Program Overview

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MSc Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience

Introduction

Work alongside world-leading researchers in Cambridge. Get hands-on experience with our specialist facilities and gain the skills required to pursue a PhD or research career in cognitive neuroscience or related disciplines.

Our psychology research has been classified as world-leading in the Government’s 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).

On our course you will gain solid theoretical knowledge and essential practical research skills currently used in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. In lectures, seminars, and practical workshops, you will learn about neuroanatomy, and how to interpret Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) data.

This course offers the benefit of practical research skills such as, administering neuropsychological assessments for clinical and research purposes, analysing statistical data, and how to analyse MRI data.

For your dissertation you will have the opportunity to independently research an area you are passionate about. Supported by lecturers who are prominent researchers and longstanding members of Cambridge’s world-renowned research community.

Please note that this course does not include clinical work with children, patients or mental health service users. This course does not constitute professional training, though it can support entry to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent). We encourage you to seek out relevant paid or voluntary experience while completing your studies; our course is designed to facilitate this.

As a full time student you'll be on campus for lectures, seminars and practical activities one day of the week and there are optional online sessions on other days in the week. This schedule is subject to change and can vary between trimesters and study years.

Course Options

• 12 months full-time
• 15 months full-time
• 28 months part-time
• 33 months part-time

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 12 months full-time
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Cambridge
• FEE (UK AND EU STUDENTS):
  • £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Whole Course

We’ll assess your theoretical and applied understanding using essays, portfolios, exams, computer-based processing of brain imaging data, statistical data analysis and your dissertation.

Core Modules

• Imaging and Diagnostics in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Current Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience
• Issues in Scientific Research
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry Requirements

• Either 2.2 in BA or BSc Psychology with Graduate Basis for Recognition (GBR) for the British Psychology Society (BPS) OR 2.1 or above in non-accredited BA or BSc Psychology (or closely related discipline, e.g., Health Psychology, Joint honours Psychology, or Neuropsychology).
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Important Additional Notes

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course; please email for further information. Applicants to undergraduate courses can also check our information about undergraduate entry qualifications.

You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount.

Fees are payable upfront, in full or in instalments, but there's no need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees and about postgraduate loans and funding.

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

• £18,600 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.

Find out about paying your fees.

Facilities and Accreditation

Lecturers

• David Pearson, Professor of Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
• Jane Aspell, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Director of Postgraduate Research, and REF Convenor for UoA 4 (Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience)
• Peter Bright, Professor of Neuropsychology
• Flavia Cardini, Course Leader
• Sharon Geva, Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Neuroscience
• Sharon Morein-Zamir, Professor

Careers

You could pursue further postgraduate study or research, work for universities, hospitals or research units active in cognitive psychology and/or the brain sciences. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move up to our Psychology PhD.