University College London (UCL)
Brain Sciences MRes
London, United Kingdom
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 39,800 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international students: full time £39,800 | UK students: full time £18,400. Additional fees may apply
The Brain Sciences MRes is a comprehensive program designed to give students a solid foundation in understanding the biological basis of brain function. It covers a wide range of topics, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropsychology, helping students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program combines lectures, seminars, and laboratory work, allowing students to explore how the brain works, investigate brain disorders, and learn about cutting-edge research techniques. It’s ideal for those interested in pursuing careers in neuroscience, clinical research, or further academic study.
The course is structured to support students throughout their learning journey, emphasizing research skills and independent thinking. Students have the opportunity to design and carry out their own research projects, guided by experienced staff. The program also offers optional modules, enabling students to tailor their studies to specific interests within brain sciences. Supporting this, students gain exposure to advanced laboratory methods and data analysis, preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, or academia. Overall, it’s a well-rounded program that bridges foundational knowledge with practical experience, helping students to understand and investigate the complexities of the human brain.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, independent study, journal clubs, independent and collaborative problem-based tasks, computational work and a supervised empirical research project
Assessment is through online tasks, unseen written examinations, essays, oral presentations, research-based tasks and a primary research article.
In term one, full-time students can typically expect around 12 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Outside of these contact hours, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments. In terms two and three and over the summer period, students will be completing their own full-time research project. Students are expected to spend an average of approximately 36.5 hours per week working on their research project and keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.’
Modules
Full-time
The unique curriculum will develop knowledge and insight into the broad and interdisciplinary scope of brain science through practical experience and exposure to contemporary topics in brain sciences research delivered through a series of innovative masterclasses led by internationally renowned researchers at UCL.
With an empirical research project encompassing two-thirds of the programme, quantitative and qualitative tools for research will be developed including core skills in the implementation, management and dissemination of research.
Compulsory modules
- Research Methods and Statistics
- MRes Brain Sciences Project
- Contemporary Topics in Brain Science Research
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MRes in Brain Sciences.
What this course will give you
This comprehensive MRes will provide core knowledge and skills, and ensure that prospective PhD candidates are thoroughly acquainted with the background as well as with the expanding scope of the field of brain sciences.
UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences is one of the most highly recognised centres of excellence in brain science in the world:
- UCL biomedical and health researchers are the most influential in England including in these fields of specialism: clinical neurology, deafness and hearing problems, dementias, experimental psychology, mental health, multidisciplinary psychology, neuroimaging, psychology, psychoanalysis
- According to RAND bibliometric analysis published in 2015
- UCL is the most highly cited university in Europe for neuroscience and behaviour studies
- According to InCites Essential Scientific Indicators 2023
- UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences is the best place in the world to study ophthalmology
- According to CWUR 2017 Rankings by Subject
- UCL is the top-ranked university in the UK for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience according to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework 2021
The foundation of your career
This MRes will prepare students for research careers in academia, industry or business, nationally or internationally. Although we expect that graduates will go onto roles within the brain sciences field, the programme gives students a broad range of skills that employers across various sectors desire. In addition to taking up research assistant or PhD positions at prestigious institutions both nationally and internationally, students have taken up leadership and policy-making roles in industry, the healthcare sector and biotechnology including biotech spin-outs. Previous graduates have also gone on to work in the recruitment and human resources sectors (based on the most recent Graduate Outcomes survey 2021-22).
Employability
The programme provides a broad understanding of brain sciences. The aim is to give students the best chance of obtaining a place on a relevant PhD programme. In addition, the programme includes taught elements that will enhance employability. Transferable skills include statistical training, communication skills and training in research ethics and governance.
Networking
Brain Sciences MRes students engage in networking opportunities within the Faculty of Brain Sciences, such as the Neuroscience Symposium at the Institute of Neurology.