neuroscience phd programs uk

Browser does not support script.

Go to…

• What is neuroscience?
• Departments
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research Themes

Study a Neuroscience PhD programme at King's:

• Research project topics span from molecules to mind, including clinical and translational aspects to make a meaningful differences in people's health
• Be part of an international and diverse student body, studying at one of three central London campuses, with an active student Neuroscience Society ( Neurosoc ) 
• Extensive programmes of seminars by our faculty and international neuroscience research stars
• Opportunities to present research findings at national and international neuroscience conferences and publish in leading journals
• Teaching opportunities for PhD students via  King's Talent Bank

What you will study

King's PhD students can complete three-year projects focusing on a specific research project or a four-year studentship through a MRes/PhD programmes. These studentships follow a '1+3' model, in which students undertake lab rotations and transferable skills training in the first year, then perform their extended lab project over years 2-4. 

PhD students gain:

• Independent project and team-working skills
• Acuity in analytical skills and critique of the literature
• Ability to communicate findings to a wide range of audiences

Read our guide on how to apply for a PhD .

Explore King's Neuroscience

Our research

Leading the world in understanding brain function and finding new treatments for patients

Facilities & Resources

World-class neuroscience facilities & resources, including MRI, neuroimaging equipment, and King's…

Find out more about Neuroscience PhDs at King’s

MRC Doctoral Training Partnership in Biomedical Sciences

Neuroscience Doctoral Training Partnerships at King's College London.

Wellcome Trust PhD Training Programme in Neuro-Immune Interactions in Health and Disease

The Centre for Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine (CSCRM) in the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine…

News and events

28 March 2024

Professor Esther Bell delivers IoPPN inaugural lecture

"Hopping into Education: from Frogs to Pedagogues" was delivered by the Professor of Bioscience…

25 March 2024

Wolfson SPaRC (Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre) new name announced

The name reflects the department’s core strengths in research relating to sensory disorders, pain…

14 March 2024

King's scientists developed a novel pipeline to create custom cell culture devices

The SOL3D pipeline is cheaper, versatile, highly reproducible and “democratises” the…

12 March 2024

2023 Cozzarelli Prize Biological Sciences awarded to hearing loss reversal research

"Reversal of an existing hearing loss by gene activation in Spns2 mutant mice" was awarded the prize…

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

PhD/MPhil Neuroscience / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Biosciences

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

• Schools & departments

Translational Neuroscience PhD

Awards: PhD

Study modes: Full-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Translational Neuroscience

Discovery Day

Join us online on 18th April to learn more about postgraduate study at Edinburgh

View sessions and register

Research profile

We are looking to recruit outstanding postgraduate candidates to join our prestigious Wellcome Trust four-year PhD programme in Translational Neuroscience. This is a prestigious, and innovative, research PhD programme that addresses a current global need in the translation of fundamental neuroscience research into the clinic. By 'Training to Translate' it focuses on the advancement of knowledge, expertise and skills in clinical translation and will draw on unique Edinburgh research strengths in diseases across the life-course to achieve this goal. This programme is run by the University of Edinburgh and funded by the Wellcome Trust.

The programme will train non-clinical students to combine cutting-edge experimental technology (e.g. cellular, regenerative, computational, genetic, animal models) and analytical tools, with comprehensive knowledge of the clinical brain research environment. By doing so, it will equip students with the distinct skills required to bridge the knowledge gap between the design, execution and interpretation of cellular/animal experiments and the challenges of experimental medicine.

At least six Translational Neuroscience PhD studentships are available in September 2020 for promising postgraduate candidates with a strong interest in translational neuroscience. Studentships include a stipend, tuition fees (at the UK/EU rate) and contributions towards research costs for their rotation and PhD projects. Studentships also provide funds for travel and training, including related to transferable skills and professional development.

Programme structure

The Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme is a four-year training programme run by the University of Edinburgh and funded by The Wellcome Trust.

This is a PhD with integrated study, structured over four years and comprising of a three-year PhD project plus an additional 180 credits of integrated study. During Year 1 there is a mixture of taught and research work and you will develop to your PhD project towards the end of year one.

Training and support

The Wellcome Trust four-year PhD Programme in Translational Neuroscience provides outstanding postgraduate students with a four-year studentship and with world-class teaching and research training within the broad Edinburgh Neuroscience research community.

During Year 1 you will undertake three ten-week research projects: one in each life course area (development, adolescence/adulthood, old age/degeneration). Alongside these you will participate in twice-weekly taught and discussion elements on subject areas from across the life course, complementing your mini-projects. This taught element will include visits to clinics to observe patients throughout the life course, from paediatrics to dementia.

Towards the end of Year 1 you will develop the PhD project, which will form the bulk of your work in Years 2, 3 and 4. Clinic visits and taught work will continue in Years 2 and 3, but at a much lower level.

You will have access to the full array of cutting edge techniques available within the broad Edinburgh Neuroscience community.

In addition, you will have access to, arguably, the UK’s most powerful series of longitudinal and cross-sectional human population cohorts for common brain diseases across the life-course.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2025/26 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2024.

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

If you have a medical degree you are not eligible to apply unless you are no longer clinically active.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country
• English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced ( CAE ) / C2 Proficiency ( CPE ): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE : ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS , TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE , in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

Fees and costs

Additional programme costs.

Successful applicants are awarded a four-year studentship.

Studentships include:

• tuition fees (at the UK/EU rate)
• contributions towards research costs for your rotation and PhD projects

funds for travel and training - including related to transferable skills and professional development.

Wellcome Trust funded 4 year PhD programme in Translational Neuroscience

Living costs

For guidelines on living costs see:

• Estimated living costs

Tuition fees

Scholarships and funding, uk government postgraduate loans.

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding

Further information

• Edinburgh Neuroscience Coordinator, Jane Haley
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 1000
• Contact: [email protected]
• 1 George Square
• University of Edinburgh
• Central Campus
• Programme: Translational Neuroscience
• School: Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences
• College: Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

Applications for this programme are handled via the Edinburgh Neuroscience website:

• Apply for this programme

Start date: September

Awards: PhD (48 mth FT)

Application deadlines

Applications are invited during a 6 week period in October and November, for entry in September the following year. Applications are not accepted out-with the formal recruitment period.

Cookies on our website

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use our site. And we'd like to serve you some cookies set by other services to show you relevant content.

