Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging

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

This course is about the relationship between brain function and mechanisms that underpin behaviour.

Computational neuroscience uses data to construct models of brain function. Cognitive neuroscience and human imaging relate function to its underlying neural substrate.

The course includes a long research project which gives you the chance to carry out an in-depth imaging study. The computational and analytical skills you’ll learn are great preparation for a PhD.

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.

For the taught component of the course, students choose one of two options: either a pathway focused on mathematics, computational neuroscience and MR-physics or a pathway focused on ethics, clinical neurology, neuroradiology and neuroanatomy, which includes a practical human brain dissection course.

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.

Our facilities

Whatever your particular interest, we have the facilities for your research. Our research environment was rated amongst the best in the country in the last national assessment. We are exceptionally well resourced for research in Social and Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Developmental Psychology, with a dedicated suite of rooms for different participant groups.

To give you the right tools for your research, there is a fully equipped neuroscience unit with excellent facilities for brain imaging, neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, behavioural neuroscience and computational neuroscience. We have access to a small-bore MRI device and to the University’s MRI facility for human studies.

Careers

The course is designed to prepare you for a PhD, but your experience could land you a job in the private sector as a lab technician or a developer.

Core modules

PATHWAY 1

Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience;

Fundamentals of Neuroscience; Computational Neuroscience 1: biologically grounded models; Mathematical Modelling and Research Skills; Brain Imaging and its Physical Foundations; Applied Neuroimaging, Neurophysiology and Psychiatry.

OR

PATHWAY 2

Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience; Fundamentals of Neuroscience; Ethics and Public Awareness of Science; Neuroanatomy and Neuroradiology; Brain Imaging and Clinical Neurology; Applied Neuroimaging, Neurophysiology and Psychiatry.

Teaching

Teaching is through lectures, seminars and laboratory classes.

Assessment

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

Information for international students

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

Fees and funding

Please contact us for the latest funding opportunities.

Qualification and course duration

MSc(Res)

Course contact details