Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

MSc Neuroscience

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMSc Neuroscience Programme codePTS1EMSEMS15
Study mode(s) Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)St Luke's (Exeter)
Level 1
 NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

Neuroscience is transforming our understanding of the brain. Taught by specialist academics, this research-led programme will give you comprehensive knowledge of translational Neuroscience and allow you to apply this in a research project with one of our world-leading neuroscience research teams.


Taught through the lens of the contemporary research landscape, you will learn through a combination of online lectures, weekly in-person small group teaching, and workshops focused on applying your knowledge to the critical appraisal of research studies. You will develop your knowledge in areas including molecular and cellular neuroscience, neurodegenerative diseases, neuroendocrinology, and behavioural and systems neuroscience.


The latest teaching techniques will be used to ensure an engaging and stimulating programme. The course will follow a blended (face-to-face and online) format, this allows you to benefit from the flexibility of online fact-based lectures and focused in-person teaching in small groups to develop critical thinking and research skills.


You will also undertake an extended research project to enable you to develop hands-on practical training in research techniques. This programme aims to equip you with the knowledge and transferable skills for employment or further study.


Upon graduation, you will be well placed to undertake PhD study or pursue careers within biomedical research, the NHS, teaching, Civil Service, the charity sector or medicine/veterinary medicine. The flexible nature of the course allows full-time study over 1 year or part-time over two or three years.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The programme has been designed to gain comprehensive knowledge in translational neuroscience and to learn how to apply this knowledge practically in an extended research project with one of our world-leading neuroscience research teams. The course will cover areas including molecular and cellular neuroscience, neurodegenerative diseases, neuroendocrinology, and behavioural and systems neuroscience.

The programme consists of 5 core taught modules (the first taught module is 30 credits while the others are all 15 credits at Master’s level), along with an extended research project (90 credits at Master’s level). A blended approach to learning will be achieved through online lectures, bespoke small-group tutorials, laboratory visits and practical exercises. The course has been designed flexibly to allow full-time study over 1 year or part-time over two or three years.  All learning will be supported by online resources and moderated activities on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE). Expert tutors and guest lecturers will represent an appropriately diverse range of expertise from clinical and research backgrounds resulting in stimulating and current content taught to maximise student engagement.

4. Programme Structure

The MSc Neuroscience is a one-year (studied full-time) or two to three years (if studied part-time) programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7) (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into modules of study, which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 15 credits being nominally equivalent to 150 hours of work, 30 and 90 credits being nominally equivalent to 300 and 900 hours of work respectively.

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Neuroscience is also offered, consisting of 60 credits of taught modules.

These awards are offered in the following five configurations:

  • PGCert: 1 year part-time – 1 x 30 credit compulsory taught module and 2 x 15 taught modules of students choice
  • MSc: 1 year full time: 1 x 30 credit taught module, 4 x 15 credit modules plus 90 credit  Neuroscience Research Dissertation
  • MSc: 2 years part-time: Year 1: 1 x 30 credit taught module and 4 x 15 credit modules; Year 2: 90 Neuroscience Research  Dissertation .
  • MSc 3 years part-time: Year 1: 1 x 30 credit taught module and 2 X 15 credit taught modules; Year 2: 2 x 15 credit taught modules + taught element of Neuroscience Research  Dissertation ( 30 credits); Year 3:  Neuroscience Research  Dissertation lab/practical element ( 60 credits).

Interim / Exit  Awards

Note: Guidance on Interim and Exit awards (and the difference between them) can be viewed here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/pma/introduction/#exit-interim

 

Interim:

  • PGCert Neuroscience

Exit:

  • PGCert Neuroscience
  • PGDip Neuroscience

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
NEUM001 Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience 30No
NEUM002 Seminars in Neuroscience 15No
NEUM003 Behavioural and Systems Neuroscience 15No
NEUM004 Neurodegenerative disease - bench to bedside 15No
NEUM005 Neuroendocrinology 15No
NEUM006 Neuroscience Research Dissertation 90Yes

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Demonstrate a depth and breadth of awareness of knowledge that is at the forefront of translational neuroscience
2. Select and evaluate appropriate methods and technologies to address specific neuroscience research questions
3. Demonstrate an understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches in neuroscience and how these affect the way the knowledge is interpreted.
4. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles behind good experimental design, data analysis and communication and how to evaluate and critique it.
5. Develop critical responses to existing theoretical discourses, methodologies or practices and suggest new concepts or approaches.

