BC18 Neuroscience and Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Keele University | Keele | BC18 Neuroscience and Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | C845 Neuroscience and Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | C846 Neuroscience and Psychology with year abroad | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | C847 Neuroscience and Psychology with a professional placement year | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B100 Biomedical Sciences | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B100 Biomedical Sciences | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B100 Biomedical Sciences | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B109 Biomedical Sciences | MBiol (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B109 Biomedical Sciences | MBiol (Hons) | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | B109 Biomedical Sciences | MBiol (Hons) | 5yrs/FT (Sandwich abroad) | Website |
University of Leicester | Leicester | B140 Biological Sciences (Neuroscience) | BSc (Hons) | 3-4yrs/FT (Optional Sandwich) | Website |
University of Leicester | Leicester | C8BC Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3-4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Leicester | Leicester | B143 Biological Sciences (Neuroscience) | MBiolSci | 4-5yrs/FT (Optional Sandwich) | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | BC18 Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | BCC8 Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology with Industrial/Professional Experience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | B147 Neuroscience with Entrepreneurship | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | BC20 Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology | MSci | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | B144 Neuroscience with a Modern Language | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
Middlesex University | Barnet | C832 Psychology with Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Middlesex University | Barnet | C0FY Psychology with Neuroscience with Foundation Year | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Nottingham | Nottingham | C850 Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Reading | Reading | C8B1 Psychology with Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
Royal Holloway University | Egham | C807 Psychology, Clinical & Cognitive Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Southampton | Southampton | C800 Psychology | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | CB81 Psychology with Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Westminster | London | B140 Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 3yrs/FT | Website |
University of Westminster | London | B140 Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience | BSc (Hons) | 4yrs/FT (Sandwich) | Website |
Neuroscience postgraduate courses
Master’s courses in Neuroscience
University | Location | UCAS Code/ Course Title | Qualification | Duration/Study Mode | Link |
University of Central Lancashire | Preston | Neuroscience (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh | Neuroscience (Integrative Neuroscience) (Research) | MSc (Res) | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh | Neuroscience (Biomedical Sciences) (Research) | MSc (Res) | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Leeds | Leeds | Neuroscience (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | Neuroscience (Research) | MPhil | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Newcastle University | Newcastle | Neuroscience (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Oxford | Oxford | Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Southampton | Southampton | Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of St Andrews | St Andrews | Neuroscience (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | Neuroscience (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Master’s courses in Translational Neuroscience
University | Location | UCAS Code/ Course Title | Qualification | Duration/Study Mode | Link |
University of Cambridge | Cambridge | Basic and Translational Neuroscience (Research) | MPhil | 1yr/FT | Website |
Queen Mary University | London | Neuroscience and Translational Medicine | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Queen Mary University | London | Neuroscience and Translational Medicine | PgCert | 1yr/PT | Website |
Queen Mary University | London | Neuroscience and Translational Medicine | PgDip | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | Translational Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Neuroscience-related Master’s Courses
University | Location | UCAS Code/ Course Title | Qualification | Duration/Study Mode | Link |
Anglia Ruskin University | Cambridge | Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Aston Univeristy | Birmingham | Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Birkbeck University | London | Educational Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Birkbeck University | London | Educational Neuroscience (Taught) | MA | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Birkbeck University | London | Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Birkbeck University | London | Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology (Taught) | MA | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Birmingham | Birmingham | Brain Imaging and Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Bolton | Bolton | Social Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1.5yr/FT/PT | Website |
Bournemouth University | Poole | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Bristol | Bristol | Molecular Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Bristol | Bristol | Education (Neuroscience and Education) (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Bristol | Bristol | Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (Research) | MRes | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Brunel University | London | Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
City University of London | London | Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Dundee | Dundee | Applied Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Durham University | Durham | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
