Neuroscience (Life Sciences) MPhil

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.

Neuroscientists in the Faculty interact to deliver a wide range of projects focused on research into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal regulation and neurodegeneration in the CNS and PNS. A major focus is to understand processes of neurodegeneration in order to uncover aetiology and/or treat the common diseases of the nervous system, for example Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease and stroke. There are also several groups studying how the brain controls complex behaviours such as feeding and sleeping. In vivo and in vitro techniques are used and include primary neuronal cell culture, patch-clamp recording, ion flux Imaging, receptor binding assays and imaging of GFP- fusion proteins. There is a significant level of collaboration with clinicians and major links with large and small pharmaceutical companies. Drug discovery programmes and neuroscience- based spin out companies are being set up and encouraged through interaction with Manchester Biotech, which is ideally positioned adjacent to the Faculty. General areas of neuroscience research include:

• The Basal Ganglia & Movement Disorders 
• Actions of Cytokines & Growth Factors in the Brain 
• Cell Biology of Neuronal Regulation & Neurodegeneration 
• Molecular Basis of Ion Channel Function 
• Peripheral & Diabetic Neuropathy 
• Comparative Neuroendocrinology 
• Neuronal Control of Biological Clocks
• Regulation of Body Weight & Feeding

Each year the Faculty of Life Sciences has a number of studentships on offer to eligible UK/EU applicants. These studentships are funded by awards from UK research councils (i.e. BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, ESRC, AHRC). Studentships are linked to specific PhD projects and are available for applicants to work in the laboratories of named principal investigators. Each year the list of funded PhD projects varies. In addition, throughout the year other studentships may be available through charities, internal funds and some industry-sponsored awards.

The Faculty endeavors to assisting academically excellent international students who wish to undertake a research degree within biological or life science. The Faculty has a number of different scholarship options available to international students.

Applicants are advised to check the Faculty postgraduate web pages for lists of current funding opportunities and eligibility criteria.