School of Psychology

MSc Human Neuroscience

Providing an immersive approach to human neuroscience, this MSc provides the knowledge, experience and the key practical neuroimaging/neurostimulation skills to prepare you for a career in neuroscience research. Built around our new Brain Research Imaging Centre (BRIC) you will gain a first-hand technical experience of a range of state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques, including fMRI, EEG, and TMS.

Careers with this subject

With an emphasis on hands-on learning, the direct experience gained using our new state-of-the-art neuroimaging facility gives you some of the most sought-after skills in the discipline. This programme provides the in-depth knowledge and practical training in human neuroimaging designed to put you on a path to a range of careers in neuroscience within academia, industry, government, and health. Graduates from the programme have been accepted into PhDs in Psychology and Neuroscience-related disciplines, and have gained positions in academia, in industry, as well as in the allied health professions. 

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules deliver advanced instruction on the fundamental underpinnings of human neuroscience. In-depth knowledge of neuro-anatomy, pharmacology and physiology provide the context for technical instruction on the physics and applications of human neuroimaging techniques and data handling. These then form the basis for skills-based training in the practical aspects human neuroimaging, with hands-on apprenticeships across a range of cutting-edge brain imaging methods. With supervision and guidance of world-class neuroimaging researchers, you bring your new knowledge and skills to bear on a research question of your choice in the neuroscience research project. 

    Core modules

    • Advanced Practice in Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation (PSYC724)

      This research rotation module will provide an immersive experience for students, enabling them to obtain first-hand experience of state-of-the-art neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques through engagement with active research labs. Rotations will cover technical aspects of safety and data acquisition and enable students to engage with proper data collection, signal processing, and analyses based on technique-specific methods.

    • Neuroscience Project (PSYC725)

      In this module, students select, develop, and carry out an original group research project on a topic associated with their specialist area of interest using a neuroimaging or neurostimulation technique. The module comprises an independent piece of research work conducted by the students within a group and written up as an independent research paper

    • Foundations and Applications of Neuroimaging and Neurostimulation (PSYC726)

      This module provides an overview of key concepts in neuroscience that form the basis of neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques. This module will also cover the key principles of major neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and (functional) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI/fMRI) illustrating their use in human neuroscience research with concrete examples and applications.

    • Personal and Professional Development (PSYC750)

      This module will enhance students awareness of the transferable skills they possess, focus thinking about future employment, spur reflection on recent learning, and promote the effective use of feedback to enhance academic performance.

    • Advanced Research Design and Data Fluency for Psychology (PSYC760)

      This module explores approaches to formulating psychological research questions, the design of studies to effectively investigate such questions, and how to work fluently with common types of psychological data.

    • Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 1 (PSYC763)

      The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data collection including interviewing, surveys, computer programming, systematic reviewing and EEG. It also provides students with a grounding in core research skills such as writing, literature reviewing and conducting service evaluation. 

    • Advanced Skills and Techniques for Psychological Research Part 2 (PSYC764)

      The module introduces students to a range of approaches to data analytic and data handling methodologies including qualitative approaches such as thematic analysis and content analysis and methods of analysing and data handling approaches to quantitative data such as JAMOVI/JASP and excel. The module will also cover specific elements of analysis such as clinical significance, psychometrics and research dissemination through academic posters.  

    • Neuropsychology and Neuroscience: From lab to community (PSYC765)

      To show how different cognitive science and neuroscience techniques can be used to advance understanding cognition and how this relates to neurological conditions. Students are introduced to a range of neuropsychological conditions including Acquired Brain Injuries, Parkinson’s and dementia and approaches to intervention from lab through to hospital and community settings.  

    • Interprofessional Learning 3 (HIPL600)

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Human Neuroscience Programme Specification 23-24_7664

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements

Most students will hold an honours degree, usually a 2:1, although we would also consider applicants who can demonstrate their ability to thrive on this programme due to professional experience.
This programme provides a privileged route for students seeking to advance their knowledge of psychology. While well suited to students with a background in the field, we welcome applications from students from other backgrounds, such as education, humanities, social sciences, biology, pure science, and engineering.
Please note that this programme does not confer graduate basis for recognition by the British Psychological Society; applicants seeking this recognition should apply to our MSc Psychology.
International students: If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required, with a normal minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £10,200 £10,200
International £17,500 £17,600
Part time (Home) £570 £570
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates

If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
  • 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students 
  • £2,000 discount on tuition fees for international students 
.

How to apply

When to apply
Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.
Before you apply
Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 
Disability Inclusion Services
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.
International students
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page). 
What happens after I apply?
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeksof us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Brain Research & Imaging Centre

The Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC), the most advanced multi-modal brain imaging facility in the South West, will provide the sea-change to enhance the quality of our research in human neuroscience.
With seven cutting-edge human research laboratories, BRIC will include an MRI suite with the most advanced 3-Tesla scanner in the region. It will critically advance our enquiry toward the most advanced brain research, improved radiological diagnostics and better patient care.
BRIC building development, December 2020
Psychology facilities

Facilities in the School of Psychology

Make the most of our specialist facilities – we’re a well equipped department ready to support your research.
We have 22 specialist laboratories ranging from single participant rooms through to labs with a range of networked or standalone computers and social interaction or group participation rooms. There is a wide range of equipment available for loan from the technical office, supported by a team of programmers.

People