Master's Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience
Turku, Finland
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 10,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
* The application period is 7 January - 21 January 2026
** free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €10,000/academic year
Key Summary
About: The Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience at the University of Turku teaches human brain function, non-invasive imaging (PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG, TMS) and behavioral methods to measure cognition and performance. Run by the Turku Brain and Mind Center across medicine, social sciences and science, it combines multidisciplinary teaching with hands-on research and access to hospital and industry partners.
Career Outcomes: Graduates qualify as human neuroscience experts. Roles include drug development, health and game industries, customized marketing research, academic research and PhD study. The Master of Science gives eligibility for the University of Turku Graduate School and doctoral programmes.
Discover all degree programs of the University of Turku
Do you have the brain and mind for human neuroscience?
In the Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience, you will get a deep understanding of human brain function. You will learn non-invasive imaging methods to investigate brain activation and structure as well as behavioral methods to measure human cognition and performance. The program also gives a strong foundation to work as a human neuroscience expert in various industries requiring knowledge and skills to tackle complex brain-behavior issues.
When you graduate, you will be qualified to find a job, for example, in drug development, in companies developing novel health and game products, and in customized marketing research. In addition, you will obtain a strong background to continue studies towards a PhD.
Academic Excellence & Experience
The University of Turku (est. 1640) is among the top one percent of all universities in the world. Turku is well known particularly for its PET Centre which provides several state-of-art PET and MRI scanners for human studies. With a long research tradition in neuroscience, strong research groups, and excellent facilities, Turku is a great place to study neuroscience. The city has a unique, compact campus area with two universities, a university hospital, and a strong cluster of medical and technology companies nearby, which creates an inspiring environment to study and work.
The program is run by the Turku Brain and Mind Center (TBMC) in collaboration with experts from three faculties (Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science). TBMC provides a multidisciplinary context for comprehensive theoretical and practical education in human neurosciences. The University of Turku has excellent research facilities for non-invasive brain imaging including PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG, TMS, and optical imaging. Researchers of TMBC have a wide network of connections within the Turku area, in Finland, and internationally. This provides the students with ample opportunities to work and learn in practical research projects.
Program Structure
The extent of the Master’s Degree Programme is 120 ECTS to be completed in two years. The studies consist of:
- Brain Imaging Methods (15 ECTS)
- Clinical Neuroscience (23 ECTS),
- Behavioral Methods to measure human cognition, perception, consciousness and performance (10 ECTS),
- Data Analysis (10 ECTS),
- Elective Courses (17 ECTS) and Human Neuroscience Seminars, consisting of seminars related to lab presentations, thesis and future career opportunities.
The Master’s thesis will be 40 ECTS.
All program parts contain lectures, group work, independent studies, and practical exercises. The Programme requires a basic understanding of key neuroscience concepts. Depending on previous study history, this may require the completion of introductory neuroscience courses during the first semester.
Master's Thesis & Topics
Master’s thesis (40 ECTS) is an important part of the program’s curriculum. You will write a research plan, participate in research seminars, conduct practical research work, and write a theoretical report of your results. The thesis will be based on analyses of behavioral and/or brain-imaging data conducted in collaboration with research groups or companies in the Turku area or elsewhere.
Competence Description
In the Master’s Degree Programme you will
- Learn to understand and measure complex brain functions at a systems level¨.
- Learn to measure human cognition, perception, and behaviour.
- Learn to integrate brain-level and behavioural measurements to investigate human performance in different contexts.
- Gain knowledge and skills suitable for pursuing a scientific career.
- Design and manage your research project.
- Analyze behavioural and imaging data.
- Work in international and interdisciplinary research groups.
Job Options
The interdisciplinary Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience provides you with broad knowledge to use behavioural methods, non-invasive brain imaging, and structural brain measures as indices of the complex brain-behaviour relationship in different settings.
The Programme gives a strong basis to pursue a career as a human neuroscience expert. For example, graduates of the Programme can:
- Work in medical companies and drug development.
- Work in health and game industries.
- Continue studies and research towards a PhD.
Career in Research
Master of Science degree also provides you with eligibility for PhD studies. When you graduate, you will be able to apply for a position at the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS). The Graduate School consists of doctoral programmes that cover all disciplines and doctoral candidates of the University.
Together with the doctoral programmes, the Graduate School provides systematic and high-quality doctoral training. UTUGS aims to train highly qualified experts with the skills required for both professional careers in research and other positions of expertise.
Several doctoral programmes at the University of Turku are available for graduates of the MDP in Human Neuroscience:
- Drug Research
- Molecular Medicine
- Clinical Research