MSc

2021 start

Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience

Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science

Train in computer simulation and mathematical modelling techniques, as well as experimental cognitive psychology and brain imaging, and develop an understanding of the biological foundations of natural and artificial intelligence.

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

MSc Systems Neuroscience

Intercalation

We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the Medical School's website.

Apply now

Modules

Explore core and optional modules

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.

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

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.

Student profile

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.

Entry requirements for international students

Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each component.

Other English language qualifications we accept

International pathway programmes

If you're an international student and don’t meet our entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering programme through the University of Sheffield International College. The programme develops your knowledge of your chosen subject, introduces you to vital study skills and provides additional support to reach the English language level for the course, should you need it.

Once you complete your Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield.

We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Department bursaries

Each year we offer two bursaries to students on this course. If you're awarded a bursary you'll receive a £1,500 reduction in your tuition fees. These bursaries are awarded on a competitive basis, based on:

academic performance as indicated by a grade point average and transcript
other relevant skills and knowledge (for example, programming courses outside the degree or relevant work experience)
research activity (co-authoring papers, conference presentations, etc)
personal statement, which should include information on why you want to do the course you have applied for and how it fits with your aspirations

To be considered for a bursary in the year that you intend to start your course, submit your application to study with us by 31 May. All applications received before this deadline will automatically be considered for a bursary.

Apply

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.