PhD Programmes in Neuroscience

One of the aims of Sussex Neuroscience is to train the next generation of researchers to tackle the most important questions. Sussex houses world-class research in all major areas of Neuroscience, with scholarships available from a variety of sources for PhD study, including our Sussex Neuroscience 4-year PhD Programme.

Sussex Neuroscience provides a vibrant and supportive community in which early career researchers are highly valued. Beyond their immediate lab group, postgraduate students meet at our regular seminars, social events and public engagement activities, and lead their own initiatives such as student-led journal clubs, a Coding Club, and hosting external speakers. All PhD students have access to the Sussex Neuroscience Postgraduate Fund to support travel to conferences and advanced training courses worldwide. At the wider University level, our students are supported by the Doctoral School which includes a researcher development programme and the  U-DOC mental health initiative . 

There are many different opportunities to join Sussex Neuroscience as a postgraduate student. Our Sussex Neuroscience PhD Programme offers a rotation year in which students can experience different labs across our community before choosing their final PhD topic. Our members also supervise projects on other funded DTPs, listed below. You can also apply directly to a single lab when a position is advertised. 

Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates with protected characteristics – e.g. from Black and other ethnic minorities – who are under-represented in postgraduate research at our institution. Our PhD selection process is mindful of the diversity of backgrounds that strong candidates can have: we consider candidates based on all-round merit, and run a transparent interview process. We also offer support to any students with carer responsibilities to enable them to pursue their PhD research on an equal footing with others.

Funded PhD Programmes:

• Sussex Neuroscience 4-Year PhD Programme
• Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship Programme: be.AI
• SoCoBio BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership scholarships
• Individual PhD opportunities currently advertised across Sussex Neuroscience

You may also be interested in a Masters degree at Sussex in Neuroscience and related areas:

• MSc or MRes in Neuroscience , School of Life Sciences
• MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience , School of Psychology
• MSc in Experimental Psychology , School of Psychology
• MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Adaptive Systems , School of Engineering and Informatics

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Course Directory

PhD in Clinical Neurosciences

Postgraduate Study

• Why Cambridge overview
• Chat with our students
• Cambridge explained overview
• The supervision system
• Student life overview
• In and around Cambridge
• Leisure activities
• Student unions
• Music awards
• Student support overview
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Disabled students
• Accommodation
• Language tuition
• Skills training
• Support for refugees
• Courses overview
• Department directory
• Qualification types
• Funded studentships
• Part-time study
• Research degrees
• Visiting students
• Finance overview
• Fees overview
• What is my fee status?
• Part-time fees
• Application fee
• Living costs
• Funding overview
• Funding search
• How to apply for funding
• University funding overview
• Research Councils (UKRI)
• External funding and loans overview
• Funding searches
• External scholarships
• Charities and the voluntary sector
• Funding for disabled students
• Widening participation in funding
• Colleges overview
• What is a College?
• Choosing a College
• Terms of Residence
• Applying overview
• Before you apply
• Entry requirements
• Application deadlines
• How do I apply? overview
• Application fee overview
• Application fee waiver
• Life Science courses
• Terms and conditions
• Continuing students
• Disabled applicants
• Supporting documents overview
• Academic documents
• Finance documents
• Evidence of competence in English
• Terms and Conditions
• Applicant portal and self-service
• After you apply overview
• Confirmation of admission
• Student registry
• Previous criminal convictions
• Deferring an application
• Updating your personal details
• Appeals and Complaints
• Widening participation
• Postgraduate admissions fraud
• International overview
• Immigration overview
• ATAS overview
• Applying for an ATAS certificate
• Current Cambridge students
• International qualifications
• Competence in English overview
• What tests are accepted?
• International events
• International student views overview
• Akhila’s story
• Alex’s story
• Huijie’s story
• Kelsey’s story
• Nilesh’s story
• Get in touch!
• Events overview
• Upcoming events
• Postgraduate Open Days overview
• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD Study webinars
• Virtual tour
• Research Internships
• How we use participant data
• Postgraduate Newsletter

Primary tabs

• Overview (active tab)
• Requirements
• How To Apply
• Testimonials

Please ensure you check the Department of Clinical Neurosciences website for up-to-date information on projects and funding.

Postgraduate training is very different from undergraduate courses. It is based on individual needs and abilities, and is designed to help you to think clearly, originally and practically, and to prepare you for leadership in science. We teach our postgraduate students how to plan and carry out cutting-edge research. Cambridge is an amazing place to learn how to do research. Visiting speakers and collaborators come from all over the world, and there are simply too many seminars for one person to attend! We have a careful system of monitoring the individual progress of each student; everyone has both a principal supervisor and associated adviser, and there are weekly student-led seminars.

Research training within the Department has several essential components, the first and foremost being the research project itself, to which you will make a significant contribution. This will give you experience and training in a variety of experimental and/or clinical research techniques, but will also teach you how to organise research, plan experiments, and read and digest the scientific literature relevant to your research work. Most research groups have weekly or fortnightly meetings in which all members discuss each other's work.

However, other skills are also important. You will be required to attend seminars and round-tables, and you will have the opportunity to go to scientific meetings both in the UK and abroad. These bring you into direct contact with prominent and active scientists in your field from around the world.

You will also give scientific talks yourself. Audiences for such talks are often quite large, and the discussion of your paper is often very lively. You will also be expected to attend courses, that either directly relate to your research (for example, they might teach you a specific skill or expand your theoretical knowledge) or teach you general skills that are important for a well-qualified scientist to know (for example, how to write a scientific paper, use databases, or interact with the media). There are a large number of these courses, many of them run by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences. The Department also has its own series of seminars.

We expect our postgraduate students to publish in high-quality journals, and nearly all of them do so.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;

demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;

shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;

demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.

Those who wish to progress to a PhD after completing an MPhil will be required to satisfy their potential supervisor, Head of Department and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the skills and ability to achieve the higher degree.

Further information on continuing students can be seen here

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of clinical neurosciences, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Easter 2024 (Closed)

Michaelmas 2024, easter 2025, funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Medical Science (Clinical Neurosciences) MPhil
• Medical Science (MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit) PhD
• Medical Science (MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit) MPhil
• Stem Cell Biology PhD
• Stem Cell Biology Wellcome Trust PhD

Postgraduate Admissions Office

• Admissions Statistics
• Start an Application
• Applicant Self-Service

At a glance

• Bringing a family
• Current Postgraduates
• Cambridge Students' Union (SU)

University Policy and Guidelines

Privacy Policy

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

UCL Research Domains

Doctoral Degrees

Discover Neuroscience-related postgraduate research degree programmes at UCL.

