Duration:
1 year (full-time)
2 years (part-time)
Please add an additional year if undertaking the Professional Experience Year: integrated 2-year masters
Number of credits:
MSc: 180 credits
Start date(s):
September 2026
Explore the complexities of the human brain and its relationship to mental health, and gain the skills and professional experience needed to excel in research, healthcare, and beyond.
In a rapidly evolving field, this MSc equips you with advanced neuroscience knowledge while emphasising real-world applications in mental health. You’ll develop expertise in brain function, cognitive processes, and the neural mechanisms underlying mental health conditions, preparing you for a diverse range of careers.
You’ll gain practical experience applying cutting-edge neuroscience techniques, such as non-invasive brain stimulation and EEG, alongside training in research design, hypothesis testing, statistical analysis, and effective communication of findings to both scientific and general audiences.
Topics you’ll explore include:
- Neural basis of cognitive functions across the lifespan
- Mechanisms and treatments of mental health conditions
- Application of neuroscience techniques as both research tools and therapeutic interventions
You’ll emerge from this programme as a confident, critical thinker with the ability to analyse data, evaluate evidence, and communicate complex concepts clearly.
By combining technical expertise with transferable skills, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact in research, clinical practice, or industry.
Through our MSc Neuroscience and Mental Health, you will gain the insight, experience, and skills to understand the brain, support mental wellbeing, and shape your future career.
Did you know?
On this programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience with neuroscience methods used in both research and clinical practice. You’ll also develop skills in presenting complex scientific information in accessible ways, giving you an edge in careers across neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and healthcare.
Modules
Module details: This module provides a strong foundation in human brain structures and functions, focusing on the neuroanatomy of cognition. You will explore neural mechanisms underlying visual processing, attention, language, memory, emotions, cognitive control, and reward. Evidence from fMRI, ERPs, TMS, and neuropsychological case studies will support your learning. Additionally, you will study brain function at cellular and molecular levels. This module prepares you for further studies and careers requiring a deep understanding of brain structure and cognitive function.
How you’ll learn: This Autumn term module includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and asynchronous digital content to explore key concepts, applications, and case studies. Teaching is research-informed, and a dedicated career development week is included.
Assessment: This module will be assessed through a presentation, evaluating a research paper to develop critical thinking and communication skills, and an essay, assessing knowledge of brain functions while enhancing analytical and writing skills. Formative feedback will be provided through seminar tasks, essay plan reviews, and class discussions.
Module details: This module equips you with knowledge and skills in neuroscience techniques for researching and treating mental health disorders across the lifespan. You will explore non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tES), neuroimaging (EEG, MRI), and animal techniques, gaining both theoretical understanding and practical experience. Lectures cover the relevance of these methods, while seminars provide hands-on training and develop written communication skills. This comprehensive approach prepares you for diverse professional pathways in neuroscience, mental health research, and clinical applications.
How you’ll learn: This Autumn term module includes lectures on neuroscience techniques and grant proposal preparation, alongside seminars featuring lab demonstrations and student presentations. Additionally, asynchronous digital support provides videos on neuroscience techniques and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Assessment: This module will be assessed through an oral presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of neuroscience techniques in investigating mental health disorders and a poster presentation outlining a grant proposal using a neuroscience technique to address a research question related to a mental health disorder.
Module details: This module explores cognitive and biological development across the lifespan, from prenatal stages to childhood and adolescence. Topics include genetic and environmental influences, neurodevelopment, and resilience. You will examine key theories, methodologies, and neuroimaging techniques while considering applications in education, adulthood, and global contexts. This module equips you with essential theoretical and research-informed knowledge, fostering critical evaluation skills applicable to further studies and diverse professional settings.
How you’ll learn: This module includes virtual introductions to each week’s topic, campus lectures, seminars with assessment support, covering key theories, research, and practical applications through group discussions and debates about different perspectives or explanations. You will also engage with asynchronous digital materials each week, including pre-recorded instructions, video resources, and exercises.
Assessment: This module will be assessed through a study proposal and an infographic on a developmental topic.
Module details: This module covers key research methods essential for independent cognitive neuroscience research. You will study statistical techniques such as t-tests, ANOVA, regression, factor analysis, and Bayesian analysis, applying them to real research data. You will also analyse electrophysiological data (EEG) using software like SPSS, JASP, R, MATLAB, and FSL. Additionally, you will explore ethical considerations, research practices, and academic skills. Workshops provide assessment support and formative feedback, preparing you for future research and careers.
How you’ll learn: This Spring term module includes lectures and seminars each week. Additionally, there will be asynchronous digital support per week. You will learn how to design your own scientific research study and create and run statistical models. Outside-class activities such as a trip to visit the fMRI scanner and observe its operation (Career Development Week) and Assessment Support Week will be available to help ensure positive experiences and promote employability.
Assessment: This module will be assessed through a Scientific Report analysing and interpreting experimental data using cognitive neuroscience methods and software such as R, Python, or MATLAB, and a Poster Presentation presenting experimental EEG/ERP data. Formative assessment will include tasks performed during seminars, focusing on statistical analysis using R and related packages like JANOVI and JASP.
