Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in either a life science or mathematical/physical science.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

Course description

Cognitive neuroscience relates cognitive and behavioural functions to the underlying brain systems. Computational neuroscience uses data to construct rigorous computational models of brain function. Put them together and these new disciplines are the key to explaining the relationship between brain and behaviour.

You’ll develop a broad and critical understanding of these two fields, along with an appreciation of different approaches to understanding brain function.

Your range of computational and analytical skills, and an ability to generate and test hypotheses, will give you an excellent foundation for further research.

The course takes students from both life sciences and the physical sciences and engineering. Appropriate training is given to ensure all students can master the required skills and complete the course successfully.

Where your masters can take you

You’ll develop the skills and knowledge for all sorts of careers. Many of our graduates continue to PhD level. Others work as research associates and assistant psychologists for employers such as universities and the NHS. Throughout your course, you’ll have frequent reviews with your tutor to discuss your learning needs and objectives.

Applying psychology in the real world

Our ongoing collaborative projects with hospitals, mental health care units, the police and prison service, and several leading firms in business and industry will show you how psychology can be applied in the real world.

You’ll also benefit from our research excellence. We don’t just focus on one or two specialisms – with active researchers in most areas of psychology, we are consistently one of the highest-ranked research departments in the UK.

Core modules

• Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience
• Fundamentals of Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience 1: biologically grounded models
• Mathematical Modelling and Research Skills
• Computational Neuroscience 2: theoretical models
• Brain Imaging and its Physical Foundations
• Current Issues in Systems Neuroscience
• Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience

Teaching

Teaching is through lectures, seminars and laboratory classes.

Assessment

Examinations at the end of semesters one and two, written coursework and an extensive empirical research project over the summer.

Course duration

1 year full-time

Information for international students

IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in writing and 6.0 in the other components, or equivalent.

Qualification and course duration

MSc