Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging
Department of Psychology,
Faculty of Science
Course description
This 12-month course is designed to provide you with in-depth training in the core aspects of cognitive neuroscience and human neuroimaging, enabling you to generate and interpret neurobiological data in order to draw conclusions from healthy and unhealthy brains.
Throughout your course, our neuroscientists will introduce you to key investigative techniques including functional and structural MRI, skin conductance response recording, neuropsychology, transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Once you’ve mastered the techniques you need, we’ll give you plenty of opportunities to apply these throughout your course to test hypotheses in areas including emotional influences on behaviour, executive functioning, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and motor neuron disease.
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 and Computational Neuroscience
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:
- analysis and visualisation of data within hospitals, other healthcare providers or the pharmaceutical industry
- roles within deep learning, machine learning or artificial intelligence
- 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 highlight of the course was the human brain dissection module. This module was integral in deepening my understanding of the human brain. Getting hands on experience in a clinical environment was something I had always wanted to do. Furthermore, from my psychology background, this course allowed me to make the transition into neuroscience, increasing my confidence in this field.
Bethany Eyre
MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging
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 the other components, or equivalent.
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.