University of Birmingham - College of Life and Environmental Sciences

MSc in Cognitive Neuroimaging and Data Science

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The course comprises a series of taught core and optional modules. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in experimental design, analysis, and scientific writing. Please note that the exact content and assessment in the modules may vary.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Cognitive Neuroimaging

For students on the Cognitive Neuroimaging pathway, the following must be taken:

• Cognitive Neuroscience Methods and Applications
• Data Science for Brain and Behaviour
• Research Methods & Skills in Psychology
• Proposing Research in Psychology
• MSc Research Project

Students on the Cognitive Neuroscience pathway must choose 40 credits of optional modules:

• Translational Cognitive Neuroscience
• Application of Electrophysiological Approaches in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Foundations of Data Science
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cognitive Neuroscience

Computational Neuroscience

For students on the Computational Neuroscience pathway, the following must be taken:

• Research Methods & Skills in Psychology
• Mind, Brain and Models
• Proposing Research in Psychology
• MSc Research Project

Students on the Computational Neuroscience pathway must choose 60 credits of optional modules:

• Translational Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neural Computation (Extended)
• Computer Vision and Imaging (Extended)
• Intelligent Robotics (Extended)
• Cognitive Neuroscience Methods and Applications
• Data Science for Brain and Behaviour
• Introduction to Computational Methods
• Application of Electrophysiological Approaches in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Foundations of Data Science
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Robot Vision

Research Project Titles

This is a non-exhaustive list of recent titles submitted for the MSc Research Project.

Cognitive Neuroscience Pathway

• Functional architecture in resting-state associated with fluid intelligence among older adults;
• Regional hemispheric alpha power fluctuation correlates with congruency during complex audio-visual stimuli;
• Examining the relationship between poor sleep, frontoparietal white matter, and sustained attention in older adults using diffusion tractography;
• The role of social defeat in neurological differences in psychotic patients;
• Brain state dynamics in ADHD: intrinsic functional connectivity alterations associated with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder;
• Hidden brain state dynamics fluctuate within a day;
• Investigating how age-related changes to grey and white matter influence self-related processing;
• Associations between Intrinsic Connectivity Networks and trait impulsivity in a healthy Japanese community population;
• The role of the medial prefrontal cortex in self-benefiting and prosocial behaviours.

Computational Neuroscience Pathway

• Proof of Concept: Utilizing EEG and fNIRS to create a hybrid BCI device for hardware motor-imagery control;
• Can’t say what you see? Developing a visual acuity test using Rapid Serial Visual Presentation and EEG;
• Using drift diffusion models to investigate the attentional and perceptual differences in participants with autistic traits in simple reaction time tasks;
• Pipeline for snatch analysis and modelling using world championship data and markerless pose tracking;
• Accounting and removing confounding signals improve prediction of functional activation using machine learning and optical neuroimaging;
• Computational modelling of search guidance by irrelevant features coincident with multiple items using the Choice of Reaching LEGO robot;
• An ERP study of hyperexcitation to pattern glare in the DC shift period, characterizing habituation and sensitization effects;
• Inference of the connection between subjective tactile evaluation and preference for surfaces;
• Mechanism and Manifestation of Tremor: Is oscillatory input necessary for tremor generation for Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor?

• 13th In the UK - QS World Rankings 2025
• 12th in the Research Excellence Framework - REF 2021 (out of 93 UK universities)

You will not only be equipped to excel in research roles within both the private and public sectors but also have a competitive edge with your problem-solving and advanced analytical skills. These abilities are in high demand for roles that involve data-driven research, strategic decision-making, and strategic planning. Furthermore, this MSc serves as a robust foundation for those aspiring to pursue a PhD or other advanced degrees, setting the stage for a journey in academia or specialised industry roles.

You will have the opportunity to interact with a range of researchers with different types of expertise who will help you develop your specific interests and skills. This degree will help you further your career, whether the next step is an academic PhD position or a professional job in the workplace.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

• One-to-one career guidance from our college-specific advisors;
• CV and job application advice to help you stand out to employers;
• An annual programme of careers fairs on campus to meet employers and find out about a range of opportunities available;
• Employer presentations and networking sessions;
• Careers workshops to improve your interview skills and help you find work experience;
• Skills training for postgraduates;
• Graduate mentoring;
• Support and advice on setting up your own business;
• Online career action planning tools and self-enrolment career development courses to use in your own time and support your career planning;
• Specific support for postgraduate researchers, including events, workshops, advice sessions, socials and wellbeing events.

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. While the exact content may change, in the first term you will typically complete the compulsory modules while in the second you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. This is based on a full-time Masters course. For part-time students, we will devise a study plan in the first weeks, tailoring your studies to your non-academic commitments.

Our diverse teaching methods ensure a well-rounded educational experience, with assessments preparing you for the real-world challenges and choice of optional modules allowing your to tailor your own journey.

• Taught modules - these include lectures, seminars, journal clubs and workshops delivered by experts in the field
• Research-based modules - working on your own and/or in groups, you’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work.
• Dissertation
• Assessments - these will include essays and reports, along with peer assessments, plus oral and poster presentations.