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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Neuropharmacology MRes
A research-led masters degree designed for aspiring scientists who want to advance their knowledge of drug action on the nervous system and develop the expertise needed to launch a successful research career.
Location
Aston University, Birmingham
Course Type
Full-time
Entry Requirements
- Upper Second-class Honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) from a recognised university in a suitable science or medical science subject (e.g. Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medicine)
- IELTS 6.0 minimum across all sub-bands with a 6.5 minimum overall
Duration
One year
Start Date
September 2026
Course Overview
The MRes Neuropharmacology at Aston University explores how drugs and other substances interact with the nervous system to shape its function and influence behaviour. As a rapidly evolving field, neuropharmacology is essential to advancing our understanding of the brain and nervous system, identifying novel therapeutic targets, and developing new treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Why Neuropharmacology at Aston University?
- Internationally recognised research: Ranked 10th in the UK for research in Allied Health Professionals in terms of Research Power (REF, 2021)
- Research active staff: Learn from active neuroscience researchers who specialise in areas such as epilepsy, Parkinson's, dyslexia, autism, learning and development
- Specialist equipment and knowledge: Study in research-level laboratories with expert researchers in neuroscience and pharmacology
Course Description
Aston Universitys Neuropharmacology MRes gives you the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research projects while working alongside research-active experts in the field. Youll collaborate with passionate academics who are advancing knowledge in drugnervous system interactions and developing new approaches to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
What We Will Provide
As a postgraduate student and active researcher in this field, you will join an exciting body of scientists aiming to enhance our understanding of Neuropharmacology. Our Neuropharmacology MRes programme offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the field of Neuropharmacology.
What You Will Provide
As a postgraduate student, you will be required to balance academic work and research projects. You will be expected to engage with teaching materials, online lectures, and in-person sessions. It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understand that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, you must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.
What Skills We Teach
In addition to core neuroscience theory and advanced neuroscience laboratory skills, the Neuropharmacology programme places an emphasis on professional development and research-related communication skills, with a dedicated Professional Development for Neuroscientists module. Here you will develop your abilities in areas such as oral and written presentation, personal promotion and employability, intellectual property, scientific writing, systematic review and meta-analysis, and research ethics.
How You Will Learn
During your year at Aston, you will study specialist modules that combine theory and practice through small group tutorials, lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions in bespoke, highly-equipped teaching and research laboratories. Youll complete a core curriculum of three taught modules which will provide you with a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary research and analysis methods used in Neuroscience.
What You Will Learn
You will have the opportunity to complete research practicals using some of the advanced technologies of Neuroscience, including real-time recording of brain cells using research-grade in vitro set-ups, receptor pharmacology experiments, molecular neuroscience techniques and EEG and EMG. These sessions are supported by training in core research skills such as formulating a scientific research question, scoping and implementing research designs, and advanced programming and data analysis.
Research Project
The dissertation research project is a substantial part of the Neuropharmacology MRes programme, which will enable you to conduct original and in-depth research in the field of neuropharmacology in a research laboratory. You will develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research with the support of a research active supervisor.
Facilities
As an MRes Neuropharmacology student, you will benefit from access to state-of-the-art research laboratories equipped with advanced neuroscience facilities. These include multiple neuroscience recording systems for real-time monitoring of brain cells in vitro, EEG and EMG technologies, and specialist instrumentation for molecular biology, cell culture, neuroimaging, and drug screening.
Course Objectives
- Provide students with the means to carry out an extensive laboratory-based project on a specific topic within Neuroscience.
- Provide advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in a particular area within the field of Neuroscience research.
- To provide expert-led training in Neuroscience laboratory skills.
- To develop a range of transferable skills (written and oral communication, time management, project management, team working, data collection and analysis) that will produce graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgement and reasoning to their chosen occupation and who are capable of applying and disseminating knowledge in a team-based environment.
- Provide awareness of good laboratory practise and safety issues in a modern research laboratory.
- Enable students to develop an informed and critical appreciation of the scientific developments within a particular area of Neuroscience research.
- Produce graduates with the skills required to proceed to a more specialist higher degree at PhD level or a career in Neuroscience research.
Modules
Taught Stage Modules
- Advanced Neuroscience: A comprehensive and deep dive into the science of anatomy, physiology, cellular and molecular neuroscience. Learn how our brains work from the molecular level, increasing in complexity to whole organisms. (15 credits)
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies: Explore key concepts for effective research design and implementation including safe working in the laboratory environment, health and safety risk assessments, experimental design and research planning, ethics in Neuroscience and data handling and analysis. (15 credits)
- Professional Development for Neuroscience: Develop the translational and transferable skills required of Neuroscience postgraduates which will equip students with the skills required to undertake advanced senior level scientific careers. (30 credits)
Dissertation Stage Modules
- Neuroscience Project: Undertake an extensive and in-depth research project in a laboratory on a specific research theme within Neuroscience at Aston, producing an original and detailed dissertation on this area of research. (120 credits)
Fees
- UK students (2026/27): Annual tuition fees: ｣12,500
- International students (2026/27): Annual tuition fees: ｣24,800
Career Prospects
Our research-led teaching prepares graduates for diverse careers in academic research, pharmaceuticals, medicine, clinical practice, and the wider bioscience sector. Throughout the programme, you will develop the specialist expertise and transferable skills most valued by employers, including advanced research design and analysis, experimental and laboratory techniques, clinical trial research, scientific and medical writing, ethical and regulatory awareness, and strong project management capabilities.
Many students progress to become research scientists in academia, with a significant number continuing their journey through a PhD in neuropharmacology or a related discipline. Others build rewarding careers in industry and healthcare, taking on roles as clinical researchers, neuropharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists, drug discovery scientists, medical science liaisons, regulatory affairs specialists, biostatisticians, research and development managers, scientific writers, or consultants.