Translational Neuroscience
The Medical School,
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health

Course description
Lead academic: Dr Julie Simpson
This course is focused on the molecular basis of neurodegeneration, and looks at how laboratory research relating to brain structure and function informs the development of new therapies for diseases of the nervous system.
Combining the research strengths from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health and the Faculty of Science, leading international basic and clinical scientists will provide an innovative and progressive programme. You’ll study basic neurobiology and molecular biology through to neuroimaging and applied clinical practice.
The MSc will provide you with up-to-date knowledge of advances in the field, research experience with internationally renowned research groups and transferable skills to provide a springboard for your future career.
You’ll study at the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), within the Department of Neuroscience. SITraN is the first European Institute purpose-built and dedicated to basic and clinical research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Intercalation
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the Medical School's website.
Modules
Core modules
Teaching
You'll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory demonstrations and student-led group work.
Assessment
Assessment is primarily by written assignments and coursework, although there are some poster and oral presentations. The research project is assessed by a thesis and presentation.
Duration
1 year full-time
Your career
After successfully completing your course, graduates have had the opportunity to find work in a wide variety of areas and industries. Here are just a few examples of the roles our past students have gone on to:
- Clinical PhD research
- Research Technician or Research Assistant
- Medicine (if you are a MBChB Medicine graduate)
- Physician Associate postgraduate programmes
- Scientific writing
- NHS administration
- Associate Neuropsychologist
- Clinical Trial administrator/management
Our graduates now work in many healthcare settings, as well as universities around the world, local councils and clinical research facilities.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 in an appropriate scientific subject.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, 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
Helen Hickson
transneuro@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 2296
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. Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.