Masters in Research (MRes) in Neuroscience

Bursaries are available! Find out more about available funding.

The new MRes in Neuroscience is a 12 month postgraduate programme that is only available as a full time course. The programme provides elements of specialist training given by members of the Institute of Neuroscience.

This course comprises a 24-week research project and a number of compulsory taught elements including three subject knowledge modules.

Students are invited to select at least two of the Neuroscience taught modules (see below) but have the option to choose a third from amongst the other 30 Bioscience modules available within the portfolio of Faculty MRes subjects. The three neuroscience modules are:

Sensory Systems and Neuroimaging - This module aims to develop a specific, in-depth understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying visual and auditory processes, and to develop a more general understanding of the function of single neurons, networks of neurons, and the whole brain. Neuroimaging topics will include techniques widely used in Newcastle, such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and EEG.

Cognitive Neuroscience - This module introduces the principles of cognition, including memory and decision making, and executive function. It explores the neural bases of these behaviours, and considers the neurological and psychiatric consequences that arise from deficits in the underlying neural mechanisms.

Molecular Basis of Neurological Disorders - This module will develop an understanding of the clinical presentation and key aspects of the cellular and molecular neuroscience of important neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It will cover the main ways that nerve cells response to insult and injury, and the future strategies for treatment.

Student Reviews: Read about previous students' experiences of the course.

Examples of Recent Research Projects
  • Characterisation of the GABA and glutamate regulation of the median raphe nucleus of the rat
  • Effect of corticosteroids on the electrophysiological correlates of working memory Endogenous markers for adult neurogenesis in birds
  • Adult stem cells: taking control of their proliferation, migration and differentiation
  • Mitochondrial DNA disease: clinical and pathological studies
  • From genotype to phenotype in chronic progressive external opthalmoplegia
  • Cognitive bias as a novel measure of affective state in non-human animals
  • Visual hallucinations: the patient’s and caregiver’s view
  • Perception of emotion in an attentional blink task: behavioural and electrophysiological correlates
  • Bridging word recognition in language understanding
  • Determining an animal’s location from its brain activity

Further information

If you require more information about the Neuroscience options in the MRes, please contact Professor R.N. Lightowlers (r.n.lightowlers@ncl.ac.uk), or for more general queries contact Helen Stewart (h.stewart@ncl.ac.uk).

You should apply using our online application form.