(UEA) University of East Anglia | Norwich | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Essex | Essex | Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Goldsmiths University | London | Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Goldsmiths University | London | Computational Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Keele University | Keele | Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | Applied Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 2yr/Distance Learning | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | Applied Neuroscience (Taught) | PgDip | 1.5yr/Distance Learning | Website |
(KCL) King’s College London | London | Clinical Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Leicester | Leicester | Research Methods in Neuroscience (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
London South Bank University | London | Nursing (Neuroscience Care) (Taught) | MSc | 3yr/PT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | Cognitive Neuroscience (Research) | MPhil | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Manchester | Manchester | Neuroimaging for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Nottingham | Nottingham | Computational Neuroscience, Cognition and AI | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Nottingham | Nottingham | Neuroscience and Neuropathology (Research) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Oxford | Oxford | Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Plymouth | Plymouth | Human Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Reading | Reading | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Reading | Reading | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (by Research) (Taught) | MRes | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Roehampton | London | Clinical Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Roehampton | London | Applied Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration (Taught) | MSc | 3yr/PT | Website |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | Systems Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of Sheffield | Sheffield | Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
Sheffield Hallam University | Sheffield | Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Strathclyde | Glasgow | Neuroscience and Mental Health (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of Sussex | Brighton | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
Swansea University | Swansea | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT/PT | Website |
University of York | York | Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
University of York | York | Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (Taught) | MSc | 1yr/FT | Website |
In addition to master’s in neuroscience, there are a number of related courses including:
- Clinical Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Educational Neuroscience
- Molecular Neuroscience
- Sensory Neuroscience
- Behavioural Neuroscience
- Experimental Neuroscience
- Social Neuroscience
- Translational Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology
- Basic and Translational Neuroscience
- Brain Imaging and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience
- Clinical, Social and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging
- Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
- Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
- Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics
- Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology
- Neuroimaging for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroscience Research Training
- Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology
- Systems / Behavioural Neuroscience
- Translational Pathology (Neuroscience)
- Dementia (Causes, Treatments and Research in Neuroscience)
- Language Sciences (with specialisation in Linguistics with Neuroscience)
- Language Sciences (with specialisation in Neuroscience and Communication)
- Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Applied Neuropsychology
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Applied Paediatric Neuropsychology
- Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology
- Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology
- Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology
- Human Cognitive Neuropsychology
- Principles of Applied Neuropsychology
- Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)
DTPs provide competition-funded PhD projects over 3.5-4 years to support early career research students. If you know of programmes which offer neuroscience-related projects which are not listed here, please let us know at office@bna.org.uk.
Course | Institution(s) | Course length (years) | Projects offered / research themes | Deadline |
EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging | (KCL) King’s College London; Imperial College London | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Medical imaging including AI-enabled imaging; smart imaging probes; emerging imaging & affordable imaging. | Applications open in November 2021 for 2022 intake. |
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre PhD programme | University College London (Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour) | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Systems, theoretical & experimental neuroscience. | Applications open in September 2021 for 2022 intake. |
Oxford BBSRC Interdisciplinary Bioscience DTP | University of Oxford; Pirbright Institute, Oxford Brookes University; Diamond Light Source; ISIS Neutron and Muon Source; STFC Central Laser Facility; Research Complex at Harwell | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Integrative animal & plant biology; mechanistic molecular and cellular biology; bioscience for food, industry & health; including crop science; animal health & welfare; synthetic biology; industrial biotechnology & the development of innovative approaches for drug discovery and pharmaceutical production. | Applications open in September 2021 for 2022 intake. |
Manchester MRC DTP | University of Manchester | 3.5 | Early detection & diagnosis; understanding mechanisms of disease; therapeutic interventions; precision medicine; harnessing health data; materials & medicine. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Manchester BBSRC DTP | University of Manchester | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Multidisciplinary challenges for students with backgrounds including bioscience, biomedical, mathematical & physical sciences. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
