There is still so much to learn about how the brain works! Neurological and psychiatric illness affects millions of people from around the world and so far, we know very little and can successfully treat a limited number of cases. Neuroscientists are in high demand as there is much research to be done into this field. Neuroscience can include the study of single molecules, or single cells or small networks right through to whole organisms and their behaviour. It includes the brain but also the neurological control of the rest of the body. Neuroscience is a vast field so there are plenty of opportunities to find a graduate neuroscience course to suit you.

Admission Requirements

You do not have to have studied neuroscience in your first degree to gain admission to a graduate course. In fact, many applicants have been introduced to neuroscience by studying subjects such as; Physiology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine or Psychology for their first degree. If you have already touched on neuroscience or have studied an undergraduate or bachelors course in neuroscience then you already know how fascinating neuroscience can be. You can even come from a physics or engineering background and chose to study neuroscience at graduate level.

In the UK (except in Scotland) it is possible to go straight into a PhD if your first degree is good enough. In these cases, students often already have in mind, a very specialised field of neuroscience they wish to research. However, in the UK, the graduate system is changing and soon it will be upgraded to comply with the European standard which consists of a three-year undergraduate degree, followed by a two-year Master's program which is required to be admitted to a three-year PhD. It is worth noting that without a Master's degree, you will not be eligible to take PhD places in many European countries.

Which Course?

The advantage in studying a Master's in neuroscience prior to PhD training (if this is the route you wish to follow) is that you have the chance to gain valuable lab experience and prepare yourself fully for the commitment of a PhD. Moreover, it is very difficult to make an informed decision on which defined research field to choose within the vast array of possibilities. Many students make the choice to study graduate neuroscience courses at Master's level, leaving their options open for an advanced graduate degree.

Consequently, the demand for new graduate courses in neuroscience at Master's level is high. When researching which graduate program you wish to study, consider the ways in which courses differ in terms of specialisation, entry requirements, objectives and strengths of departments. Choosing the correct graduate neuroscience course largely depends on your final aims. Some neuroscience programs have no prerequisite except a first degree in a loosely appropriate subject. Some neuroscience programs are more academically demanding and will have higher entry requirements.

Studying a graduate neuroscience course enables you to gain experience for your future career. You will have the chance study under scientists at the forefront of their neuroscience fields of research. Good luck with your application and your graduate course in neuroscience!