Postgraduate research

UCL Neuroscience offers unrivalled opportunities for PhD research in all aspects of neuroscience. Research projects range across all neuroscience themes, from the molecular biology of neuronal proteins, through cellular neuroscience, to the behaviour of sensory and motor systems, cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuroscience research.

Neuroscience research is carried out in all of the UCL's biomedical departments, by researchers who are among the leaders of their fields, using the most modern techniques to address important problems of basic and clinical neuroscience. Research labs are well funded, so that PhD students have the best chance of getting off to a productive start in their research.

Useful Links

• UCL Graduate Prospectus
• How to apply

Three year PhD programmes

Prospective PhD candidates are encouraged to investigate and informally discuss research opportunities directly with PIs, departments and/or institutes, and explore inter-departmental or cross-faculty research themes (as your area of interest may be represented across more than one department).  After you and your prospective supervisor have agreed on a topic of research, you should then submit a formal application.

Students may apply for three year PhD places at the same time as applying to four year PhD programmes.

There are a number of institutional sources of funding, including:

• UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
• Child Health Research PhD programme

Four year PhD programmes

Increasingly PhD provision at UCL is offered through four-year programmes funded by the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council or Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Available opportunities include our flagship UCL Neuroscience four year PhD programme:

• Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research Doctoral Programme
• Gatsby PhD in Computational and Theoretical Neuroscience
• Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MRC)
• Leonard Wolfson Training Programme in Neurodegeneration
• London Interdisciplinary Biosciences PhD Consortium (BBSRC)
• MRC Prion Unit
• Optical Biology PhD
• Psychiatry PhD
• SWC Neuroscience PhD Programme
• Translational Research of Neuromuscular Disease (MRC)
• UCL-NIMH Joint Doctoral Training Program in Neuroscience 
• UCL-Birkbeck MRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Students may apply to more than one PhD programme at the same time.

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
• Medical Research Council
• Wellcome Trust

Clinical Fellows

UCL Neuroscience makes a major contribution towards training prospective clinical academics from neurological, neurosurgical, paediatric neurological and psychiatric backgrounds plus many other clinical specialities.

In addition, UCL/UCLH run over 30 Academic Clinical Fellowship predoctoral programmes. Interested trainees should contact UCL Neuroscience PIs directly with their CV.

• Academic Clinical Fellowships

In addition, there are organised programmes including:

• Institute of Ophthalmology MPhil/PhD

Systems Neuroscience PhD Programme

Why study at SWC?

Our students receive a comprehensive introduction to systems neuroscience, as well as intensive training in experimental techniques, including imaging, physiology, molecular, and behavioural methods in systems neuroscience.

Students in the programme are taught and supervised by SWC faculty together with colleagues at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit  and other affiliated institutions , all experts in their respective fields.  Gatsby and SWC students overlap extensively during the programme, building the foundations for long-lasting collaborations and friendships.

You will live and work in central London , with the highest concentration of neuroscience research in the world.

SWC students are fully funded and receive an annual stipend of £27,400, as well as funds to attend international courses or meetings. We also cover the cost of tuition fees for both home and international students.

The SWC PhD is your opportunity to receive world-class training as a neuroscientist and launch an exciting career in academia or industry.  Apply now to join our pool of exceptional students from around the globe.

Elena Dreosti and Adam Kampff describe The Last Black Box course for PhD students at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre. To find out more about the Cajal Programme visit:  www.cajal-training.org

SWC PhD Programme Overview

The SWC PhD is a four-year programme. Below is a short overview of each year.

The first year is centred around courses - Boot Camp, Systems Neuroscience and Theoretical Neuroscience, Experimental Neuroscience, Neural Data Modelling - and rotations.

All students begin by attending Boot Camp, a three-week course covering the fundamentals of neuroscience and technology – the things we believe everyone should know before they begin their quest to discover new things. The course, developed in partnership with the Cajal Advanced Neuroscience Training Programme , is a centred around a fundamental principle: no “black boxes”.

In short, Boot Camp covers everything from electrons to intelligence and empowers students to build an increasingly sophisticated robot, learning about neuroscience principles and technologies (hardware and software) along the way.

Once the first term begins, students in the SWC and Gatsby PhD programmes together attend Systems Neuroscience & Theoretical Neuroscience, an intensive lecture course in which SWC and Gatsby faculty take turns giving lectures from the angle of their area of expertise.

In parallel with this, SWC students learn advanced experimental neuroscience techniques in a hands-on practical course focused on four areas: experimental design, electrophysiology, optics and microscopy, and data analysis. Here, the first-year students will for example implement a 1,000 channel in vivo recording system, build their own two-photon microscope, and develop a closed-loop behaviour assay.

Students design a PhD project and begin their research at the start of year two. Supervisors are selected from among SWC or affiliated faculty.

In this year, students also help as teaching assistants in the courses for the new first-year students.

Third year students write a report and take a viva exam to upgrade from MPhil to PhD. Apart from this, the year is centered on research.

Year four and beyond

The last year, students complete their research and make a detailed plan for the time remaining until graduation. They write and submit their PhD thesis and sit a viva examination.

You can access the theses of previous PhD students through UCL Library Services or UCL Discovery.

Across years

All Centre members are invited to participate in journal clubs and learning groups organised by students, post-docs and researchers.

SWC students have access to all that is offered through UCL and the Doctoral School .

Syllabi for the first year courses Systems Neuroscience and Theoretical Neuroscience, Experimental Neuroscience, and Neural Data Modelling  are below.

Systems Neuroscience and Theoretical Neuroscience

Systems Neuroscience and Theoretical Neuroscience is an intensive lecture course for first-year SWC and Gatsby PhD students, taught by SWC, Gatsby, and affiliated faculty. 

