Explore this course:

    Applications for 2024 entry are now open. Apply now or register your interest to hear about postgraduate study and events at the University of Sheffield.

    MSc
    2024 start September 

    Systems Neuroscience

    Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science

    Explore the interactions between neural structures to understand how brain cells communicate and transform information to control the body. Learn about the core problems in systems neuroscience and develop your understanding of the disciplines and techniques used to address these problems.
    A student looking through a microscope

    Course description

    It’s widely recognised by modern neuroscience that taking a systems approach to exploring the brain is vital to understanding brain function. Systems neuroscience focuses on the interactions between neural structures in networks that influence sensori-motor control and information processing. It’s these interactions that provide us with a foundation for understanding the relationship between brain structure and brain function that underpins behaviour.

    This 12-month course is designed to provide you with in-depth training into the core problems in systems neuroscience, and will develop your understanding of the disciplines and techniques used to address these problems such as computer simulation modelling, data visualisation and neuroanatomy.

    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.

    The 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.

    Example research projects
    • Impaired neurovascular coupling in hAPP-J20 Alzheimer's mice models following electrode insertion
    • Investigating the effect of 5-HT2a receptor agonist 1P-LSD on cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood oxygenation in an animal model
    • The contribution of cortical interneurons to neurovascular coupling: An optogenetic study
    • An examination of parvalbumin expressing interneurons in murine models of autism spectrum disorder
    Example past papers published, including student authors
    • Brooke JM, James SS, Jiminez-Rodriguez A, Wilson SP (2022) Biological action at a distance: Correlated pattern formation in adjacent tessellation domains without communication. PLoS Computational Biology. doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009963
    • Wilson SP, James SJ, Whiteley DJ, Krubitzer LA (2019) Limit cycle dynamics can guide the evolution of gene regulatory networks towards point attractors. Scientific Reports 9: 16750. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-53251-w
    • Bruyns-Haylett M, Luo J, Kennerley AJ, Harris S, Boorman L, Milne E, Vautrelle N, Hayashi Y, Whalley BJ, Jones M, Berwick J, Riera J & Zheng Y (2016) The neurogenesis of P1 and N1: a concurrent EEG/LFP study. NeuroImage.
    • Dickinson A, Jones M & Milne E (2016) Measuring neural excitation and inhibition in autism: different approaches, different findings and different interpretations. Brain Research.
    • Slack R, Boorman L, Patel P, Harris S, Bruyns-Haylett M, Kennerley A, Jones M & Berwick J (2016) A novel method for classifying cortical state to identify the accompanying changes in cerebral haemodynamics. Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 267, 21-34.

    If you have a passion for understanding the brain and behaviour, whether your background stems from biology, engineering, physics, mathematics, psychology or medicine, this interdisciplinary course has been designed to ensure that all students gain in-depth knowledge of the fundamentals of neuroscience, ready for an exciting career in research or industry.

    The University is home to the Neuroscience Institute which brings together internationally-recognised expertise in medicine, science and engineering to improve the lives of patients and families affected by neurological, sensory and developmental disorders.

    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:

    Do you have a question? Talk to us

    Book a 15-minute online meeting with our director of postgraduate recruitment to find out more information and ask further questions.

    Book an appointment with Dr Vanessa Loaiza

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Fundamentals of Neuroscience

    The module provides an introduction to core aspects of contemporary neuroscience, and it will consider the current state of knowledge in the field, central theoretical issues and key practical approaches. Topics that are discussed include: neural signalling, sensation and sensory processing, movement and its central control, the 'changing brain' (development and plasticity in the nervous system) and complex brain functions.

    15 credits
    Neural Dynamics and Computation

    This module starts with a primer on neuroscience and the role of computational neuroscience. The module will cover various modelling approaches, from classic biologically plausible to abstract-level models of neurons. The module will then move to higher levels of modelling approaches, such as neural networks and reinforcement learning. While the module emphasises methodological issues and how models can be built, tested and validated at each level, we will also draw connections to specific brain regions to motivate and illustrate the models.

    15 credits
    Systems Neuroscience

    The module provides an advanced understanding of the brain's major computational systems and the theoretical or model-driven approaches to research of these topics. Major processing units of the brain will be described and, where appropriate, emphasis will be placed on understanding each of these structures in terms of both their micro- and macro-circuitry. One focus of the module will be to impart an appreciation of how many fundamental questions relating to brain function requires study at a range scales, from single cell to whole brain and behaviour. The various strategies adopted for investigating and modelling brain-circuits, and the consideration of circuits as the defining feature of brain systems, will be presented.

    15 credits
    Data Analysis and Visualisation

    This module provides basic skills in computational data analysis. Students will learn how to import/export scientific data sets in different formats, how to process and transform them, and how to visualise results. Teaching will be hands-on and computer lab-based. Teaching will focus on the programming language R and associated scientific software. No prior programming experience will be necessary.

    15 credits
    Neuroanatomy

    Knowledge of the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system is fundamental to neuroscience. This module will combine a lecture series on basic and functional neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, peripheral neuroanatomy and basic neuroscience with practical demonstrations of the human brain and spinal cord using models and prosections.  This will enable students to acquire an in-depth and critical understanding of functional neuroanatomy.

    15 credits
    Research Project in Cognitive Neuroscience

    The module allows students to work on an extended research project within computational neuroscience and/or cognitive neuroscience and/or systems neuroscience and/or analysis of brain imaging data. Students will learn and apply appropriate research techniques, analyse and interpret the results, and write up the research findings using recognised journal frameworks. Students will receive guidance and regular feedback from their supervisors. The project culminates in an oral presentation and a written dissertation.

    75 credits

    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.

    Open days

    An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.

    Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on Wednesday 17 April 2024.

    You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours

    Duration

    1 year full-time

    Teaching

    You’ll learn through hands-on laboratory sessions, problem-solving classes, lectures, seminars and individual projects.

    Your individual research project will account for 75 credits of your course, where you’ll be working alongside PhD students and experienced postdoctoral researchers. Here you’ll gain extensive first-hand experience as a researcher, and will have access to the outstanding research facilities in Sheffield.

    Assessment

    You’ll be assessed through formal examinations and coursework which may include essays, poster presentations, coding assignments and a dissertation.

    Regular feedback is also provided, so you can understand your own development throughout the course.

    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:

    • research understanding major diseases like stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons and epilepsy within academia or governmental organisations
    • analysis and visualisation of data within hospitals, other healthcare providers or the pharmaceutical industry
    • roles within deep learning, machine learning or artificial intelligence.

    If you choose to continue your research training, this course is great preparation for a PhD in areas including neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and brain interfaces or to begin clinical training.

    Department

    Department of Psychology

    Lecturer demonstrating an EEG is a test to a class. A student wears a headpiece used to evaluate the electrical activity in the brain

    The Department of Psychology at Sheffield is focused on exploring the science behind the human brain and human behaviour.

    Our teaching is informed by cutting-edge scientific research, which ranges from neuroscience through to child development and understanding why psychological therapies are effective. All of this has an impact on wider society.

    Our work explores health and wellbeing, lifestyle choices, cognitive behavioural therapy, safe driving, mother-baby interaction, autism, Parkinson's disease, and reducing prejudice and inequality. It’s research like this that our students are able to get involved in throughout their course.

    Entry requirements

    Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in either a life science (including psychology) or a mathematical/physical science (including engineering).

    We also accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies.

    We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:

    Entry requirements for international students

    Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    Intercalation

    We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the School of Medicine and Population Health website.

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

    Fees and funding

    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 now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.

    Apply now

    Contact

    psy-pg-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
    +44 114 222 6533

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.