MRC GW4 BioMed DTP | University of Bath; University of Bristol; Cardiff University; University of Exeter | 3.5 | Infection, immuny & repair; neuroscience & mental health; population health. | Applications open in October 2021 for 2022 intake. |
Kings MRC DTP studentships in biomedical science | (KCL) King’s College London; Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust | 3.5 (PhD) or 1+3 (Mres + PhD) | Molecules, cells & the basis for disease; neurosciences, psychiatry & mental health; physiological medicine; imaging & biomedical engineering. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Cambridge MRC DTP | University of Cambridge (Bambraham Institute) | 3.5 | Population & systems medicine; infections & immunity; molecular & cellular; neurosciences & mental health. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
South West Biosciences DTP | University of Bath; University of Bristol; Cardiff University; University of Exeter; Rothamsted Research; The Marine Biological Association; Plymouth Marine Laboratory; SETSquared Bristol; Swansea University; University of the West of England | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Biomolecular & biophysical studies; agriculture & the environment; animal behaviour & in vivo studies. | Applications open in October 2021 for 2022 intake. |
EastBio BBSRC DTP | University of Aberdeen; University of Dundee; University of Edinburgh; University of St Andrews; University of Stirling; Scotish Universities Life Sciences Alliance; the James Hutton Institute; Cool Farm Alliance; Moredun Research Institute | 4 | Basic bioscience underpinning health (ageing); bioenergy & industrial biotechnology; food security and world-class bioscience. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Imperial MRC DTP | Imperial College London | 3.5 or 4.5 | Informatics for health; experimental medicine; infection & antimicrobial resistance | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Edinburgh Wellcome PhD in Translational Neuroscience | University of Edinburgh | 1 + 3 | Translation neuroscience using experimental technology (e.g. cellular, regenerative, computational, genetic, animal models) & analytical tools to bridge the knowledge gap between the design, execution and interpretation of cellular/animal experiments & the challenges of experimental medicine. | Applications open in October 2021 for 2022 intake. |
Cambridge BBSRC DTP | University of Cambridge | 4 | Understanding the rules of life; transformative technologies; bioscience for sustainable agriculture & food; bioscience for renewable sources & clean growth; bioscience for an integrated understanding of health. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Nottingham BBSRC DTP | University of Nottingham | 4 | Agriculture & food security; bioscience for health; biotechnology | Applications open in November 2021 for 2022 intake. |
PhD in Molecular, Genetic, and Lifecourse Epidemiology | University of Bristol | 1 + 3 | We are training a new generation of scientists who can harness the benefits of an epidemiological approach in exciting and productive ways. | Applications open in autumn of 2021 for 2022 intake. |
MRC-Sackler PhD fellowships | King’s College London (MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders) | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Epilepsy; autism spectrum disorder; schizophrenia; common genetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders; understanding functional variation in neurodevelopmental disorders. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Newcastle/Liverpool/Durham (NLD) BBSRC DTP | Newcastle University; University of Liverpool; Durham University | 1 + 3 | Agriculture & food security; bioscience for health; world-class underpinning bioscience; industrial biotechnology & bioenergy. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
MRC PhD DTP in Quantitative and Interdisciplinary approaches to biomedical science (QIBIOMED) | University of Dundee | 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) | Development, stem cells & neurobiology; infection & disease; responses to cellular stress; big data & translation. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Sussex Neuroscience 4-Year PhD Programme | University of Sussex | 4 | Cellular & molecular neuroscience; cognitive & behavioural neuroscience; circuits, systems & computational neuroscience; translational & clinical neuroscience. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Oxford MRC DTP | Oxford University | 4 | Infection & immunology; neuroscience (incorporating psychology & psychiatry); cancer; population health, genomics & genes. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
BBSRC London Interdisciplinary Doctoral training PhD (LIDo) | Birkbeck University; (KCL) King’s College London; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; University of Greenwich; Queen Mary University; Royal Holloway University; Royal Vetinary College; University College London | 4 | Food security; industrial biotechnology & bioenergy; world-class bioscience; molecules, cells & organisms. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) | University of Birmingham; University of Leicester; University of Warwick; Harper Adams University; Aston University | 4 | Sustainable Agriculture & Food; Understanding the Rules of Life; Renewable Resources & Clean Growth; Integrated Understanding of Health | Applications open in October 2021 for 2022 intake. |
UCL-Birkbeck MRC DTP | Birkbeck University, University College London | 1 + 3 | Fundamental mechanisms of disease; experimental & personalised medicine; neuroscience & mental health; populations, people & data across the life course. | Applications closed for 2021. Check website for when 2022 intake applications open. |
Warwick MRC DTP | Warwick University | 1 + 3 (MSc + PhD) | Molecular, cellular & tissue dynamics; microbiology & infection; applied biomedical technologies; artificial intelligence & data science. | Applications open in autumn of 2021 for 2022 intake. |
Best Countries To Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to develop additional social, academic and language skills, whilst adding an unparalleled depth to your university experience. Study overseas can enhance your university years, and will also ultimately give you a competitive advantage when it comes to finding employment, as recruiters seek out those who have proactively pursued different ways to broaden their experience. If you are considering completing all or some of your university studies overseas, check out this summary of the best countries to study abroad.