Systems Foundations

• Measuring activity in neurons / Otis, Tom
• Voltage-gated channels / Branco, Tiago
• Biophysics / Latham, Peter
• Dendritic integration / Branco, Tiago
• Synaptic transmission and plasticity / Margrie, Troy

Sensory Systems

• Principles of sensory systems and organisation of cellular circuits / Mrsic-Flogel, Thomas
• Perception as signal processing / Sahani, Maneesh
• Perception as inference / Sahani, Maneesh
• Influence of behaviour and context on sensory processing / Hofer, Sonja

Action Systems

• Basal ganglia / Stephenson-Jones, Marcus
• Open loop control / Latham, Peter
• Cerebellum / Otis, Tom
• Dynamical systems/closed-loop planning / Sahani, Maneesh
• From sensation to action / Hofer, Sonja
• Whole-brain dissection of motor planning / Duan, C. Ann

Cognitive Systems, Decision Making, and Learning

• Deep learning and connectionism / Saxe, Andrew
• Reinforcement learning basics / Stephenson-Jones, Marcus
• Neuromodulation / Stephenson-Jones, Marcus
• Working memory / Akrami, Athena
• Neuroeconomics / Erlich, Jeffrey
• Abstract representation in sensory & memory systems / Burgess, Neil
• Behavioural flexibility / Behrens, Timothy

Social and Affective Systems

• Animal models of multi-player games / Duan, C. Ann
• Neural circuits underlying innate behaviours / Kohl, Jonny
• Limbic system / O’Keefe, John
• Hippocampus / O’Keefe, John
• Sleep and hypothalamus / Harris, Julia

Experimental Neuroscience

Experimental Neuroscience is a hands-on practical course for first-year SWC PhD students, organised and taught by SWC faculty, post-docs, core leads, and more senior students in the centre.

You will learn about:

• Experimental Design and Data Analysis
• Electrophysiology
• Optics and Imaging

Neural Data Analysis

The SWC hosts a large number of events , some open to the larger community and some specific to Centre members. 

Open events

Swc special lectures.

• SWC Annual Symposium

SWC Seminar Series

• SWC Emerging Neuroscientists Seminar Series

Internal events

Speed science, journal club.

• Lunch with Seminar Speakers

Data Analysis for the Rest of Us

The Centre annually invites a high profile speaker to hold a special lecture . Past invitees include Sir David Attenborough, Professor Frans de Waal, and Professor Daniel Dennett.

SWC Annual Student-Sponsored Symposium

At the beginning of each academic year, SWC and Gatsby students organize the SWC Annual Symposium . This consists of an afternoon of talks by invited speakers, followed by an evening dinner .

Each week sees an interesting seminar given by an internationally renowned speaker. Students have the opportunity to have lunch together with invited speakers in conjunction with the seminar.

Emerging Neuroscientists Seminar Series

This seminar series  is an open competition for postdocs around the world to apply to present their work at the SWC. The aim of the series is to give exceptional early career neuroscientists an opportunity to visit London, present as part of the regular SWC seminar series and discuss their science with SWC faculty, postdocs and students. 

In this summer networking event, students or postdocs from each group in the building give a brief presentation on the work of their lab. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A and then further discussion over a barbeque on our rooftop terrace.

Data Club takes place bi-weekly at lunch time and involves a member of one of our labs presenting experimental results and questions from an ongoing project.

Students at the Centre meet regularly to discuss important scientific papers.

Taking place each Friday afternoon, the content of Tea Hour is varied and ranges from broad research talks to game nights and quizzes. Students determine the topic for at least every second Tea Hour.

PyClub and PyStarters

Initiated by post-docs and students, these learning forums are aimed at learning and sharing best practices in Python Programming between Centre members. PyClub caters to more experienced programmers and PyStarters to beginners.

Like PyClub and PyStarters, the initiative for this learning group came from post-docs and students who wanted to deepen their proficiency in data analysis methods relevant to modern neuroscience. And like the former, it is also open to anyone in the building with a commitment to learn.

Meet some of our students

Meet Shanice, a PhD student in the Isogai lab at SWC. Thanks to her previous lab experience at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and University of Reading, she had few surprises when embarking on her PhD at SWC. Now in her second year, Shanice shares her experience so far and one thing that did surprise her:

“One thing that did surprise me about my PhD at SWC though was just how interdisciplinary it is! I didn’t realise this would stretch to things like electronics and 3D printing. In our optics course, we built a two-photon microscope and for our PhD Boot Camp we even built a robot! I never thought I would get to do these things in a biological PhD.”

Read Shanice’s full story here: Embarking on a PhD in systems neuroscience  

Meet Steve, the first ever SWC student to be awarded their PhD. He shares some of the highlights during his time as a PhD student in the Margrie Lab, some of the hardest parts and also his top tips.

“One of the nice things about finishing my PhD is that I can now devote some time to thinking about what I want to do next. I didn’t spend much of my time during my PhD thinking about next steps. The SWC is a great environment – I don’t have a strong incentive to leave just yet!”

Read Steve’s story here: What is a neuroscience PhD really like?  

Meet Nicole, a PhD student in the Hofer lab at SWC.  She shares her journey in science so far and her advice to those interested in pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, including what being a PhD Student involves day-to-day and some top tips for applying.

“I am a first-generation student as no one in my family ever went to university. I remember when I first started my undergraduate degree, I had no idea what it would be like and I didn’t want to ask questions. I didn’t even know what a PhD was! A PhD involves working on one specific project (for around 3-7 years) and conducting the research yourself. You start out with a research question you are interested in and diverge or focus on a specific topic based on your findings. On top of that, you plan your experiments yourself, with help from your PI and postdocs in your lab.”

Read Nicole’s journey here: Pursuing a PhD in neuroscience

Read about our alumni

Check out our  Alumni page  to see SWC students that have been awarded their PhDs and their graduate destinations.

Meet Alex Fratzl, formerly a PhD student in the Hofer Lab at SWC, and now a Postdoctoral research fellow in the Roska Lab at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB) in the beautiful city of Basel. He shares how his PhD helped equip him for a career in neuroscience research:

“Given my goal of opening my own independent research lab in the future, the experiences during my PhD helped me to develop scientific, intellectual, and transversal skills needed for succeeding in an academic career.”