Module details: This module explores brain changes linked to mental health conditions, focusing on symptomatology, aetiology, and interventions. You will examine anxiety, mood disorders, schizophrenia, addiction, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, alongside factors like stress and the immune system in brain health. The module covers neuroscience applications in treatments, including non-Western perspectives and emerging research. Through current studies and future directions, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of key mental health issues and approaches to improving brain function and well-being.
How you’ll learn: This Spring term module includes lectures and seminars each week, where lectures cover key information on the links between neuroscience and mental health, and seminars provide opportunities for discussion, research development, and formative feedback. Additionally, asynchronous digital support each week, including quizzes, blogs, videos, and discussion boards, will help consolidate learning.
Assessment: This module will be assessed through an engaging image-based presentation (Pecha Kucha), where students will create a presentation on a neuroscience topic related to mental health, as well as a leaflet synthesising and critically evaluating information on mental health treatment and interventions. Both assessments will demonstrate students' abilities to communicate complex information to non-academic audiences and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
Module details: In this module, you will conduct and report an original research project under expert supervision in neuroscience and mental health. The lectures will cover project topics, ethical considerations, effective use of AI and research methods. This module enhances practical skills, including data analysis, ethical research practices, effective communication, and professional networking with relevant external organisations.
How you’ll learn: This Spring term module includes introductory lectures, supervision meetings, data collection, career development and assessment sessions, along with asynchronous digital support. You will learn the general research process through understanding foundational concepts, exploring current research, and gaining practical skills.
Assessment: This module will be assessed through a Research Report and an Oral Presentation.
These are the current planned modules on this course and may be subject to change.
Professional Experience Year
This course also offers the option of a Professional Experience Year. This programme combines dynamic career modules with flexible placement opportunities. After completing your first year of study, you'll then complete a full year of Professional Experience training as part of your degree. This will give you real career experience. This unique opportunity offers you distinct paths to build your expertise.
Careers
This programme prepares you for a wide range of career paths, primarily in neuroscience and mental health research.
You’ll develop the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue academic and research roles, while also gaining transferrable skills in data analysis, research design, statistical literacy, public speaking, scientific communication, time management, and independent working.
These skills are highly valued across diverse sectors, including business, marketing, policy making, science communication, information technology, healthcare, teaching, medicine, and biological sciences.
You’ll also benefit from industry insights and career-focused activities, such as talks from experts, field visits, professional development workshops, and opportunities to apply cognitive and neuroscientific knowledge in real-world contexts.
By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped to excel in both academic and non-academic careers, making a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
Learning and Assessment
How you’ll learn:
This programme combines flexible, inclusive, and professionally focused teaching to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed in neuroscience and mental health. A typical week includes 12 hours of contact time condensed into two full days, complemented by blended learning through online resources and the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
You’ll engage in interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical lab sessions, gaining hands-on experience with neuroscience techniques such as EEG, TMS, tDCS, MRI, and fMRI. Seminars and workshops focus on analysing research, presenting findings, and developing critical and transferable skills, while research methods and statistics modules provide the tools to design, analyse, and interpret complex data.
Throughout the programme, experiential learning, reflective exercises, and real-world applications are embedded, ensuring you graduate with both technical expertise and professional skills, ready for careers in research, healthcare, or related fields.
How you’ll be assessed:
Assessment on this programme is designed to develop both your academic and professional skills, while giving you the flexibility to explore topics that interest you. You’ll experience a mix of formative and summative assessments, including essays, research reports, study proposals, infographics, leaflets, oral and poster presentations, and peer feedback.
In the Autumn term, assessments focus on cognitive applications of neuroscience, using techniques such as sMRI, fMRI, TMS, and tES. In the Spring term, the emphasis shifts to mental health applications, with hands-on experience in EEG and MRI research projects. Across all assessments, you will develop skills in academic writing, data analysis, critical evaluation, and communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
The programme ensures inclusivity by offering alternative formats for presentations, accessible feedback, and personalised support through the Disability Team. All feedback follows a constructive, “feed-forward” approach, helping you understand how to improve and succeed in future assessments.
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Applying
UK postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
Specific entry requirements
2:2 undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Medicine, Biomedical Science, or a related subject
General entry requirements
International postgraduate students apply through our direct application system.
Specific entry requirements
2:2 undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Medicine, Biomedical Science, or a related subject
General entry requirements
Fees and funding
UK students
Tuition fees
| Entry date | MSc (full-time) | MSc (part-time) |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | £11,250 | £5,625 |
| January 2027 | £11,250 | £5,625 |
Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.
Funding your studies
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London.
International students
Tuition fees
| Entry date | MSc (full-time) | MSc (part-time) |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | £18,980 | £9,490 |
| January 2027 | £18,980 | £9,490 |
Prices shown are for the first year of your degree.
Funding your studies
We also provide other ways to support the cost of living, including on-campus car parking, hardship support and some of the most affordable student accommodation and catering in London.
Need help or advice before applying?
Psychology
We advance knowledge in mental health and wellbeing and broaden our students’ opportunities towards successful careers, within an inclusive community that supports equity and fairness for all.
