Program Overview

---

MSc Neuroscience & Mental Health

The MSc Neuroscience & Mental Health is a research-focused Masters degree that provides students with extensive knowledge and a clear understanding of the practicalities involved in research, drug discovery, and development of therapeutic interventions for disorders of the nervous system.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
• Research-focused Masters degree
• State-of-the-art facilities in Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences

Course Overview

Studying a Masters in Neuroscience & Mental Health at the University of Strathclyde, you'll be learning at an award-winning academic institution. The course has been designed, with industry feedback, to fill a gap in the postgraduate market for a strong research-led neuroscience Masters degree.

What You'll Learn

During this Masters course, you'll:

• develop an understanding of in vivo models, plus cutting-edge techniques and technologies used in neuroscience research and drug development
• gain the ability to conduct independent research and also to work as part of a team, with an appreciation of other disciplines’ contribution to drug discovery, development, and delivery for neurological and mental health conditions
• gain confidence in transferable skills and be effective independent lifelong learners
• gain insight into entrepreneurship and commercialization within the pharmaceutical industry

Teaching Staff

The course is taught by leading neuroscience academics from Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, recognized as one of the leading departments of its kind in the UK. The teaching staff includes:

• Dr. Susan Chalmers (Course coordinator)
• Dr. Shuzo Sakata
• Dr. Trevor Bushell
• Dr. Morag Farquhar
• Dr. Hui-Rong Jiang

Course Content

The course includes the following modules:

Semester 1

• Core Neuroscience (10 credits)
• Advanced Techniques in In Vivo Biology (10 credits)
• Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Commercialisation (10 credits)

Semesters 1 & 2

• Functions of the Nervous System (20 credits)
• Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)

Semester 2

• Disorders of the Nervous System (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Biomedical Research (20 credits)
• Advanced Techniques in Biomedical Research (10 credits)

Semester 3 (summer)

• Research project (60 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The course will be delivered over 12 months full-time, in-person on-campus. Teaching will be a mixture of lectures, tutorials and workshops, and practical classes.

Assessment

The course will be assessed by written examinations, written reports, oral presentations, and moderated peer assessments.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: Minimum second-class honours degree (2:2) or international equivalent in a biological, medical, or chemical discipline.
• English language requirements: You must have an English language minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5).

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £13,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £13,900
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £32,250
• Available scholarships: Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Careers

Our MSc Neuroscience & Mental Health students can go on to have careers in:

• Academia (research and teaching)
• Clinical sciences
• Biotechnology and contract research
• Pharmaceutical industries
• Neuropsychology and psychiatry
• Regulatory affairs, policy, and research administration
• Science communication, museum work, and public engagement
• Publishing or the media

Neuroscientist Salaries

According to Prospects:

• Research assistants in neuroscience can earn between £24,000 and £37,500
• Starting salaries for postdoctoral researchers are between £32,000 and £47,500
• Experienced and senior neuroscientists earn salaries of £52,000 to £68,000 or more

Related Fields

In addition to the above careers, neuroscience is being applied to many other specialist fields, for example:

• Neuroethics - the social, legal, and ethical consequences of advances in brain research
• Neuroeconomics - risk-taking and decision making that influence business and the economy
• Neurotechnology - combining engineering and IT with neuroscience

Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences

Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS) is a leading centre for research focused on new medicines, better medicines, and better use of medicines. Recognized as one of the leading departments of its kind in the UK, you'll be taught by academics working at the forefront of research. The Institute is home to state-of-the-art facilities providing students with a nurturing environment in which to learn.