Program Overview

Brain and Behaviour MSc

About this course

Gain advanced knowledge of the neural, pharmacological and physiological mechanisms underlying behaviour and the approaches used to study them.

• Explore brain and behaviour presented in a holistic and neuroscientific context, covering a broad range of topics
• Study on a course taught by research-active staff who are experts in their field
• Gain practical experience with cutting edge neuroscientific techniques
• Acquire skills, knowledge and practical experience directly relevant to a research career
• Enjoy both research- and student-led learning methods
• Conduct a research project covering the full research arc from study conception to dissemination

Course modules

• Somatosensory Systems (20 credits)
  • The aim of this comparative module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mammalian somatosensory system, from sensory transduction through to central representation in the brain and behaviours – in sickness and health.
  • Teaching will comprise lectures, seminars and practical sessions.
• Current Methods in Brain and Behaviour (20 credits)
  • This module provides a grounding in neuroanatomy and related research techniques used to study the relationship between brain and behaviour in humans in health and disease.
  • During workshops, you will receive hands-on experience running brain imaging (fMRI/fNIRS) and neuro-stimulation (neuro-navigated TMS and tDCS) experiments.
  • Later, in practical sessions you will design, programme and conduct your own behavioural study.
• Cognitive Neuroscience (20 credits)
  • This module provides an understanding of advanced and state-of-the-art topics in cognitive neuroscience, within the context of healthy and disordered brain structure and function.
  • Through lectures and seminars you will consider the neural basis of cognitive functions such as perception, memory and cognitive control and their malfunction in neuro-degenerative and mental-health disorders.
• Applied Neuroscience (20 credits)
  • This practical module introduces you to research methods used in neurophysiology (EEG) and psychophysiology (ECG/fEMG).
  • Lectures will be paired with practical sessions where students gain hands-on experience with apparatus and associated data.
  • You will learn how these research methodologies are being applied in the real world in areas such as transportation, brain-computer interfaces and marketing.
• Neuroendocrinology (20 credits)
  • This comparative module covers the functioning of the endocrine system in health and disease.
  • Combining problem-based learning and practical sessions you will cover topics such as reproduction, sleep, stress, depression and psychoactive substances.
• Research Project (60 credits)
  • On this student-led project, you will be encouraged to work independently under the expert guidance of a supervisor.
  • You will develop your research, analytical and problem-solving skills by conducting an original research study in an area where you have a particular interest.
  • Research will usually be conducted in the laboratory.
• Research Methods and Statistics (20 credits)
  • On this primarily practical module, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of key research and statistical methods relevant to the study of brain and behaviour which are needed to become independent researchers.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching will be delivered between two and three days per week, according to the requirements of your practical sessions.
• It is recommended that you dedicate 35 hours per week to study, combining both scheduled sessions and independent study.
• You will lead on organising laboratory/computer work for your Research Project, in consultation and collaboration with your project supervisor.

Career paths

• Further your career prospects
• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation.
• Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• You will acquire the skills to pursue a research career as a university academic or in research departments in the private sector, such as the pharmaceutical industry or consumer goods industry.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,840
• International: £18,250
• The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• International students will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.

Entry requirements

• A minimum 2.1 or above in a relevant scientific discipline, such as Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Neurobiology/Neuroscience or Animal Behaviour.
• Must achieve a 60% or above pass mark in final year research project
• Equivalent professional qualifications and experience
• International students will require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.