France
Romantic Paris consistently tops lists of the best cities for students. Although the vibrant night life, thriving cultural scene, and the prospect of long walks along the left bank of the Seine are surely partly the reason, the almost non-existent tuition fees also help. Whilst much undergraduate teaching is carried out in French, graduate education is often available in English. Or take the opportunity to brush up your French and attend a course given in the ‘language of love’.
United States
The choice of Universities in the US is quite mind-boggling. From internationally renowned ivy league institutions to hubs of innovation and cutting edge thought, whatever you study here you will have opportunities to add to your life experience. Over 750000 international students attend university in the US every year, and despite the high costs of fees, students love living in both Boston and San Fransisco enough for both cities to rank among top student cities. But if you sign up to study and decide that you would like a change of scenery, switching between universities in the US is not unusual.
Germany
As one of the economic powerhouses of Europe, Germany has more going for it than just Oktoberfest. It is also one of the best known European destinations for free (or almost free) university tuition fees, which might explain why outside of anglophone nations (the UK, US and Australia) it is the country with the highest number of international students. Head to Munich to attend an internationally rated university without breaking the bank, or Berlin to join the thriving tech hub and immerse yourself in the German take on hipster culture.
Canada
Toronto ranked recently as the most desirable city for students, among an impressive three Canadian cities in total to make the top 15. With cities this attractive it is no wonder that 6.5% of students in post secondary education in Canada come from abroad. With a vibrant culture, stunning natural environment and massive regional variations, Canada offers lots to explore for visiting students, in addition to several internationally ranked universities.
Taiwan
Taipei was recently ranked as the most affordable city for students around the globe. Tuition fees are low, and the high quality of education can make this a great choice. Learn more about the local history and politics, as well as experiencing life in a new culture, where old and new come together in a vibrant symphony.
Argentina
Argentinian students enjoy free university tuition, and although international students must pay a nominal enrolment fee, the costs are still low outside of the private institutions. The University of Belgrano gets a special mention, as a modern and well equipped facility just outside of downtown Buenos Aires, with great global connections. Take the time in Argentina to perfect your Spanish and maybe even learn to tango.
Australia
Australia is one of the world’s most popular places for international students – and with sandy beaches, year round sunshine and a relaxed outdoors lifestyle, it is no surprise. Australian universities welcome international students and are well prepared to support newcomers. Considering its relatively small population, Australia has an unusually high number of institutions making the top hundred for university academic rankings, making it the perfect destination for sun, sand and academic success.
South Korea
Who didn’t love Gangnam style? Get to the heart of K-Pop by studying in Seoul. And if you’re not a catchy-pop-tune kind of person, then you will be delighted to hear that the capital – as well as being a seriously fast paced fun place – is home to 14 internationally rated universities. Get outside your comfort zone and learn about an amazing culture whilst improving both your academic record and your CV.
United Kingdom
The UK has a wide variety of high quality universities, and although fees vary across institutions and can be fairly high, it is worth seeking out scholarship opportunities. Students often work to support their studies, and flexible opportunities to fit around university schedules are not unusual. With a melting pot of cultures, a mix of location from cutting edge urban to sleepy rural idyll, students in the UK never need to be bored.
Denmark
If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland then you may be eligible for free university tuition in Denmark. And if you are intending to pursue a PhD, there are even opportunities to study whilst earning a salary as this higher level study comes fully funded. The costs of living are undeniably high, but Denmark provides a fascinating base to explore Europe and experience nordic culture at its best.
Wherever you go, studying overseas is about more than the academic qualifications you may gain. Showing the curiosity, organisational skills and ambition to arrange a period of study overseas is a great selling point. Whether you are heading off for your entire university program, for a semester or two, or even to study during the summer holidays, you are gathering armfuls of skills and experiences that will stand you head and shoulders above competitors when it comes to looking for graduate jobs. Take the opportunity to combine study and travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture to broaden your horizons. You won’t regret it.