University of Oxford
Neuroscience MSc
University of Oxford

Key Course Facts

Course Description

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.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 7.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • (no subscore less than 6.0)
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Neuroscience, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Oxford in top UK and global rankings.

See all 38 university rankings of University of Oxford

About University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a prestigious research university located in Oxford, England, and is the oldest English language university in the world. It is made up of 39 partly autonomous constituent colleges, six private halls, and a variety of academic departments which are split into four divisions: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

List of 389 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Oxford - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Oxford

undergraduates:
12425
postgraduates:
9785
Total:
22210
  • Official Guide for an Oxford Applicant: Undergraduate (1/3) – What Oxford is Like
  • Our student stories – finding a place
  • Aula Education: Anders' advice for Economics & Management students
  • I am African, and Oxford was for me: Oxford MBA
  • The Master of Public Policy at Oxford (MPP)
  • How has Oxford changed you?

Where is this programme taught

University of Oxford
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Neuroscience with Psychology with Industrial Placement Msci (Hons) University of Aberdeen 77% 1% 0% £9250 £26100 £24800 195 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Neuroscience MNeurosc Cardiff University - - - £9000 £25450 £28200 - Cardiff On campus Full-time
Medical Neuroscience Msci (Hons) University of Sussex 71% 1% 6% £9250 £25000 135 Brighton On campus Full-time
Neuroscience Msci (Hons) University of Sussex 71% 1% 6% £9250 £25000 135 Brighton On campus Full-time
Neuroscience Msci (Hons) The University of Nottingham 85% 0% 5% £9250 £27200 151 Nottingham On campus Full-time
Neuroscience with Professional Training Year MNeurosc Cardiff University - - - £9000 £25450 £28200 - Cardiff On campus Full-time
Neuroscience MSc University of Southampton - - - £9250 £27400 - Southampton On campus Full-time
Neuroscience Msci (Hons) University College London 92% 0% 5% £9250 £32100 197 London On campus Full-time
MSci Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (integrated masters) including year abroad MSc University of Essex - - - £9250 £22100 - Colchester On campus Full-time
Biological Sciences (Neuroscience) MBiolSci University of Leicester 73% 2% 0% £9250 - 126 Leicester On campus Full-time