
Course description
Our MSc Neuroscience course will give you the opportunity to get actively involved in neuroscience research through a research placement.
You will learn through an interactive approach involving seminars, workshops and small group tutorials rather than traditional lectures. You will also undertake your own research project, which will allow you to join first class research groups and gain first-hand experience of the day-to-day operation of a neuroscience laboratory.
You will gain research experience and professional skills - perhaps in a different area to your first degree - before deciding on a future career in industry or academic research. This will allow you to make an informed choice about the research area you want to go into.
You choose the laboratory placement from a list provided by your programme director. Neuroscience research at Manchester is diverse, ranging from the molecular processes of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease to the neuronal clocks responsible for the circadian rhythms and the theoretical and experimental study of how networks of neurons implement brain functions such as sensory processing and motor control.
You will also benefit from being exposed to neuroscience research seminars, in which internationally renowned experts present their recent findings.
Special features
Interactive learning
You will learn through research projects, seminars, workshops and small group tutorials rather than a traditional lecture-based format, making for a more interactive approach to learning.
Teaching and learning
We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including tutorials, workshops, seminars and research placements.
Find out more by visiting the postgraduate teaching and learning page.
Coursework and assessment
We will assess your progress using:
- written reports on your research projects and tutorials
- oral presentations
- written assignments
- posters
- multiple choice exams
- critical assessment of literature
- online statistics exercises.
Course unit details
The course starts in September and runs for 12 months. You require 180 credits to complete the course, of which:
- 120 credits are project based
- 60 credits are from transferable skills units
Transferable skills
60 credits are achieved through completion of activities that develop your transferable skills in essential areas such as laboratory skills, experimental design, statistics, bioethics (included in the tutorial and workshop unit) and science communication.
Experimental Design and Statistics runs at the start of the year to prepare you for your research projects. Elements of the other units run throughout the year alongside your research project.
- Experimental Design and Statistics (15 credits)
- Tutorial and Workshop (15 credits)
- Science Communication (15 credits)
- Laboratory Skills (15 credits)
Disclaimer
Our units teach the current trends in life sciences. Consequently, details of our units may vary over time. The University therefore reserves the right to make such alterations to units as are found to be necessary. Before accepting your offer of a course, it is essential that you are aware of the current terms on which the offer is based. This includes the units available to you. If in doubt, please contact us.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Statistics & Experimental Design | BIOL65161 | 15 | Mandatory |
Research Project 1 | BIOL66121 | 30 | Mandatory |
Research Project 2 | BIOL66132 | 90 | Mandatory |
Laboratory Skills Unit | MEDN66111 | 15 | Mandatory |
Scholarships and bursaries
For the latest scholarship and bursary information please visit the fees and funding page.