MSc Human Neuroscience

With an emphasis on hands-on learning, the direct experience gained using our new state-of-the-art neuroimaging facility gives you some of the most sought-after skills in the discipline. This programme provides the in-depth knowledge and practical training in human neuroimaging designed to put you on a path to a range of careers in neuroscience within academia, industry, government, and health. Graduates from the programme have been accepted into PhDs in Psychology and Neuroscience-related disciplines, and have gained positions in academia, in industry, as well as in the allied health professions.

• Year 1

• Core modules deliver advanced instruction on the fundamental underpinnings of human neuroscience. In-depth knowledge of neuro-anatomy, pharmacology and physiology provide the context for technical instruction on the physics and applications of human neuroimaging techniques and data handling. These then form the basis for skills-based training in the practical aspects human neuroimaging, with hands-on apprenticeships across a range of cutting-edge brain imaging methods. With supervision and guidance of world-class neuroimaging researchers, you bring your new knowledge and skills to bear on a research question of your choice in the neuroscience research project.

  Core modules

  PSYC724
  Advanced Practice in Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation 20 credits

  This research rotation module will provide an immersive experience for students, enabling them to obtain first-hand experience of state-of-the-art neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques through engagement with active research labs. Rotations will cover technical aspects of safety and data acquisition and enable students to engage with proper data collection, signal processing, and analyses based on technique-specific methods.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC725
  Neuroscience Project 60 credits

  In this module, students select, develop, and carry out an original group research project on a topic associated with their specialist area of interest using a neuroimaging or neurostimulation technique. The module comprises an independent piece of research work conducted by the students within a group and written up as an independent research paper

  100% Coursework

  PSYC726
  Foundations and Applications of Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation 20 credits

  This module provides an overview of key concepts in neuroscience that form the basis of neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques. This module will also cover the key principles of major neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and (functional) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI/fMRI) illustrating their use in human neuroscience research with concrete examples and applications.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC750
  Personal and Professional Development 0 credits

  This module will enhance students awareness of the transferable skills they possess, focus thinking about future employment, spur reflection on recent learning, and promote the effective use of feedback to enhance academic performance.

  PSYC760
  Advanced Research Design and Data Fluency for Psychology 20 credits

  This module explores approaches to formulating psychological research questions, the design of studies to effectively investigate such questions, and how to work fluently with common types of psychological data.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC763
  Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 1 20 credits

  The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data collection including interviewing, surveys, computer programming, systematic reviewing and EEG. It also provides students with a grounding in core research skills such as writing, literature reviewing and conducting service evaluation.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC764
  Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 2 20 credits

  The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data analytic and data handling methodologies including qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis and content analysis and methods of analysing and data handling approaches to quantitative data such as JAMOVI/JASP and excel. The module will also cover specific elements of analysis such as clinical significance, psychometrics and research dissemination through academic posters.

  100% Coursework

  PSYC765
  Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From lab to community 20 credits

  To show how different cognitive science and neuroscience techniques can be used to advance understanding cognition and how this relates to neurological conditions. Students are introduced to a range of neuropsychological conditions including Acquired Brain Injuries, Parkinson’s and dementia and approaches to intervention from lab through to hospital and community settings.

  70% Coursework

  30% Practicals

  HIPL600
  Interprofessional Learning 3

MSc Human Neuroscience programme specification 7664

Most students will hold an honours degree, usually a 2:1, although we would also consider applicants who can demonstrate their ability to thrive on this programme due to professional experience.
This programme provides a privileged route for students seeking to advance their knowledge of psychology. While well suited to students with a background in the field, we welcome applications from students from other backgrounds, such as education, humanities, social sciences, biology, pure science, and engineering.
Please note that this programme does not confer graduate basis for recognition by the British Psychological Society; applicants seeking this recognition should apply to our MSc Psychology.
International students: If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required, with a normal minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:

If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.