Read Alex’s full story here: From a systems neuroscience PhD to a postdoc in visual research

Meet Matthew Phillips, formerly a PhD student in the Branco Lab at SWC, and now Co-founder and CEO at Learney, a start-up building learning software for companies that need help upskilling their employees in new technologies such as data science, machine learning and AI. He shares how his PhD helped him decide to co-found a start-up:

“My PhD helped a lot with this decision because it helped me realised I enjoy working on long-term projects that I have control and ownership over. I really like the feeling that when you get a result in the lab, or build some new software or gain a new customer, it’s your work that has gone into that and my PhD helped me realise that was appealing to me.

Read Matthew’s full story here: From a neuroscience PhD to building software for learning

Support during your PhD

Doing a PhD is both exciting and challenging. To help students navigate through it all, the structure of the programme is designed to provide several sources of support, both informal and formal.

Fellow students form an inner circle for support and advice. The structure of the first year encourages students to make close connections with in-year peers from both the GCNU and the SWC programme. Together with GCNU students, SWC students have formed a PhD Student Association , which organises regular social events and meetings.

The first year, through courses and events, also brings students into contact with a large majority of the Centre community. In addition to introducing students to the research going on in all the groups, this makes students feel at home and helps them start to build a network.

More formal sources of support include the PhD Programme Committee, the PhD Programme Coordinator, and our Human Resources staff. In the first year, students are encouraged to consult any of these support networks for questions related to career, academics, or pastoral care.

At the beginning of the second year, students assemble a thesis committee, which in addition to the main supervisor will have at least two more members. The thesis committee becomes an additional avenue for guidance and help.

For students wishing to discuss with someone outside of the institute, the UCL Doctoral School has a range of resources that can provide advice in many areas, from academic progress to mental health and wellbeing. To explore these services, this page is a good starting point.

Neuroscience Nearby

• UCL Neuroscience Domain
• Imperial College
• Francis Crick Institute
• King’s College

• British Neuroscience Association
• Cambridge Neuroscience
• Oxford Neuroscience

• Current Students
• News & Press
• Research Excellence
• Teaching & Student Experience
• Graduate Employability
• UK Rankings
• World Rankings
• Single Topic Rankings
• Research Excellence Framework
• Higher Education Awards
• Ageing and Health
• Cities and Place
• Culture and Creative Arts
• Social Justice
• Discover Festival
• Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Faculty of Medical Sciences
• Central and South Asia
• Latin America
• Middle East and North Africa
• North America
• Small Island Developing States
• South East Asia and Oceania
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• Transparency
• Office for Students Transparency Data
• Access & Participation
• Support for our Community
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
• https://www.ncl.ac.uk/who-we-are/equality/race-equality/black-history-month/
• Faith, Religion & Belief
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
• Let Us Know
• Workplace Adjustments
• Useful Resources
• Equality Analysis
• Social Justice Stories
• Voluntary & Community Groups
• Santander Universities
• Regional Partnerships
• Widening Participation
• Newcastle Helix
• Art on Campus
• History of Newcastle University
• Find a Degree
• Subject Areas
• Step-by-Step Guide for UK Students
• Step-by-Step Guide for International & EU Students
• Applying through UCAS
• A and AS Levels
• Application Decisions
• Access Schemes & Pathway Programmes
• Policies & Procedures
• Applicants with Disabilities
• Mature Applicants
• Deferred Entry
• Undergraduate Application Advice
• Subject Scholarships
• Sports Scholarships
• Opportunity Scholarships
• VC's Excellence Scholarships
• VC's Global Scholarships
• VC's International Scholarships
• International Foundation Scholarships
• St Nicholas’ Educational Trust Scholarship
• NU Sanctuary Scholarships
• Undergraduate Norway Scholarship
• International Family Discounts
• VC’s EU Scholarships – Undergraduate
• VC's Excellence Scholarships - Europe
• VC's Business Excellence Scholarships - Europe
• Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
• Edward Long Scholarship
• Alumni Discount
• Different Tuition Fees
• Additional Costs
• Student Loans
• International Student Finance
• Sign up & Discover
• School and College Outreach
• Information for Parents and Supporters
• Why Choose Newcastle?
• Your Study Options
• Qualifications Explained
• Postgraduate Research Programmes
• Search for Funding
• Guide to Funding
• Postgraduate Tuition Fees
• Application Help
• Advice & Resources
• Your Offer Guide
• Postgraduate Open Days
• Doctoral College
• Distance Learning
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Study Support
• Campus Tours
• Life in Newcastle
• Get Involved
• Cost of Living
• Health & Wellbeing
• Mature Students
• Childcare Support
• Care Leavers
• Asylum Seekers
• Teaching & Learning
• Student Blog - Belong
• Types of Accommodation
• Types of Rooms
• Catering Options
• How to Choose
• Our Promise to You
• New Student Guarantee
• How to Apply
• What Happens Next?
• Arrival Information
• For Undergraduates
• For Postgraduates
• For Couples & Families
• Accessible Accommodation
• Payment in Full
• Direct Debit
• Managed Partnerships
• Reporting a Fault
• Room Changes
• Safety & Security
• Energy & Recycling
• Parking & Bicycle
• Summer Extensions
• Returning Next Year
• Staff & Visitors
• Useful Information
• Work Placements
• About the Careers Service
• Careers Service News
• Careers Service Events
• Work for Yourself
• Career Planning
• Careers Modules
• Making Applications
• Interviews, Tests & Assessment Centres
• Internships, Placements & Shadowing
• Finding Jobs
• Handling Job Offers
• Researching Employers
• Making Contacts
• Further Study
• Awards, Competitions & Project Funding
• Volunteering
• Boost Your CV
• Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
• Getting Here
• Self-Guided Campus Tours
• Undergraduate Offer Holder Days
• Postgraduate Schools & Supervisors
• Undergraduate Open Days
• Tier 4 Visa from Inside UK
• Tier 4 Visa from Outside UK
• Short-Term Visa from Outside UK
• International Study Blog
• Our Pathway Courses
• English Language Courses
• Fees, Costs and Scholarships
• INTO Newcastle University
• Student Exchange and Study Abroad
• Request a Prospectus
• Chat to a Student
• Your Academic Experience
• Research Impact
• Research Strengths
• Centres of Research Excellence
• Research Culture Action Plan
• Working Together on Research Culture
• Policy Notes
• Global Partnerships
• Let's Work Together
• Sustainable Water
• Food Security
• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Global Impact
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
• Code of Good Practice in Research
• University Research Committee
• Animal Research Policy
• Declaration on Openness on Animal Research
• Animal Procedures
• Helping Human Health
• Animal Research News
• Ethics at Newcastle
• Research Data and Open Access
• Research Strategy & Development
• Policy and Information Team
• Grants & Contracts (HaSS and SAgE)
• NJRO (inc Grants & Contracts FMS)
• Research Funding Development
• Biomedical Facilities
• Chemistry Facilities
• Clinical Facilities
• Engineering Facilities
• Marine & Agricultural Facilities
• More Facilities
• Facilities A to Z
• Research Funding
• Research News
• Case Studies
• CPD Courses
• Collaborative Research
• Company Creation
• Consultancy
• Corporate Partnerships
• DA Power Engineering
• DA MSc Digital Technology Solutions
• DA Executive Education Snr. Leader Apprenticeships
• Facilities and Equipment
• Intensive Industrial Innovation Programme
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Technology Transfer and Licensing
• Clinical Trials & Research
• Working with Newcastle
• Tender Opportunities
• Submitting an Invoice
• Sustainable Procurement
• Code of Conduct & Policies
• Meet the Team
• Health & Social Challenges
• Creative Collaborations
• Connect with alumni
• Develop your career
• Discover lifelong learning opportunities
• Support future generations

