PhD with Integrated MSc in Neuroscience

This four-year PhD with integrated MSc based in the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN) combines a fully integrated specialised taught MSc programme in Neuroscience with an individual research PhD.

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Nearly two-thirds of the MSc is completed in the first year of study and one-third completed in the second year of study allowing more time to be devoted to the PhD project as knowledge and skills develop.

We recommend this option for applicants who are specifically seeking a four-year PhD programme and/or those wishing to acquire detailed specialist knowledge in neurodegeneration alongside completion of a PhD research project.

Enhanced PhD skills

In addition to a standard PhD research project, the course is designed to provide students with generic research and transferable skills, together with a thorough grounding in Neuroscience theory and practice. Taught MSc modules are taken over three years alongside a PhD research project allowing students to acquire in depth knowledge of neurodegeneration alongside research expertise in their chosen field.

Generic skills are acquired through the University's Doctoral Development Programme (DDP), while the School's MSc Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration programme provides core online taught modules, allowing flexible study, alongside the PhD research project. For those whose first language is not English, we also offer the option of an intensive English Language refresher course prior to the start of the course.

Successful completion of the course will result in the award of a PhD with Integrated MSc in Neuroscience. This combination of enhanced personal, theoretical and research skills gives graduates a significant advantage upon graduation.

Programme content

Year 1

  • July-September​​​​​​
    Optional intensive English Language training
  • September-August
    Core MSc module “Introduction to Neurodegeneration” introducing the symptoms, pathology, genetics and modelling of the major neurodegenerative diseases. This module is delivered online to enable flexible study.
  • September-March
    Additional optional taught MSc modules. Three modules are chosen from selected modules drawn from other MSc programmes in the Medical School. These modules are taken alongside full-time MSc students.
  • PhD research project

Year 2

  • PhD research project
  • Core MSc module “Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration” investigating the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration.This module is delivered online to enable flexible study.
  • Taught DDP modules may be taken to further enhance generic skills as well as general and specific scientific skills.

Year 3

  • PhD research project
  • Final “Capstone” taught MSc module
  • Taught DDP modules to further enhance generic skills as well as general and specific scientific skills.
  • Presentation of work at annual 2nd year PhD research poster day

Year 4

  • Completion of research project
  • Presentation at annual 3rd year PhD symposium
  • Thesis write up and oral examination

Programme assessment

All of the compulsory Masters and DDP modules are assessed by coursework or examination. Assessment of the doctoral thesis is by oral examination.

Please note that students may not be permitted to continue on the programme if they fail to make satisfactory progress on the Masters´ course or with the PhD project.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a good honours degree (First or Upper Second class) in an appropriate area such as biosciences or medicine and an IELTS score of 7.0 or above with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent

Fees

Please contact the programme leader for the current fees.

How to apply

This is done by completing the online application form. Applicants should state 'Medical School' as the department in which they wish to study. Please also include all relevant educational and research experience and the reasons why you wish to be considered for the PhD with Integrated MSc in Neuroscience programme.

Programme Leader

Dr Jon Wood

Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience
University of Sheffield
385a Glossop Road
Sheffield
S10 2HQ

Telephone: +44 114 22 22243

Email: J.D.Wood1@sheffield.ac.uk

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