MSc Cognitive Neuroscience

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The MSc Cognitive Neuroscience at University of Reading offers advanced training in brain–behaviour relationships, combining cognitive psychology, neuroscience and computational methods. It suits graduates with strong quantitative skills who aim to pursue research or doctoral programmes in psychology, neuroscience or clinical practice.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 (Full-time):

In the first semester, you’ll study modules such as Gathering Data for Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience and Analysing Data Using R, where you acquire hands-on experience with fMRI/EEG and learn advanced statistical programming.
You will also take Theories and Models about the Brain and Programming for Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences, developing deep insight into foundational and current cognitive-neuroscientific models and experimental design using MATLAB/Palamedes.
The year peaks with an Empirical Project and Research Placement, where you undertake independent research—including data collection and analysis—and gain exposure to practical research environments.

Focus areas: "Cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging methods, computational modelling, data analysis"
Learning outcomes: "Students will develop expertise in neuroimaging and computational methods, conduct independent empirical research, and critically evaluate cognitive neuroscience theory."
Professional alignment (accreditation): Designed to align with advanced research training standards in psychology and neuroscience and prepares students for PhD-level study or clinical research roles.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Reading is recognised for strong research performance in psychology and neuroscience; its Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience units achieved 100% “outstanding” or “very considerable” impact in the UK Research Excellence Framework, and graduates report high employment or further-study rates within 15 months

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical skills in neuroimaging and behavioural methods through hands-on research projects. They have access to the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) and its specialist facilities. This experiential learning includes:

Neuroimaging Tools: Hands-on training with EEG and fNIRS equipment.
Software: Training in MATLAB, Python, and SPSS for data analysis and experimental design.
Research Project: A substantial independent research project conducted within the CINN.
Facilities: Direct access to the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) and its specialist labs.
Technical Skills: Practical instruction in programming experiments and analysing neural data.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Reading gain advanced research and analytical skills in brain and cognition, preparing for impactful roles in research, healthcare, neurotechnology, and data science. Typical job roles include Cognitive Neuroscience Researcher, Data Analyst, Clinical Associate, and Neuroimaging Specialist.

The Reading Careers Service offers expert career coaching, placement guidance, and regular employer workshops; research placements are managed through the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience & Neurodynamics (CINN).
Around half of graduates go into research-intensive careers, with others succeeding in healthcare, neurotech, education, and data-driven fields; salaries are competitive within clinical and research sectors.
Programme partnerships include NHS clinics, research labs, and industrial employers in neurotechnology.
The degree develops long-term scientific, analytical, and project management skills, valued in healthcare, clinical, and tech industries.
Positive graduation outcomes include roles in academia, clinical settings, and industry.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates often continue to doctoral (PhD) research in cognitive neuroscience or clinical psychology, or pursue advanced training in neuropsychology, neuroimaging, or health technology.

Additional Information & Requirements

Typically a good second class honours degree (57% or above, with 2.1 marks in Research Methods and project/dissertation modules) in psychology or a related discipline (for example, cognitive neuroscience).

India- 3 year (or longer) Bachelors degree from a recognised university/institution with a grade average ranging from 50% - 85% or GPA 6.0-8.5/10 depending on the institution where you have completed your degree.

USA- Four-year Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution with GPA of between 2.5/4 and 3.0/4.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).

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