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The Bachelor in Brain Science at Maastricht University is a cutting-edge, transdisciplinary program that blends neuroscience, psychology, biology, mathematics, and computational science to give you a complete picture of how the brain works—from perception and movement to memory and behavior. It's perfect if you're curious about tackling real-world challenges like brain disorders (affecting a quarter of the population) and want to become a bridge-builder between disciplines, preparing you for impactful careers in research, AI, healthcare, or tech innovations like brain-computer interfaces.
Curriculum structure
Year 1 lays a strong foundation by diving into the basics of brain biology and math, starting with Genes, Proteins and Evolution to understand cellular structures and brain functioning at a molecular level, then moving to Calculus and Linear Algebra for essential skills in analyzing brain data and behaviors. You'll also explore Neuroanatomy to map out the central and peripheral nervous systems, both macro and micro, building excitement for how these connect to real brain processes, all wrapped in introductory projects that mimic real-world cases. This year welcomes you into the program while sparking your creativity through Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teamwork.
Year 2 builds on those basics with deeper dives into key systems, like The Motor System (focusing on how the brain produces movement and involved structures) and Brain Cells (covering action potentials, neurotransmission, and neural circuits from micro to mesoscale). You'll tackle Probability Theory to master stats and probabilistic modeling for complex brain data, alongside courses on Learning & Memory that integrate psycho-biological approaches with computational models for a holistic view. Projects here sharpen your experimental design, data analysis in Python or R, and reporting skills, making you ready to bridge biology, psych, and math in team settings.
Year 3 ramps up to advanced applications, emphasizing Brain Cells and Networks, data acquisition tools like neuroimaging, and sophisticated computational modeling of neural phenomena using differential equations. You'll refine hard skills like programming your own analyses and building models, while soft skills from PBL help you report findings and collaborate on ethical, innovative solutions for brain health. Culminating projects and mentorship focus on portfolios, long-term goals, and transdisciplinary integration, positioning you as a creative problem-solver for societal challenges.
Focus areas: Perception, movement, feeling, memory, learning; molecular/neuronal processes; brain activity patterns; computational modeling; ethics in brain tech like prostheses and disease treatments.
Learning outcomes: Design/conduct experiments; analyze/model data (Python/R); build computational models; report findings; integrate bio/psych/computational views for brain health solutions; bridge disciplines as a transdisciplinary scientist.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Offered by Maastricht University's Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience in collaboration with Health, Medicine & Life Sciences and Science & Engineering; fully accredited as a standard Dutch bachelor's (180 ECTS), using PBL for real-world readiness in research, healthcare, AI, and industry.
Reputation (employability rankings): Maastricht University ranks in the global top 150 (QS World University Rankings), with its Psychology programs consistently top in the Netherlands; Brain Science grads are primed for high-demand roles as transdisciplinary experts amid growing needs in brain research and AI, addressing societal brain disorder challenges.
In the Bachelor Brain Science programme at Maastricht University, you'll dive into hands-on learning right from year 1 through our unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, tackling real-world brain challenges in small teams to build practical skills in neuroscience, data analysis, and experimentation. You'll get direct access to the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience's (FPN) state-of-the-art labs, where you can handle real brain specimens like sheep brains and examine rodent neurons under microscopes during Neuroanatomy practicals, or use advanced tools for recording brain cells. This sets you up with the computational modelling, calculus for brain data, and anatomical know-how employers love, all while using FPN's cutting-edge facilities like MRI scanners, EEG labs, and data-processing rooms to apply what you learn immediately.
Here's how our experiential learning shines for Brain Science students:
- Hands-on lab work in designated FPN research labs: Explore macro and micro brain anatomy with sheep brain dissections and microscope sessions on real rodent neurons, plus tools for studying brain cells—building core neuroscience skills from day one.
- Computational tools and modelling: Master software for computational models of brain function, genes, proteins, and dynamical systems analysis of brain/behaviour data in courses like Advanced Calculus & Dynamical Systems.
- Team-based PBL projects: Work in small groups on real-world problems integrating psychology, biology, and computational science, with peer feedback, oral presentations, and portfolio building guided by mentors.
- Thesis project (21 ECTS): Cap your degree with an independent research thesis using FPN's MRI, EEG, and mobile research setups for original brain science investigations.
- Electives and flexible options: Choose related electives (up to BoE approval) with minimal overlap, including potential external ones, to gain interdisciplinary skills like those in systems biology or AI.
These opportunities make Brain Science grads stand out—imagine contributing to brain health treatments with skills honed in top facilities.
Graduates of the Bachelor in Brain Science at Maastricht University are prepared for careers in neuroscience, cognitive science, and biomedical research, focusing on how the brain functions in health and disease. The programme builds strong analytical, research, and experimental skills, opening pathways into both scientific research and applied healthcare innovation roles.
Typical career roles include: Neuroscience Researcher, Clinical Neuroimaging Assistant, Cognitive Science Analyst, and Biomedical Data Specialist.
Progression & career support includes:
Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can continue into Master’s programmes such as Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, or Psychology-related research tracks, and further progress into PhD research in brain science, neuroimaging, or clinical neuroscience at leading global universities.
Applicants with a VWO diploma (all profiles) or any HBO propaedeutic diploma are, in principle, eligible for admission.English language requirements include IELTS overall score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 80, while the TOEFL paper-delivered test requires Reading, Listening, and Writing scores between 20 and 30 each, though other tests are recommended as speaking is not assessed.These are the competitive scores for admissionsMinimum requirement is an ATAR score of 80 to 92.Minimum requirement is an A Level score of AAA to AAB.Minimum requirement is an IB score between 32 and 38.Minimum requirement is a Standard XII academic diploma with A (A1/A2) or B1 grades in at least 5 academic subjects in the CBSE All India Senior School Certificate, or an average of 75% in 5 academic subjects in the ISC (CISCE) examination, or an Intermediate Examination Certificate with an overall average of 75% (A grade) in at least 5 academic subjects issued by the Board of Intermediate Education.US : Minimum requirement is a US High School Diploma (outside USA) with either 4 APs (score 3+) or 3 APs (score 4+) or SAT score between 1250 and 1450, an ACT score of 26 to 32.China : Senior Middle School Graduation Certificate + National University Entrance Exam (Gaokao) + successful completion of all year 1 credits/courses of a bachelor’s (undergraduate) programme in university* * Only bachelor’s programmes from a Double First Class, Project 211 or Project 985 university are accepted.PsychologyCognitive NeuroscienceBrain Science researchNeurosciencePharmacologyBiomedical EngineeringMedical TechnologyRoboticsData ScienceConsultancyArtificial IntelligenceHealthcare
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Maastricht University
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