Neuroscience MPhil, PhD, MD

With this course, you'll explore how the mind, brain and body work together. You can then translate this knowledge into clinical applications for patient benefit.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:

Start date(s):

• September 2024
• January 2025

We accept applications for MPhil, MD and PhD in Neuroscience in many research areas. These include:

We conduct studies of normal and abnormal development. We also explore the plasticity of the motor system. This involves both clinical and preclinical developments. We run functional studies and computer modelling of motor system activity. We explore this throughout the neuraxis. We research the development and assessment of novel therapies for motor disorders/lesions. This includes stem cell and brain-machine interface.

We research novel neuro-technological approaches to retinal dystrophy repair. This includes brain-machine interface and stem cells. We use in vitro approaches to look at retinal development and visual system wiring.

We conduct experimental and theoretical studies. This is to understand how neurones throughout the brain interact. We explore how they act in localised networks to compute complex tasks.

Behaviour and evolution

Our research groups take evolutionary and comparative approaches to study brain behaviour. We compare brain function and behaviour. We explore this in:

We study the ecological and evolutionary functions of their behaviour. Much of our work is at the forefront of:

• neuroethology
• behavioural ecology
• comparative cognition

It has important implications for the study and practice of animal welfare.

Visual perception and human cognition

We research:

• colour and depth perception - perception of natural scenes
• psychophysics and attention - memory
• word learning in children
• body image dysfunction
• visual social cognition and face processing
• advertising and consumer behaviour.

We conduct clinical and preclinical studies. We explore the brain mechanisms involved in the detection, discrimination and perception of sound. We look into how these mechanisms affect individuals with brain disorders. Disorders include dementia, autism and stroke.

Our research focuses on:

• understanding mechanisms underlying pain, analgesia, and anaesthesia
• the development of methods to assess pain and to reduce pain in animals and humans

We conduct studies in laboratory animals, healthy volunteers and patient populations. We investigate the mechanisms underlying mood, anxiety and addiction disorders and their treatment. Allied research looks at normal neuropsychology. It explores psychiatric disorders the physiology and pharmacology. Research focuses on neurotransmitter and endocrine systems implicated in psychiatric disorders.

We explore mechanisms of action of established and putative neurotoxins. This includes environmental and endogenous chemicals and naturally occurring toxins.

Our research covers:

• the assessment, treatment and management of sex offender risk
• development and assessment of cognitive models
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety and developmental disorders
• developmental disorders of perception and cognition

We conduct theoretical and experimental studies. We aim to understand the following areas of memory:

• neuroanatomy
• neuropharmacology of vision
• visual attention

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our  Academic experience page , which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our  terms and conditions and student complaints information , which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Related courses

Qualifications explained.

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

An MD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It combines your research findings with clinical practice. To complete the MD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded. 

How you'll learn

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

Your development

Faculty of medical sciences (fms) researcher development programme .

Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:

• perform better as a researcher
• boost your career prospects
• broaden your impact
• Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.

You’ll cover:

• techniques for effective research
• methods for better collaborative working
• essential professional standards and requirements
• Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.

Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme

Doctoral training and partnerships

There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:

• Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
• Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:

• they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
• you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
• they’re often interdisciplinary
• your PhD may be funded

Find out more about doctoral training and partnerships

If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.

The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:

• Discovery Medicine North - MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
• Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership

Your future

Our careers service.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information .

You'll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences . This is part of our city-centre campus.

The Faculty is also home to:

It is on the same site as Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.

Our facilities include:

• individual research laboratories where students carry out their projects
• a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
• hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
• dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications. This includes flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics and proteomics

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year).

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here .

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See  our   searchable postgraduate funding page  for more information.  

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section .

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English language requirements, admissions policy.

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB) Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

• How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages .

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

• Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Medical Sciences Graduate School Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7002 Fax: +44 (0)191 208 7038 Email: [email protected]

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Receive regular updates by email

Chat to a student

Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.

Social Media

Get involved with the School of Medical Sciences social media

• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• Open days & events

MSc in Neuroscience

• Entry requirements
• Funding and costs

College preference

• How to apply

About the course

The one year MSc is interdisciplinary in content and completely inter-departmental in structure, since at least nine departments or research centres contribute to it each year. Providing both theoretical and practical training, including two research laboratory placements, the course is modular and therefore flexible with respect to participants' backgrounds and interests.

The course takes an integrated approach to neuroscience and provides skills training in a wide range of experimental and theoretical methods intended to enable you to ask questions and tackle problems that transcend the traditional disciplines from which neuroscience has evolved.

You will undertake two extended research projects from a choice of over 100 offered each year by the extensive neuroscience research community in Oxford. You will also attend the graduate programme lecture series, which provides a broad education covering molecular, cellular, systems, computational and cognitive neuroscience.

The academic year begins in late September and is divided into three terms.

The first term provides an introduction to neuroscience and research methods through five compulsory introductory modules and associated practical classes:

• Introduction to Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Synapses and Transduction
• Neuronal Cell and Molecular Biology
• Systems Neuroscience.

During the second and third terms you will combine advanced taught courses, essay writing and two laboratory rotations (research projects).

