Neuroimaging Research MPhil/PhD

Program Overview

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Neuroimaging Research MPhil/PhD

Key information

Award: MPhil, PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Campus: Denmark Hill Campus

Study

Neuroimaging at the IoPPN is world-renowned. The Department of Neuroimaging is embedded in the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, a joint venture between the IoPPN and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM). The Centre provides, under one roof, an interdisciplinary research environment that combines the development of high resolution structural, functional and metabolic mapping techniques, with expertise in the definition, diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Current research projects span neurodegeneration, epilepsy, stroke, pain, psychosis, affective disorders, developmental disorders and normal brain function, using a battery of neuroimaging techniques which include perfusion, diffusion, functional and structural imaging. Complementary research in imaging physics and analysis supports these applications, and the PhD program supports both image acquisition and analysis, and application driven, research projects.

Basic scientific research is also performed in models of neuropsychiatric disease, again using a diverse array of neuroimaging techniques, including pharmacological MRI and spectroscopy techniques. In conjunction with non-MR methods such as microscopy and autoradiography, this multifaceted approach enhances our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disease and informs the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Key benefits of this course

• Access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
• Interaction with internationally recognised researchers in a wide range of neuroimaging topics.
• Excellence in both technical and applied neuroimaging research and development.
• Strong partnerships with hospitals, industry and other research centres.
• Access to rich and varied clinical populations.
• PhD students have access to a wide range of educational resources, ranging from neuroimaging specific lectures from the Department’s MSc Neuroimaging to transferable skills and career development resources at the KCL level.
• Opportunities to be involved in tutorials and laboratory demonstrations for undergraduate and taught post-graduate students.

Related courses

• Basic and Clinical Neuroscience MD (Res) / MPhil / PhD
• Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering (Research Division) MPhil / PhD

How to apply

1. Finding Supervisors

Firstly, you will need to find supervisors to work with you in this capacity. You can search through our research portal to find supervisors who work in your chosen research area.

2. Arranging funding

Unless you are applying for a studentship or can self-fund your studies, you will need to arrange for funding before you make the application.

3. Make an online application

Next you need to make your online application. This application will be assessed by the Admissions team to assess your references, fee status as well as your eligibility in terms of education and experience.

4. Submit a Project Approval Form

The project approval form (PAF) is used to assess your project in terms of planning, feasibility and appropriateness for a PhD. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the form is completed but it is recommended that applicants work closely with the supervisors.

Application Procedure

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Personal Statement: A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Proposal: The proposal should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it.
• Previous Academic Study: A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• References: One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

Application Closing Date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.

• June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
• June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Fees or Funding

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £7,950 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £3,975 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £8,500 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £4,250 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £32,400 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £16,200 per year

Study environment

Base campus

Denmark Hill Campus

Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

Graduate research students work closely with their supervisors and enjoy regular meetings to discuss their progress. They also liaise with other members of staff with relevant research interests and are encouraged to attend and participate in departmental research presentations and other Institute seminars.

Postgraduate training

Training courses run by the department, the Institute or through the Graduate School can be utilised as required to provide training in a wide variety of topics, from transferable skills to academic areas directly relevant to the student's thesis.

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours.
• A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Masters with Merit.

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

English language band: D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Neuroimaging Research program at King's College London offers both MPhil and PhD degrees. This full-time or part-time program provides students with in-depth knowledge and expertise in neuroimaging techniques and their application in various areas such as neurodegeneration, epilepsy, stroke, pain, psychosis, affective disorders, developmental disorders, and normal brain function.

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Objectives:

• Develop expertise in neuroimaging techniques like functional, perfusion, diffusion, and structural imaging.
• Gain a strong understanding of complementary research in imaging physics and analysis.
• Conduct research projects that are application-driven or image acquisition and analysis-focused.
• Access a diverse clinical population to support research projects.

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Outline:

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Content and Structure:

• The program covers a broad range of topics, including:
• Functional and structural neuroimaging
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques
• Pharmacological applications in imaging research
• Basic research techniques in model systems of neuropsychiatric diseases
• The structure involves lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and independent research.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods:

• Dissertation for both MPhil and PhD degrees.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Laboratory demonstrations

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Faculty:

• Students have access and interaction with internationally recognized researchers in neuroimaging.
• Faculty expertise covers a wide range of neuroimaging topics.

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Unique approaches:

• Students can access a rich and varied clinical population for their research projects.
• Students have opportunities to be involved in teaching activities such as tutorials and laboratory demonstrations.

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Careers:

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Opportunities:

• Career opportunities are vast in various sectors including academia, research institutions, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Graduates can also pursue careers related to clinical neuroimaging and neurology.

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Outcomes:

• The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and expertise to become successful researchers, practitioners, and leaders in the field of neuroimaging.

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Other:

• Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including:
• 9.4 T pre-clinical MRI system
• 2 dedicated research-oriented MRI scanners at Denmark Hill campus
• 2 additional scanners for both research and clinical studies
• All 5 scanners have a field strength of 3T
• All 5 scanners have the capability for advanced imaging techniques.
• Students benefit from the strong partnerships the program has with hospitals, industry, and other research centers.
• This program offers a stimulating and supportive research environment for graduate students.

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UK Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year International Tuition Fees 2023/24 Full time tuition fees: £28,260 per year Part time tuition fees: £14,130 per year UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £7,950 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,975 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year