Discovering how the brain functions normally and how it is affected by disease and injury presents major challenges for biological and medical research in the 21st century. This innovative new Masters programme in Brain Sciences: From Molecules to Mind provides opportunities for combining research training in brain imaging, psychology and neuroscience. If you are an international student intending to do a PhD in the UK, the programme serves as an excellent introduction to UK research approaches.

Programme overview

• MRes: 12 months full-time;

You will attend lectures, seminars, tutorials and undertake project work.

Core courses

• Molecules to mind: introducing you to neuroanatomy, neuronal signalling, and the brain imaging techniques of fMRI, MEG, EEG, and TMS, with emphasis on the use of brain imaging to explore problems in the areas of attention, vision, cognition, and language; and exploring novel techniques to analyse the complex brain signals measured by the techniques.
• Statistics: providing a detailed understanding of the use of descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and linear regression in brain science research, with a particular emphasis on robust methods.

Optional courses

You will select two courses from a wide range of advanced courses covering topics in neuroscience and psychology including: advanced neuroanatomy, brain development, neuropsychology, brain diseases, neurotransmitters and drugs, neuronal circuits and memory, vision, attention, working memory, brain oscillations, aging, plasticity, fMRI.

You will also have the opportunity to learn the Matlab programming language, a powerful tool for data analyses.

Research projects

This gives you the experience of performing two cutting-edge research projects in brain science laboratories of international standing, including writing up the results appropriately for peer-reviewed publication, and giving an oral presentation of your results.

Career prospects

Upon graduating, you will be equipped for further research or employment in brain sciences; the breadth of the programme will help inform your choice of field.

Academic entry requirements

At least a 2.1 Honours degree in neuroscience, physiology, psychology or acceptable equivalent(s).

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MRes