Advanced modules offered in previous years have included:

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Neuroscience and clinical mental health
• Computational neuroscience
• Sensory systems
• CNS Development, Plasticity and Repair
• Molecular neuroscience
• Genes, circuits and behaviour.

Examples of projects that have been published from the rotations can be found on the department's website. This will give an indication of the breadth of projects available.

Each of the MSc research projects lasts for about 16 weeks and is selected from a very extensive list of approved abstracts. With over 100 abstracts submitted each year there is always plenty of choice, but if you are interested in a particular lab or research topic, you are welcome to discuss a potential project independently with an appropriate supervisor. Many of these projects lead to publications.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Medical Sciences Division and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Medical Sciences Division. Students will have a day to day supervisor and student will meet this person regularly, often daily at the beginning of the project.

Each of the MSc research projects are written up as dissertations. The course concludes with an oral examination. The first term is assessed by the Qualifying Examination. In both the second and third terms there is a project that is written up as a dissertation. Students also complete 4 optional modules over the 2 terms. This may be 2 per term but this is not mandatory. Each option is written up as a practical portfolio (Computational Neuroscience) or an essay for all other options. Students are also expected to attend Journal Club in both terms.

Graduate destinations

Immediately after the MSc in Neuroscience, almost 60% of the over 300 students to graduate to date have gone on to do a PhD, either at Oxford or elsewhere. A further 17% continued into graduate medicine. Only 6% left science altogether.

Others have taken science-related jobs, including science journalism and science communication, or become management consultants in the biotechnology sector.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any scientific discipline.

The department encourages applicants with a physical sciences background, as well as those who have studied a biological subject, such as psychology, biochemistry or neuroscience, at undergraduate level. 

If in doubt about the eligibility of your qualifications, please contact the department.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Previous research experience as a vacation student or intern can provide an advantage.
• Although it is often the case that applicants for this programme have one or more publications, this is not a requirement.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  higher level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides  further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.

A shortlist is drawn up based on the academic excellence, potential and motivation for research of the applicants. Approximately 30 candidates will be shortlisted. Interviews usually take place four to five weeks after the application deadline. All shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend an interview in Oxford or, if overseas, to participate in an interview via video link.

The interview panel will typically comprise five to seven members of the Organising Committee, with a range of expertise in neuroscience, and candidates will be required to give a ten-minute presentation on a research project in which they have been involved. The panel will then question the candidates about their presentation and also ask more general questions that explore their motivation for and interest in carrying out neuroscience research.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Initiatives to improve access to graduate study

This course is taking part in a continuing pilot programme to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, in order to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.

For this course, socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.  Further information about how we use your socio-economic data  can be found in our page about initiatives to improve access to graduate study.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

An MSc office, within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics in the heart of the University Science Area, provides a base for MSc in Neuroscience students. IT support is provided by an in-house team and all the MSc lectures are given in this department.

This office provision is most important: we are very conscious that people on interdisciplinary courses that span different departments are prone to suffer from a lack of identity, as compared to students who work within a designated department.

The Radcliffe Science Library is the main library facility for biomedical sciences and students also have access to their college libraries. During the first year, lab rotations are available in at least nine University departments or research centres that contribute to the MSc in Neuroscience.

The Cortex Club, a student-led organisation for those studying neuroscience in Oxford, provides an extensive series of seminars and social events where students from all departments can meet to exchange ideas. This is in addition to the seminars and other events that are organised at both divisional and departmental level.

Neuroscience

Oxford Neuroscience is represented by a thriving research community based across a number of departments in the University, with interests spanning molecular medicine to cognitive science. 

With this large concentration of resources and a wide range of research and teaching expertise, two innovative graduate courses are offered: the four-year  Doctoral Training Programme in Neuroscience (1+3)  and the one-year  MSc in Neuroscience .

The aim is to provide formal training in the theory and practical technology of neuroscience, from the most basic molecular mechanisms right up to clinical issues, coupled with the opportunity to conduct research projects selected from well over 100 active laboratories.

The courses are designed to give students a better technical and conceptual grasp of neuroscience than traditional graduate courses, expose them to a wide range of laboratory techniques and provide training in organisational and research skills. 

View all courses   View taught courses View research courses

The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The department recommends that you indicate a preference for a college where a member of the Programme Organising Committee is a fellow from the list of colleges available on the Neuroscience website.

However, all of the following colleges do accept students on the MSc in Neuroscience:

• Balliol College
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• New College
• Oriel College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Somerville College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Applying for the DPhil in Neuroscience (1+3)

Please note that if you are applying for the  DPhil in Neuroscience (1+3)  and your application is unsuccessful, your application will automatically be considered for this course (unless you have requested otherwise in your statement of purpose/personal statement). You will not need to make an additional application for this course or pay an additional application fee to be considered for both courses under these circumstances.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

It is recommended that you contact Dr Deborah Clarke before you apply, using the contact details that can be found under  Further information and enquires .

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Referees Three overall, academic and/or professional

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, motivation, ability to work in a group, aptitude for research, and evidence of a genuine interest in neuroscience. Both academic and professional references are acceptable.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Personal statement: A maximum of 1,000 words

Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• your reasons for applying
• evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study
• commitment to the subject beyond the requirements of the degree course
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques
• capacity for sustained and intense work
• reasoning ability
• ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

Your statement should focus on scientific interests and motivation rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

Application Guide   Apply

ADMISSION STATUS

Closed to applications for entry in 2024-25

Register to be notified via email when the next application cycle opens (for entry in 2025-26)

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 1 December 2023 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships Final application deadline for entry in 2024-25

† Unsuccessful applicants to DPhil in Neuroscience (1+3)  are also considered for this course *Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

Further information and enquiries

This course is offered by  Oxford Neuroscience

• Course page on the department's website
• Funding information from the department
• Academic and research staff
• Departmental research
• Medical Sciences Graduate School
• Residence requirements for full-time courses
• Postgraduate applicant privacy policy

Course-related enquiries

✉ Dr  [email protected]  (lecturer) ☎ +44 (0)1865 271342

Application-process enquiries

See the application guide

Other courses to consider

You may also wish to consider applying to other courses that are similar or related to this course:

View related courses

A Renewed Vision for the UK College of Medicine For Dean Charles Griffith, it’s always been about education, and always will be.

March 28, 2024.

