Cognitive Neuroscience MSc and MRes

The MSc and MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience are degree programmes offered by the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences.  The programmes focus on the relationship between the mind and the brain in healthy and brain-damaged individuals. The ICN is among the principal research centres in the world in this area and offers an ideal environment to study cognitive neuroscience. As a student on one of these programmes, you will become part of this vibrant academic community. 

There is increasing international demand for high-quality research training on mental processes in the healthy and diseased human brain. The MSc and MRes bring together some of the world's leading researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology, offering students an ideal environment to prepare for independent research careers in this fast developing field. Both programmes are only offered full-time and are only open for September entry. We are not able to accommodate part-time or distance learning, or entry at other points during the year. 

MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory classes and student presentations. It includes case demonstrations of neuropsychological patients, hands-on experience of analysing neuroimaging data, critical analyses of published scientific papers, and discussion seminars. Students are assessed through exams, essays, practical exercises, reports and the research dissertation. The programme consists of eight taught modules (worth 15 UCL credits each, which is equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits or 150 learning hours) and an empirical research project (worth 60 UCL credits, 30 ECTS credits or 600 learning hours).  

MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory classes and student presentations. Depending on the chosen taught modules, it includes case demonstrations of neuropsychological patients, hands-on experience of analysing neuroimaging data, critical analyses of published scientific papers, and discussion seminars. Students are assessed through exams, essays, practical exercises, reports and the research dissertation. The MRes consists of 4 taught modules (worth 15 UCL credits each, which is equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits or 150 learning hours), two of which are compulsory and two can be selected by the student.  The research project element of the MRes is much larger (120 UCL credits, 60ECTS credits or 1200 learning hours) when compared with the MSc programme.

What are the main differences between the MRes and MSc programmes?

The MSc (“Master in Science”) and MRes (“Master in Research”) programmes are both taught over one academic year. The MSc is also offered on part-time basis over two years.. 

During the MSc, you will spend two-thirds of your time on taught components, learning in the classroom. The remaining one-third of your time is allocated to an empirical research project in the area of cognitive neuroscience.

The MRes programme has a stronger research focus, with two-thirds of your time spent on an empirical research project and only one-thirds of your time spent in the classroom. You are expected to be able to engage in the MRes project relatively independently and MRes students therefore normally already have experience executing research in a relevant area. The MRes is not designed to teach you how to do research (although you will of course improve your research skills when embarking on the MRes).

The MSc programme includes eight taught modules (each worth 15 UCL or 6 ECTS credits), all of which are compulsory. The research project is worth 60 UCL or 24 ECTS credits. The MRes programme consists of four taught modules, two of which are compulsory and two of which can be chosen according to your interests. Each taught module is worth 15 UCL or 6 ECTS credits and the research project is worth 120 UCL or 48 ECTS credits.

Research Projects

Students can choose from a list of available projects or approach potential supervisors themselves. MRes students are encouraged to start their research project as soon as possible after the start of the programme. Applicants for the MRes should therefore have some prior research experience and a clear idea of their research interests. MSc students usually secure a project by the end of the first term and start working on the project from the second term onwards. MSc students are not required to have a project idea when they start the programme.