| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year blended full time 2 years part time |
| Entry year | September 2026 |
| Campus | St Luke's Campus |
| Discipline | Healthcare and Medicine |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | 2:2 honours or equivalent in a relevant science subject. |
|---|---|
Overview
- Gain cutting-edge expertise in neuroscience with the option to specialise in advanced data science methods.
- Learn from leading researchers exploring brain function, behaviour, and neurological disease.
- Develop practical skills in laboratory techniques, statistics, programming, and machine learning.
- Conduct your own research project, applying theory to real-world scientific questions.
- Graduate prepared for PhDs, research careers, or roles in healthcare, biotech and data-driven industries.
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
Contact
Programme Directors: Dr Emma Dempster and Dr Talitha Kerrigan
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Small group learning, independent learning, teamwork, collaboration and communication
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Research-inspired teaching
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Small group learning, independent learning, teamwork, collaboration and communication
Major capital investment in new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities
Research-inspired teaching
Vibrant and active research student community supported by excellent pastoral and academic staff
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:2 honours or equivalent in a relevant science subject. Relevant subjects include biological sciences, medical sciences, cell biology, anatomy, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, physiology or molecular biology.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This MSc provides a comprehensive foundation in translational neuroscience while equipping students with essential data science skills for modern research. You will develop the ability to critically evaluate and analyse complex biological datasets using tools such as statistical modelling, machine learning and scientific programming. These skills are applied in an extended data-driven research project, undertaken with one of our world-leading neuroscience teams, giving you the chance to work with real data and contribute to cutting-edge discoveries.
Core subject areas include molecular and cellular neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease, and behavioural and systems neuroscience. Teaching is delivered through a blended approach, combining online lectures, bespoke tutorials, laboratory visits and practical exercises, all supported by the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). The programme consists of six core modules, one optional module, and a 60-credit dissertation, and can be studied full time over one year or part time over two.
For those interested in exploring neuroscience from a broader perspective, we also offer the MSc Neuroscience, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the field without the dedicated data science element. Together, these programmes offer flexible routes into neuroscience research and careers, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and aspirations.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEUM001 | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | 30 |
| NEUM002 | Seminars in Neuroscience | 15 |
| NEUM003 | Behavioural and Systems Neuroscience | 15 |
| NEUM004 | Neurodegenerative disease - bench to bedside | 15 |
| HPDM182 | Statistics for Health and Life Sciences | 15 |
| NEUM007 | Neuroscience Research Dissertation | 60 |
Optional modules
Optional modules: Students will select two optional modules, but must include one module with an *
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HPDM171 | Coding in Python for Health and Life Sciences * | 15 |
| HPDM172 | Computational Skills for Health and Life Sciences * | 15 |
| HPDM037 | Genomics of Common and Rare Inherited Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM049 | Epigenetics in Human Health and Diseases | 15 |
| HPDM041 | Bioinformatics, Interpretation and Data Quality Assurance in Genome Analysis | 15 |
| HPDM193 | Advanced Immunopathology | 15 |
| HPDM056Z | Clinical Trials | 15 |
| PSYM230 | Advances in Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience | 15 |
| PSYM223 | Social Psychology | 15 |
| PSYM227 | Clinical Psychology | 15 |
| HPDM173 | Child and Adolescent Mental Health | 15 |
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£13,200 full-time 1 year
£6,600pa part-time (2 years)
International fees per year:
£28,600 full-time 1 year
£14,300pa part-time (2 years)
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships *. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship towards the cost of your tuition fees. Full details can be found here.
*Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details..
Teaching and research
Course structure
This campus-based programme is delivered primarily at Exeter’s St Luke’s Campus, with access to state-of-the-art neuroscience laboratories and dedicated computing facilities. Modules are designed to build progressively, with delivery coordinated to ensure a smooth learning experience.
Our Aim
We aim to provide transformative training at the intersection of neuroscience and data science, equipping you with the knowledge and technical expertise to investigate brain function, disease, and behaviour through cutting-edge research approaches.
Teaching
Learning takes place through a blended model, including lectures, seminars, coding workshops, practical sessions, and small-group tutorials. All teaching is supported by digital resources via the University’s electronic learning environment (ELE). You’ll be encouraged to share ideas, refine research skills, and apply new methods under the guidance of leading neuroscientists and data science specialists.
Research
A major element of the course is the independent research dissertation, where you’ll apply computational and experimental approaches to neuroscience data in collaboration with our expert research teams.
Learning
The programme combines structured teaching with guided independent study. You’ll gain technical, analytical, and ethical research skills, applying them to real-world challenges in neuroscience and data-driven discovery.
Assessment
Each module includes both formative and summative assessments. Formative tasks provide feedback and space to develop ideas, while summative assessments test your subject knowledge, data science proficiency, and transferable research capabilities.
Facilities
Based at Exeter’s St Luke’s Campus, you’ll benefit from:
- State-of-the-art neuroscience laboratories and specialist research equipment.
- Dedicated computing suites for programming, AI, and advanced data analysis.
- Access to extensive online journals and over 1.2 million e-books.
- A collaborative, interdisciplinary environment alongside experts in neuroscience, data science, and health research.
Careers
Who is this course for?
This MSc is designed for students who are passionate about exploring the brain and its disorders, whether their background is in neuroscience, psychology, life sciences, medicine, or a related discipline. It is ideal for those aiming to pursue a research career, move into the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare sectors, or gain advanced analytical and technical skills valued across scientific and clinical fields. The programme also suits graduates seeking to develop expertise in data-driven neuroscience, preparing them for emerging roles in computational research, neuroimaging, and big data applications.
Employer-valued skills this course develops
Graduates of this MSc will develop a wide range of highly transferable, employer-valued skills. These include:
- Advanced data analysis skills, including programming, statistical modelling, and machine learning.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities for addressing complex neurological challenges.
- Laboratory and research techniques for investigating brain function and disease.
- Project management, teamwork, and communication skills developed through collaborative research.
- The ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications across academia, industry, and healthcare.
Careers support
All University of Exeter students have access to Career Zone, which gives access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs. Our academic staff and practitioners will introduce you to relevant established professional networks.
