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COURSE QUERIES

CAN I STUDY THIS COURSE PART-TIME OR ON A DISTANCE LEARNING BASIS?

No. Unfortunately we are unable to offer this course on a part-time basis or via distance learning. Accepted applicants will be expected to be in Oxford for the duration of the course.

Which other course in Oxford are similar that I could apply to?

There is an MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience that is delivered by the Department of Psychiatry and an MSc in Pharmacology delivered by colleagues in the Department of Pharmacology

HOW LONG DOES THE COURSE LAST?

The MSc course is a full time one year course and runs from late September to the following mid-September. Please note the course does not run to the University of Oxford's undergraduate term dates. 

DO I NEED TO BE RESIDENT IN OXFORD DURING THE COURSE?

Yes. This is a requirement of the University and you will need to attend all course components.

HOw is the Course assessed

Each of the MSc research projects is written up as dissertations (maximum 10,000 words). The course concludes with an oral examination (viva voce exam). The first term is assessed by the Qualifying Examination. In the second and third terms complete 4 optional modules over the 2 terms. This may be 2 per term but this is not mandatory. Each option is written up as a practical portfolio (Computational Neuroscience) or an essay (maximum 3,000 words) for all other options. Students are also expected to attend Journal Club in both terms.

WHERE IS THE COURSE HELD?

The majority of teaching in the MSc will take place in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Parks Road, Oxford. For the lab rotations (research projects) students will be based in two different labs located either in the science area around South Parks Road or on one of the hospital sites. 

APPLICATION QUERIES

ARE YOU ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS AT THE MOMENT?

We are next accepting applications for admission in September 2024 for the 2024-25 academic year.  Please see the Graduate Admissions website for the 2024 application deadlines. Please note we only accept applications for the December deadline.

DO I NEED TO SUBMIT A RESEARCH PROPOSAL?

No. A research proposal is  not required at application. Because this is a taught course you will need to submit a personal statement about why you wish to be considered for this programme.

YOU ASK FOR A 1000 WORD PERSONAL STATEMENT, WHAT IS THIS?

Your personal statement should outline what you have done at undergraduate level, why you want to do the MSc in Neuroscience. It should be no more than 1000 words.

WHAT IS A SUITABLE QUALIFICATION FOR THE COURSE?

An undergraduate degree (UK class  high 2.1 or above) in a scientific subject. If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable please contact the Course Lecturer, Dr Deborah Clarke.

WHAT IS THE UK EQUIVALENT OF MY DEGREE?

If you would like to know the UK equivalent of your overseas degree please visit the National Recognition Information Centre (www.naric.org.uk).

HOW WILL MY APPLICATION BE ASSESSED?

Your application will be assessed by the Organising Committee on the basis of your academic record, your academic references and your motivation statement.

MY APPLICATION WAS TURNED DOWN LAST YEAR, CAN I APPLY AGAIN?

Yes. If you were unsuccessful first time around, you are welcome to re-apply to the course. Please be aware that you will need to submit a complete set of new application materials, as we cannot use your application from previous years.

I HAD TO WITHDRAW MY APPLICATION LAST YEAR, CAN I APPLY AGAIN?

Yes. You are welcome to apply to the course again. Please be aware that you will need to submit a complete set of new application materials, as we cannot use your application from previous years.

 

APPLYIng for DPHIL/PhD after MSc

Many students on the Msc in Neuroscience wish to continue to a DPhil in Oxford or PhD elsewhere. Unfortunately, application deadlines in the UK mean that students will need to find a potential supervisor/programme and write a proposal and application during the first term of the MSc (deadlines in early December). For students wishing to stay in Oxford for a DPhil, it is recommended that they approach potential supervisors at the same time as looking for research rotation projects during the first month or 2 of the MSc. Students can also discuss potential DPhils with lecturers who teach on the MSc in Neuroscience.