Functional Neuroimaging

Birkbeck has an outstanding, world-class research tradition in functional neuroimaging, and our MRes provides in-depth, hands-on research experience in a chosen area of psychologically relevant functional neuroimaging. You will be taught by academic researchers who are conducting their own cutting-edge research within world-renowned research institutes and groups. You will therefore gain exposure to neuroimaging set-ups specifically designed for studying development.

You will build a critical appreciation of existing research and research methods, while also developing essential practical skills, such as running a neuroimaging study and designing, managing and reporting on an extended research project. You will also develop subject-specific IT skills.

The course is designed for graduates in psychology, neuroscience, medical imaging or related disciplines who have prior research skills training and who want to complete a specific, well-defined research project. If you would like to carry out research in any area of psychologically relevant functional neuroimaging, either at PhD level or in the private sector, this degree will prepare you by giving you the research skills and practical experience you need.

This course combines Birkbeck’s strengths in cognitive neuroscience with children and adults, in both typical and atypical populations. You will get extensive hands-on training in one of several neuroimaging methods available within the department, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological measure (EEG, ERP, ERO), near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). You will also have the opportunity to attend research seminars organised by the department and other world-class research centres and institutes in central London.

• Offers hands-on training in cutting-edge behavioural and imaging neuroscience techniques in an environment of groundbreaking research.
• We have a long-standing, internationally respected tradition of research in functional neuroimaging, with an outstanding international reputation in all aspects of cognitive neuroscience, especially developmental cognitive neuroscience.
• You will have the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in functional neuroimaging and attend research seminars.
• We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.