Charles “Chipper” Griffith’s workday uniform switched from scrubs to office wear when he graduated residency and joined the University of Kentucky College of Medicine faculty in 1994. Shortly after, he began making a statement with loud, colorful ties. 

It started with wearing holiday ties out of season, a snowman in the summer or pumpkins in the spring. They reminded him to “approach every day like a holiday.” 

The ties may have served as the reminder, but for Dr. Griffith, teaching was what made each day at the office feel like a holiday. He relished in the joy of seeing his mentees overcome obstacles and pursue their passion for medicine.

In July 2023, after 30-plus years impacting education at the UK College of Medicine, Dr. Griffith was appointed “Dean Griffith,” a position that allows him to make a difference for students behind the scenes. 

His title has changed and responsibilities have increased, but Dean Griffith has kept the same North Star – education. It is what he believes ties all the components of the UK College of Medicine’s mission together. 

“We were created to serve students,” he said. “They have to be at the forefront.”

That value hasn’t wavered. Under his leadership, education at the UK College of Medicine is only going to be stronger – leading to the continued advancement of health care for Kentuckians and beyond.

Dean Griffith’s journey to UK began in the 1980s as an internal medicine/pediatrics resident, but his connection to the college began much earlier. His father was a UK pediatrics resident in the ‘60s and one of the first trainees under legendary doctor Jacqueline Noonan, MD, who became UK’s first female department chair, discovered a genetic disorder (later named after her), and helped found Kentucky Children’s Hospital. 

Dean Griffith watched in awe as his father learned from strong mentors and accomplished a fulfilling medical career – which continues to this day.

In fact, Dean Griffith interviewed with Dr. Noonan when applying for residency at UK. On his tour, he was greeted by another physician who had just been on-call. Despite being up all night, eyes puffy, the doctor was incredibly friendly. That left an impression.

He and his wife, Beth Griffith, MD, eventually fell in love with Lexington, Ky. Very soon after his first day in residency, he fell in love with teaching.

Over his 30-plus years at UK, he has worn many hats: clerkship director, residency program director, senior associate dean for medical student education, and vice dean for education. Throughout that time, he has appreciated the college’s rich history. It was actually established in a cornfield, with leaders from all over the country joining forces to bring important care and research to the Commonwealth. “In our mission, we stand on the shoulders of these giants,” Dean Griffith said.

The college has since achieved many educational milestones – ones he hopes to build upon as dean. UK has spread across the state including residency programs in Bowling Green, Hazard, and Morehead; two regional four-year campuses in Bowling Green and Northern Kentucky; and the Rural Physician Leadership Program in Morehead. 

In the spring/summer of 2023, the UK College of Medicine graduated more than 200 medical students; 50 master’s, graduate certificate, and PhD students; and 320 residents and fellows.

This growth has positioned the University as a leader within the state. “UK has really embraced the mantle of being the College of Medicine for Kentucky,” Dean Griffith said. “We have really stepped up, and we need to continue to do so.”

Growth is vital in expanding opportunities for advanced training, care, and science. Teaming with the UK Vice President for Research, Dean Griffith will enhance clinical research infrastructure and build upon UK’s collaborative atmosphere. Part of this goal is to attain $100 million of research growth over five years, with a focus on clinical research.

This focus capitalizes on the success of UK’s multidisciplinary centers such as the Markey Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, Kentucky’s only National Institutes on Aging Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. UK’s centers bring faculty, staff, and learners of all specialties together to promote health equity, treatment, and disease prevention. 

The goal also taps into UK’s uniquely close community. Dean Griffith touts the University’s walkable distance between its medical center and several research facilities, bridging collaborations that might not have been possible elsewhere. Meanwhile, faculty tenaciously support their learners. “Students in general feel like the faculty really care about them,” he said. “I think most graduates can name a faculty member they feel close to.”

As the college creates more opportunities for learners, it must also meet demand. There were 4,198 prospective medical students who applied for 201 available spots in the Class of 2027.

The UK College of Medicine is on the verge of joining a state-of-the-art Michael D. Rankin, MD, Health Education Building with the colleges of Public Health, Health Sciences, and Nursing, and the Center for Interprofessional Community Health Education (CICHE). When the building is completed, UK will have the capacity to train more than 1,000 medical students across all campuses and stand among the largest medical schools in the country. 

This milestone is crucial for improving health care access. A 2021 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that by 2034, physician demand will exceed the supply by 124,000 physicians. Kentucky’s health care needs are among the highest in the country, and there are many rural areas that are underserved.

By training more medical students in Kentucky, there will be more physicians equipped with the skills to address the state’s burdening prevalence of disease. The hope – and what has already been proven – is to instill a sense of purpose that motivates many to stay, pursue residency, and practice in underserved regions.

“We have the applicant pool. We have the qualified students ready to come to Kentucky and train,” Dean Griffith said. “It’s going to be really exciting to be able to do that.”

Thanks to its growth, the UK College of Medicine has built an institution capable of leading significant change, not just in the state, but across the world. 

Dean Griffith understands the responsibility of his new leadership role and the urgency of the college’s work, but he also knows that taking care of others requires staying true to his roots. 

To this day, it is not surprising to see him sport a tie-dye tie for a get-together with alumni or a Snoopy tie when giving a speech. 

He has accumulated dozens of funky ties over the years, many of which are gifts from his trainees and colleagues. They now serve as a reminder of what the UK College of Medicine is all about – providing exceptional education within a strong community. 

“We always want to work on making this continue to be a warm, welcoming, inclusive place,” he said. “The risk of growth is you become less personal, but even as we grow, we retain those close relationships, which are what make this place so special.”

Dean Griffith doesn’t need the tie to make a day at the office feel like a holiday. His favorite part of the job, including as dean of the college, is teaching and seeing his mentees shine. The college broke ground on the Michael D. Rankin, MD, Health Education Building on Oct. 27, 2023. He calls the event one of the best days of his career because of the possibilities it represents. 

The expansion of medical and biomedical programs and facilities allows the college to admit more learners. That means more opportunities for dynamic teaching. More grant-funded studies for biomedical trainees to join. More opportunities for students to gain early hands-on experience.

And as a result, better health outcomes. The vision is “all about how we can make more of those dreams come true” for the improved health of our patients.

Share this Article

Latest stories.

April 1, 2024

March 29, 2024

March 28, 2024

March 27, 2024