Bachelor in Brain Science

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. 

Why Brain Science at Maastricht is Your Gateway to Hands-On Discovery

The Bachelor Brain Science programme isn't just lectures and textbooks—it's built on learning by doing. You'll work with cutting-edge neuroscience tools, collaborate with peers on real research projects, and develop the practical skills that employers actually want. From day one, you're not passively absorbing theory; you're actively engaging with the brain through multiple pathways that combine psychology, biology, and computational science.

The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience has invested significantly in research infrastructure to support your learning. You'll have access to advanced brain imaging technology and hands-on laboratory experience that most undergraduates never get:

- fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scanners — directly observe brain activity while solving cognitive problems
- EEG and MEG laboratories — measure electrical and magnetic brain signals with millisecond precision
- Single-cell recording equipment — study neural activity at the finest level of detail
- Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) and neurofeedback tools — actually *change* behavior and test your hypotheses in real time
- Dedicated data-processing rooms — analyze complex neuroimaging datasets and develop computational models
- Mobile research setups — bring neuroscience methods beyond the lab into real-world contexts

Beyond the equipment, your learning experience is structured around research participation and project-based work throughout all three years. You're not observing from the sidelines—you're contributing to actual studies. The curriculum includes embedded research projects in Year 2 and Year 3, mentored portfolio building starting from Period 1, and structured opportunities to participate in departmental research across both years.

The programme also connects you with multiple interdisciplinary research institutes where faculty are actively working: the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center (M-BIC), the Center for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), and Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio). This means your coursework often connects directly to live research questions being explored right here on campus.

Your education also builds in collaborative, team-based problem solving through Maastricht's signature Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, which emphasizes teamwork and real-world application rather than solo exams. You'll tackle complex brain science questions alongside classmates, learning how to communicate across disciplines—a skill you'll need whether you go into academia, healthcare, industry, or research.

After graduation, you're prepared for diverse pathways: master's programmes in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Sciences, Data Science, and Epidemiology are available at UM alone, plus numerous options across the Netherlands in neuroscience, computational cognitive science, and brain and cognitive sciences.

For complete details on the Faculty's research facilities and infrastructure supporting your studies, visit the facilities page.