The course will be delivered in a blended fashion including: online lectures, on-campus seminars, workshops, master classes, on-campus small group tutorials, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments.

1. Critical appraisal of relevant literature –ILOs 1+5

2. Short answer test – ILOs 1-4

3. Analysis and interpretation of data – ILOs 2-4

4. Critical paper review -ILOs 1-5

5. Oral presentation – ILOs 1-5

6. Neuroscience Research Dissertation  (supervised project) – ILOs 1-5 (MSc only)

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. . Apply analytical skills to investigate and test new hypotheses;
2. Integrate information from a variety of sources to construct a coherent thesis on a scientific topic;
3. Construct hypotheses pertinent to the experimental exploration of topical questions in the field of neuroscience;
4. Evaluate the significance of experimental results in the context of previous work;
5. Summarise and disseminate information in oral and written forms to colleagues, patients and the public;
6. Critically evaluate the published literature;

The course will be delivered in a blended fashion including: online lectures, on-campus seminars, workshops, master classes, on-campus small group tutorials, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments

1. Critical appraisal of relevant literature –ILOs 2-6

2. Short answer test – ILOs 1-4

3. Analysis and interpretation of data – ILOs 1-4

4. Critical paper review -ILOs 2-5

5. Oral presentation – ILOs 2-5

6. Neuroscience Research Dissertation  (supervised project) – ILOs 1-5 (MSc only)

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Critically appraise and analyse the scientific literature on relevant subject and the ability to judge and interpret findings;
2. Engage and communicate effectively with diverse communities including the lay public and professionals involved in research and clinical practice;
3. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility;
4. Make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations;
5. Learn independently as part of a commitment to continuing professional development.

The course will be delivered in a blended fashion including: online lectures, on-campus seminars, workshops, master classes, on-campus small group tutorials, resource gathering and in-depth reading, preparation and writing of assignments.

1. Critical appraisal of relevant literature –ILOs 1+5

2. Short answer test – ILOs 1-4

3. Analysis and interpretation of data – ILOs 2-4

4. Critical paper review -ILOs 1-5

5. Oral presentation – ILOs 1-5

6. Neuroscience Research Dissertation (supervised project) – ILOs 1-5  (MSc only)

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring:

Your Academic Personal Tutor will have oversight of your overall progress. They provide guidance on developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability. They can also signpost you to other expert support if you have specific needs or concerns. You and your tutor will talk at key points in your study, and meetings will be scheduled for this. You may also have group tutorials. You can talk to your tutor if you are worried about an assessment deadline, are having problems with attendance, or have personal matters you think are affecting your studies. Your tutor will either be able to help you themselves or will signpost you in the direction of the most appropriate person for the situation.

 

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

 

Learning Resources

  • The University Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions.
  • Exeter’s Electronic Learning Environment (ELE) will host all your course content.
  • The Master's level learning induction course (click here) is designed to prepare you for postgraduate study and covers some essential information (e.g. plagiarism, using ELE, library resources) as well as some topics that will help you to learn effectively and achieve better results in your course (e.g. note-taking, writing, and learning from feedback).

IT Services

  • Open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke's campuses.
  • The HLS PGT FAQs page (click here) contains answers to lots of frequently asked questions, including about IT support. The Digital Hub (click here) provides a range of video tutorials and guides on using digital tools, as well as group and one-to-one tutorials. Exeter students can also receive help 24 hours a day on their assignments via Studiosity (click here), where you can “connect live” with a subject specialist, or request “writing feedback” on drafts of your assignments.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

MSc Neuroscience

19. UCAS Code

N/A

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

180

 ECTS credits

90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision