About this course
Explore the brain and study all aspects of the nervous system from the molecular to the behavioural with our MSc Neuroscience degree. Help improve understanding of brain function and address key challenges facing society such as neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions.
This course is ideal if you want to pursue a career in neuroscience or work in the neuro-pharmaceutical industry, or are interested in further study.
Learn about brain function and dysfunction, and gain experience in some of the latest experimental neuroscience techniques. You’ll learn from neuroscience researchers at the forefront of their specialisms and gain a breadth of knowledge in experimental, applied and translational neuroscience.
Key areas of your learning include advanced human neuroanatomy, and neuronal and glial physiology in health and disease. This is complemented by research focused, experimental workshops covering:
- neuro-drug discovery
- model organisms in neurological disease
- dementia research including iPSC-models and neuropathological studies
- neural networks
- behavioural neurosciences
- cell and molecular neurobiology
- interdisciplinary neuroscience
You’ll carry out an individual research-based project, in one of 14 research labs in our purpose-built Life Sciences building. Themes could include anything from circadian biology, ageing processes and synaptic physiology to dementia research, neuroinflammation and translational research.
You can choose optional modules such as:
- critiques on current research seminars
- neuroimaging
- critical thinking
There's also an exciting opportunity to attend a national or international neuroscience conference.
Course lead
Dr James Dillon is a Teaching Fellow and the Technical Director of Neurivo here at the University. Neurivo provides expertise for the agrochemical, animal health and pharmaceutical sectors. James’ work focuses on understanding how changes in the nervous system contribute to conditions such as autism, addiction and chronic pain. Visit Dr Dillon's profile page to learn more about his work.
Related pathways
“This master’s degree was both all-encompassing on the course content, whilst delving into advanced concepts. There's a much stronger emphasis on applying this knowledge into a research context. All MSc students were fully integrated into established lab groups.”
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and University Hospital Southampton.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:1 degree in biological sciences or a closely related discipline.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this master’s in neuroscience there are 5 modules you must take. These lay a foundation in neuroscience. You'll also choose a further 3 modules from a pool of neuroscience options including:
- systems neuroscience
- neuropharmacology of central nervous system disorders
- neurodegenerative disease
- cellular signaling in health and disease
- molecular pharmacology
In the final semester you’ll conduct supervised, original research. The result of this is a written dissertation and poster presentation of the academic year.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
Your teaching is led by our in-house neuroscientists as well as invited guest speakers who are experts in the field. This includes traditional lecture-style groups as well as smaller interactive workshops.
Apart from lectures and tutorials you learning will include:
- practical classes
- coursework
- projects
For your research-based project you’ll complete the ‘Advanced Neuroscience” module where you’ll learn what underpins current neuroscience research work.
Throughout the course you'll carry out independent reading. This supplements and consolidates what you learn in the taught part of the degree, and to broaden your neuroscience understanding.
Assessment
You'll be assessed continuously throughout the course. Written exams at the end of each semester, in January and June, test your knowledge of the lecture and tutorial material.
Continuous assessment is based on performance in tutorials, practicals and projects including dissertations and presentations.
Dissertation
In the final part of your degree, you’ll carry out supervised, original research. These projects vary from year to year. Recent titles have included:
- functional analysis of synaptic and extrasynaptic glutamate receptors
- identification of neural mechanisms responsible for daily rhythms in physiology and behaviour
- neural basis of behavioural plasticity in C. elegans
- exploration of the neuroinflammatory profile in human post-mortem tissue
This results in a manuscript-style written dissertation and oral/poster presentation at the annual Southampton Neuroscience Group (SONG) conference at the end of the academic year.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
This MSc Neuroscience gives you everything you need to begin a career in neuroscience or the neuro-pharmaceutical industry.
You'll also be well prepared for further study, such as postgraduate research.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £12,400.
- EU and international students pay £26,640.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least two weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
