Neuroscience MRes

Help advance understanding of the nervous system by training in cutting-edge neuroscience techniques

Our research seeks to understand how the nervous system, the most complex and highly organised part of the body, is able to generate perception, thoughts and behaviour. We then apply this understanding to seek solutions to real-world problems, like promoting healthy ageing, stroke recovery, spinal cord injury repair.

To address such neuroscientific problems, this 1 year MRes will enable you to spend most of your time in an active laboratory, learning and applying cutting edge techniques. Take a moment to look at the areas below and discover which lab research team you could become a part of. If you don’t see an exact match but have an idea of what you would like to do – please contact Samit Chakrabarty.

• Neuroengineering
• Molecular neuroscience
• Neurodegeneration
• Neural circuits
• Neurotrauma and repair

Find out more about our Neuroscience research.

The programme will begin by giving you an overview of the field of neuroscience and the inclusion of advanced tools and techniques useful in interrogating it for preclinical and clinical purposes.

The modules on this course will introduce you to the data analysis tools and fundamentals of bio imaging, both of which will be using data from real experimental scenarios. The use of core statistical models (classification, regressions), for analysis of different time-series datasets provided by the local researchers will be introduced during the data analytics module. During this module you will also analyse and interpret the large scale biological and biomedical data for physiological markets.

You will be provided with the basics of use of algorithms towards solving complex problems like diagnosis of function or improved function with therapies.

At the end of the course you will be able to do the following;

• Develop an understanding of normal neurological function in vertebrates to enable better understanding of dysfunction.
• Use of technologies to interrogate the neurological dysfunctions in the vertebrate population (animal and human diseases)
• Design, conduct experiments and research projects to better the neuronal systems.
• Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from these data.
• Establish efficacious use of new tools and their outcome evaluation to enable easy transfer of knowledge to preclinical and clinical scientists.
• Provide insight into how this information can then be transferred towards drug discovery, diagnostics, biomarker screening for patient stratification, improved rehabilitation and technological adaptations.
• Introduce use of big data analysis, use of mathematical algorithms and software pertinent to study of the nervous system and development of new tools involving capture of biological data, processing and its use for producing a define output.

For more details about your modules see below table.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Entry requirements

BSc 1st class or 2i, or equivalent (for example a pass in MBChB, BDS), in a relevant scientific discipline which would normally be one of the biological or biomedical sciences, but a natural sciences or engineering graduate will be considered subject to evidence of biological knowledge at an appropriate level. Subject to University regulations MBChB or BDS students who had completed 3 years of study would be eligible to intercalate if eligible.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Documents and information you’ll need

• completed online application form (for Taught Postgraduate Study)
• completed supporting statement
• full CV
• transcript of degree examination marks achieved to date
• copy of final degree certificate (if completed)
• evidence of English language qualification (non-native English speakers only)
• copy of passport (if you’re an overseas student).

Find out more about how to apply

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Next steps

• we process your application
• we inform you of our decision
• if we make you an offer, you respond by accepting, declining or deferring.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Biological Sciences Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

• UK/EU: £11,000 (total)
• International: £24,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships for Faculty of Biological Sciences students

We award a generous range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. We consider all eligible applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and excellent personal and professional skills. Visit our FBS fees and scholarships page to find out more about the range of scholarships we have to offer.

There is a need for students to be trained in the outlined neurological aspects of this programme, with a view of understanding the underlying biological principles, if we are to keep up to speed with changes in future research and to develop new tools for medical interventions

There is an increasing demand for people skilled in the knowledge of biological sciences applied to healthcare in the form of medical and biological technology needing. The knowledge of innovative use of fresh developments in the fields of data gathering and analysis is critical and is leading to a drive forward towards an innovative and disruptive technological development for improving diagnosis and therapies for mental health, mobility and common conditions like pain.

Upon completion of this programme you will be well-placed to undertake a PhD in this field or as junior research assistants if working in an academic or industrial environment.

There are career opportunities in neurotechnology, neuroscience and electroceuticals worldwide with industries and start-ups like GSK and BIOS Health to name a few. Yorkshire, UK and internationally based companies working in the sector of healthcare data analytics, imaging and neuropathology, healthcare app development and of course the new NHS Digital are such possible avenues for jobs

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.