1. Royal Holloway University of London
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc Applied Neuroscience

MSc Applied Neuroscience

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

The MSc in Applied Neuroscience at Royal Holloway, University of London offers hands-on training in neuroscience techniques (e.g., EEG, fMRI, eye-tracking) within real-world and industrial contexts. It suits graduates in psychology, neuroscience, computer science or related fields who wish to develop applied research and analytical skills for roles in research, UX, data science or digital technology. 

Curriculum structure:
Year 1 (Full-time, one year): Students begin with Methods in Applied Neuroscience and Statistics for Research, building competence in data collection, analysis and experimental design using neuroscience tools. They then proceed to Neuroscience of Emotion and Decision Making and Neuroscience in the Real World, where they apply those tools to explore how brain systems underlie behaviour and how findings translate into practical applications. The year culminates in the Applied Neuroscience Dissertation, an independent research project where students design and conduct a study using VR, EEG, eye-tracking or fMRI under supervision. 

Focus areas:
“applied neuroscience; brain-behaviour modelling; EEG/fMRI/eye-tracking methods; emotion & decision neuroscience; real-world and industrial applications; dissertation research”

Learning outcomes:
“acquire advanced knowledge of neuroscience methods; apply statistical and analytical techniques to brain data; design and execute independent applied neuroscience research; translate neuroscience insight into real-world and commercial contexts”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is not formally a clinical accreditation but is well-aligned with research careers, industry roles (e.g., UX, data science) and further doctoral study in neuroscience. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
Royal Holloway’s Department of Psychology is ranked third in the UK for research quality (REF 2021) in its subject area.  Graduates of the MSc move into roles in neuroscience research, user-experience design, data science and technology sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students develop practical neuroimaging and data analysis skills through hands-on projects using the department's specialist facilities. They have access to EEG equipment and neuroimaging analysis tools. The programme's experiential components include:

  • Research Project: A dissertation in applied neuroscience

  • Neuroimaging: Hands-on training with EEG equipment

  • Software: Training in MATLAB, Python, and EEG analysis tools

  • Technical Skills: Development of brain data analysis capabilities

  • Applied Focus: Practical training in neuroscientific research methods

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Applied Neuroscience at Royal Holloway, University of London, equips graduates with advanced practical and theoretical neuroscience skills applicable across research, clinical, and commercial settings. Graduates have pursued careers in neuro-rehabilitation, research assistantships, data science, user experience design, and technology sectors, reflecting versatile career outcomes.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

  • Royal Holloway offers career coaching, research project supervision, placements including with leading media companies like Disney, and networking via a strong graduate community.

  • About 85% of graduates achieve graduate-level employment or further study within 15 months; salaries vary widely by sector, typically starting around £28,000 and above.

  • The program benefits from strong university-industry partnerships in technology, digital media, healthcare, and AI, providing practical exposure to cutting-edge applied neuroscience methods.

  • The MSc confers a degree from a top-ranked UK psychology department with world-leading research, offering long-term academic and professional value.

  • Typical roles include Clinical/Research Assistant, Neuro-rehabilitation Specialist, Data Scientist, UX Researcher.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can proceed to PhD research in neuroscience or clinical training and may complement studies with psychoanalytic postgraduate programs such as the MA Psychoanalytic Studies.​

Program Key Stats

£29,300 (Annual cost)
Sept Intake : 31st Jul


No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

2.6
3 or 4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
88
2:2

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Neuroimaging Data Analyst
  • Research Assistant (labs/industry)
  • PhD Researcher (Neuroscience)
  • Clinical Research Associate
  • Data Scientist (Neurotech)
  • Medical Science Liaison
  • Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Specialist
  • Science Communicator
  • Pharmaceutical Research Associate
  • Neuropsychology Assistant

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