Start your journey into the fascinating realms of cognitive and computational neuroscience and gain profound insights into groundbreaking theories and hands-on experience with cutting-edge neuroimaging and data science techniques.
The course provides opportunities to be part of the forefront of neuroscientific research at the Centre for Human Brain Health (CHBH). CHBH research specialisms include basic and applied cognitive neuroscience and human brain health across lifespan. CHBH also maintains strong links with other research groups such as the Perception, Language, Action group in Computer Science and the eXtended Reality (XR) group .
The course content also reflects the increasing importance of machine learning, robotics and computational approaches in the field of neuroscience by offering two pathways: Cognitive Neuroscience and Computational Neuroscience. These pathways also allow you to tailor your studies to your personal interests and background.
Teaching in the first term focusses on core modules. The core modules are designed to promote development of skills in critical analysis, understanding interdisciplinary research, and scientific writing.
In the second term you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules. You can find examples below.
In the final term you will undertake your dissertation using the knowledge you have gained in your first two term, honing in on your chosen topic.
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To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
Regarding the Cognitive Neuroscience pathway, applicants should have gained at least a 2:1 (or equivalent) in the research dissertation (i.e. experience of planning and conducting research and analysing data). Applicants who do not meet our requirement for a 2:1 in their final-year research project, but who have gained significant research experience in a cognitive neuroscience research lab(s) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
With respect to the Computational Neuroscience pathway, you must have a strong interest in learning in an interdisciplinary environment and must have substantial quantitative skills. Programming skills in Python, Matlab, Java, and/or C are desirable.
The personal statement is an important part of your application. The personal statement should be no longer than one page. Failure to include the requested information in the personal statement will result in delays to processing the decision on your application.
The Cognitive Neuroscience pathway
Briefly describe a completed or ongoing research project. It could be the final year undergraduate project or any other research project you were involved in.
Please describe any relevant academic or professional experience (e.g., in neuroimaging methods, computer programming and/ or data science) that makes you a good candidate for this programme. What are your research interests? Briefly describe how your research interests fit within the areas of research expertise in the Centre for Human Brain Health University of Birmingham.
The Computational Neuroscience pathway
Please describe any relevant academic or professional experience (e.g., in neuroscience, psychology, computer programming, mathematics, machine learning, data science, engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics) that makes you a good candidate for this programme.
What are your research interests? Briefly describe how your research interests fit within the areas of research expertise in the Centre for Human Brain Health, and/or the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham.