Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
Department of Psychology,
Faculty of Science
Course description
This 12-month course will give you in-depth training in core aspects of contemporary neuroscience, from sensation and sensory processing, to understanding complex brain functions and artificial intelligence. You'll be prepared for an exciting career in research, healthcare, industry, or further study to PhD level.
Throughout your course, our neuroscientists will introduce you to the core problems in computational neuroscience, adaptive behaviour, neuroethology, evolutionary biology, connectionism and robotics. We’ll teach you the core techniques in experimental cognitive psychology, including computational modelling, biomimetic robots and cutting-edge neuroimaging, and give you opportunities to apply these techniques.
Over three months you'll work on your research project in Cognitive Neuroscience with one of our world-leading experts in the Department of Psychology. Your research topic could range from theoretical to basic neuroscience. You may have the opportunity to collect and analyse real-life cognitive brain science data, using state-of-the-art equipment, before presenting your findings at our summer student-led conference. This project gives you the opportunity to put your new techniques in experimental neuroscience into practice, while exploring ideas at the cutting-edge of cognitive neuroscience. It's common for MSc research projects to form the basis of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Other courses in cognitive neuroscience
We offer MSc courses that cover the full breadth of cognitive neuroscience, from the biological basis to imaging and simulation, allowing you to discover the area that you’re most interested in:
MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging
Your career
With the valuable skills and knowledge that you’ll develop throughout your research training, including computational modelling, imaging, and analysis expertise, you’ll be well equipped for careers including:
- roles within deep learning, machine learning or artificial intelligence
- analysis and visualisation of data within hospitals, other healthcare providers or the pharmaceutical industry
- pursuing a career in research, understanding major diseases like stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons and epilepsy within academia or governmental organisations.
If you choose to continue your research training, these courses are great preparation for a PhD in areas including neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and brain interfaces, or to begin clinical training.
Intercalation
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the Medical School's website.
Modules
Teaching
You’ll learn through hands-on laboratory sessions, problem-solving classes, lectures, seminars and individual projects.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through formal examinations and coursework which may include essays, poster presentations and a dissertation.
Duration
1 year full-time
The course covers an extensive variety of disciplines encompassing cognitive neuroscience, neurobiology, experimental psychology, and computer science. Subsequently, the course gave me an invaluable experience studying the different theoretical approaches and methodologies used to understand current research across traditional discipline boundaries; ranging from single-neuron neurophysiological recordings, to computational modelling of neural functions.
Josh Bolam
MSc Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent qualification in either a life science (including psychology) or mathematical/physical science (including engineering).
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each component.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
psy-pg-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 6533
The course information set out here may change before you begin, particularly if you are applying significantly in advance of the start date.