MSc Cognitive Neuroscience
Course
options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Cognitive neuroscience is psychology’s fastest moving and most fundamental area, combining psychology with neuroscience.
Our Cognitive Neuroscience Master’s programme provides research methodology training and in-depth study at the cutting-edge of the field. You’ll gain understanding of the neural basis for cognition and sensorimotor skills and become familiar with modern psychological research methods, including fMRI, EEG, and TMS.
You’ll have access to world-leading facilities for brain imaging research at UEA’s dedicated brain imaging centre (UWWBIC). The course builds to a substantial piece of Master’s research, which you’ll undertake under the supervision of active researchers.
You’ll also benefit from a tailored research placement, through which you can acquire and hone specific skills you need to further your research goals.
The course is ideal if you're a high-calibre graduate of psychology or a related discipline such as medicine, neuroscience, or biological sciences. It is great preparation for a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, or a career with a significant research element. a career as a researcher or work in psychology consultancy, data analysis, scientific communication, and government sectors.
Study and Modules
Structure
You can complete this programme in one year full-time, or two years part-time. You’ll take two compulsory modules, complete a dissertation, and choose two optional modules.
Understanding how the brain functions typically and how it is affected by dysfunction is a major challenge for research in the 21st century. As such, there is increasing demand for research training into cognitive processes of the human brain.
Our expert cognitive neuroscientists will teach you about the scientific study of brain function across perception, memory, action, and decision-making. You’ll also learn about state-of-the-art cognitive neuroscience research methods, including fMRI, EEG, and TMS, and you’ll have the opportunity to analyze data in practical sessions.
You’ll be introduced to psychology and cognitive neuroscience research techniques and software commonly used in functional MRI data collection and analysis. You'll be provided with specialised experience and techniques which will enhance your CV and can potentially be used for your dissertation research. You’ll cover aspects of experimental design, programming, MRI and functional MRI (fMRI) data acquisition and analysis, which will be delivered in the context of a neuroimaging experiment.
The dissertation is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research on a subject of your choosing, to go into greater detail in the area that interests you most.
Previous dissertation topics have included:
- Facial emotion perception
- Motivated thought substitution and thought suppression
- Probabilistic learning
- Predictive processing in the sensory brain
- Effects of social anxiety on attentional bias
- Neural basis of autobiographical memories
- Conscious and unconscious processing of size constancy
- Eye movements and perceptual span during reading in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Object ownership, but not object touch, facilitates novel association formation
- The impact of stress on cerebellar related functions
- Virtual reality as a method of diagnosis and rehabilitation of spatial neglect in stroke patients
You’ll also study an optional module to complement your studies and interests.
Furthermore, gain hands-on experience and valuable contacts through a placement in an external setting. The type of placement is flexible, giving an individualized chance to gain experience which enhances your career plans.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and research placements, and the hands-on use of state-of-the-art research equipment.
Independent study
Your schedule will include timetabled classes, private study, completion of coursework assignments and preparation for sessions. You’ll also complete a major independent research project under expert supervision.
Assessment
Assessment is through coursework, including critical reviews, research proposals and a research project.
Employability
After the Course
This Master’s degree will equip you with advanced training in Cognitive Neuroscience research methods. It’s the ideal preparation for a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, or a career with a significant research component.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Research associate
- The third sector
- Government setting
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Psychology or related degree (eg. medicine, neuroscience or biological science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £12,200
-
International Students: £22,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.