About the MRC CBU taught Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience

Our one-year Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience is an innovative, research-focussed training programme designed to immerse students in the forefront of cognitive neuroscience. Students will receive comprehensive training in cognitive neuroscience methods — from neuroimaging to brain stimulation and computational modelling — coupled with training in major theoretical advances from some of the world’s leading cognitive neuroscientists. At the heart of the course is a nine-month research placement in a lab, which will be independently designed and driven by the student. Our Master’s is aimed particularly at students who aspire to:

• Pursue doctoral training in cognitive neuroscience (PhD)
• Continue or commence clinical training in psychology, medicine, or related fields
• Pursue industry or policy work related to health innovation or technology
  

Programme Timetable

The Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience is a ten-month Master’s course, beginning at the start of October. Teaching is meant to scaffold the research project you will conduct, so is concentrated towards the start of the year to enable you to apply the latest knowledge and insights to your own independent research.

In the first term, students undertake a series of three taught modules: Computational Skills Training (including programming, statistical analysis); Improving Scientific Practice in Cognitive Neuroscience (including principles of open science; data sharing), and Cognition and the Brain (topics in cognitive neuroscience, led by world experts in the field).

The first four weeks of term are also dedicated to exploring potential projects, if students have not already established a relationship with a potential supervisor (which they are welcome to do in the months preceding the course start). Students will be provided with a list of over 90 potential supervisors across multiple Cambridge departments from which to identify the host and design the topic of their independent research project. This topic will be submitted for approval in the first few weeks to maximise the amount of time students can dedicate to independent research. 

In the second term, students will undertake in-depth research training in Neuroimaging Methods, to enhance their research skills in cognitive neuroscience. This formal teaching will be coupled throughout the year with a series of departmental seminars from scientists around the world exploring advanced topics in cognitive neuroscience, and engaging, bespoke journal clubs, providing a unique platform to hone your skills evaluating, presenting, and discussing critical cognitive neuroscience literature with your peers. 

The formal elements of the course will be assessed using multi-modal forms of assessment, including a biostatistics assessment, a written essay critically evaluating and comparing three journal publications in cognitive neuroscience; an oral presentation; a poster presentation; and (most importantly) your research project, which will consist of a literature review, methods, results, analysis, and discussion. 

Programme objectives

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how mental states arise from neural processing in the brain, including the neural basis of memory, perception, and emotion
2. Master core methods and techniques for neuroscience today, and learn how best to harness these methods to advance knowledge about the brain, as well as the limitations that accompany each method
3. Develop expertise and independence in research by driving forward an independent cognitive neuroscience research project
4. Hone your ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex scientific findings in written projects and presentations

You can find out all of the details of the new course in the Masters Handbook, including the provisional timetable, learning outcomes, methods of assessment and systems of support. This handbook is ‘live’ — so may update with key changes over the course of your application year.  

Admissions requirements

We require applicants to have at minimum a 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) by the start of the course. To apply, you must include a 300-word Personal Statement briefly outlining your interest in cognitive neuroscience and why you are applying to this course. This can include, if you want, a previous published study that inspires you, and why. You are welcome (but not required) to describe the area(s) of research that might interest you for a project during your MPhil.

Read more about postgraduate study at Cambridge here, and see Applicant Portal for further guidance on applying to Cambridge.

Fees

• Home Student fee: £14,574 (2025-2026)
• International Student fee: £40,272  (2025-2026 rate)

Funded places and bursaries

All applicants will be assessed for funding automatically if they are offered a place via University and College schemes. Some students also apply for funding in their country of origin – do feel free to get in touch to let us know if you have obtained any competitive scholarships.  Commonwealth applicants can additionally apply for the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships.

Postgraduate training at the MRC CBU

As a student on the MRC CBU Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience, you would become part of a flourishing community of over 60 postgraduate students. This postgraduate community provides a vibrant environment in which people are encouraged to be themselves, learn, and develop into the next generation of world-leading cognitive neuroscientists. Our interdisciplinary training portfolio provides our postgraduate students with state-of-the-art skills that launch them into careers in academia, industry, charity, policy, and the clinic. Successive student cohorts take full advantage of the excellent CBU research infrastructure and expertise in experimental methodology, cognitive theory, brain imaging, and experimental clinical psychology. The MRC CBU postgraduate cognitive neuroscience community is diverse, international, and growing.

Wherever you want your future career to take you, postgraduate training at the MRC CBU will provide the perfect platform.

To find out more about the systems of support for postgraduate students, please check the student handbook.

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