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Postgraduate degree

Applied Neuroscience MSc, PG Dip (online)

Clinical Neuroscience and Forensic mental health
  • There are six intakes a year. The next available application details will be updated once the current application window passes.
  • Watch our video to find out more about our online master's courses in Psychology and Neuroscience

More information

If you would like more information on this programme please complete this short form.

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
Online
Study mode:
Distance Learning by eLearning
Duration:
MSc: Two Years | PG Dip: 16 months
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
120/180
Application status:
Open
Application deadlines:
10 June 2025
12 August 2025
7 October 2025
25 November 2025
10 February 2026
14 April 2026
Apply

Neuroscience is a modern, multidisciplinary subject. As such, it draws together knowledge and expertise from many areas of science, from molecular biology to the psychological study of the mind. This innovative qualification from King’s College London is 100% online, so students can balance study alongside work and life commitments. This postgraduate course will allow you to apply your neuroscience knowledge to real world settings. From the research lab to marketing, the application of neuroscience has the potential to deepen your understanding of how the nervous system serves to drive our every thought, sensation and emotion. The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) is one of the leading providers of neuroscience education in the UK, and Europe’s largest centre for research and postgraduate education in psychiatry, psychology and basic and clinical neuroscience. Our research centres are at the international forefront of this field and we are world renowned for the high quality of our research. This 100% online Applied Neuroscience Postgraduate Diploma and MSc course allows you to benefit from an innovative and contemporary curriculum, whist learning from our world leading scientists.

Key benefits

  • The IoPPN at King’s is Europe’s largest centre for research and postgraduate education in psychiatry, psychology and basic and clinical neuroscience. The Faculty is based on the same site as the world-famous Maudsley Hospital, which ensures that we remain at the forefront of research and healthcare delivery. We are ranked fourth in the world for highly cited neuroscience outputs (SciVal 2021).
  • Learn from high profile academics at a top 2 faculty for Psychology & Psychiatry in the world (US News, Best Global Universities 2024).
  • Six entry points throughout the year, 100% online and taught part-time so you can balance study alongside work and life commitments
  • Online access to teaching materials developed from experts across Kings College London, providing a multidisciplinary perspective on important neuroscience/psychology research and application.
  • Achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in 16 months, and an MSc in two years.
  • Students can interact with staff and students via webinars, group based live sessions and one-to-one meetings and can access additional support and guidance from module lead and academic staff.
  • Support to develop and demonstrate research and critical appraisal skills that will permit appreciation, interpretation and reporting of evidence, as preparation for research or further education.

The Applied Neuroscience course provides a comprehensive and integrated exploration of our current understanding of the neuroscientific field and will provide opportunities for students to develop specific interests in the applied neuroscience areas of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases, neuroimaging and how neuroscience can impact society. This 100% online neuroscience course draws upon the wealth of research, education and clinical expertise and experience across the world-renowned IoPPN.

Course Aims

  • Gain a solid foundation of concepts and theories underpinning our current understanding of the neuroscientific and psychological foundations of mental health.
  • Explore basic neuroscience techniques, and how they are used to study disease mechanisms and help improve treatments.
  • Gain an understanding of how the brain develops, how it works and how this can relate to mental health problems, by studying anatomy, wiring and the cellular makeup of the brain.
  • Learn about the latest, cutting edge neuroscience research being carried out at the IoPPN.
  • Explore the psychological and neuroscientific basis of key mental health diagnoses.
  • Develop an understanding of how studies on genes and proteins through to cells and neural networks can be used to understand the mechanisms underpinning neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases.
  • Understand how technological advances and cross-disciplinary expertise can enhance our understanding of brain function and aid treatment development.
  • Get an insight into the way neuroscience impacts social problems and behaviours.
  • Acquire an advanced understanding of the scientific method in designing, developing and conducting academic research enabling the development of specialised research knowledge.
  • Select two 15-credit optional modules depending on your area of interest.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

  • A 2:2 honours degree (or above) in any subject area or international equivalent.
  • Degree certificates or transcripts will be required when submitting the application. Those with a 2:2 will also need to submit a personal statement.

Non standard requirements

Applications for candidates who fall outside of the standard entry requirements are still considered and are assessed on a case-by-case basis – this includes candidates applying for the course based on professional experience/qualifications (providing qualifications show evidence of higher learning).

Non-standard applications will need to be supported by degree certificates or transcripts (where relevant), as well as a CV and personal statement. An academic or professional reference letter evidencing the student’s ability to study at master’s level will also be required.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Personal statement and supporting information

Depending on your previous qualifications, you may need to submit a personal statement and a reference letter as part of your application.

You will need to submit a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

You will need to submit your CV as part of your application to highlight your experience.

Teaching methods - what to expect

The programme is delivered entirely online. There are video lectures and self-directed learning activities. Time commitment: Whilst your academic background and familiarity with the topic of each module will have a bearing on your total study time, you should expect to commit roughly 21-25 hours a week to your studies. Assessments include discussion board participation, a multiple-choice question exam and coursework that involves critical appraisal of published work.

Assessment

    The primary methods of assessment for this course are online examinations and coursework.  The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

    The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

    Structure

    This programme is flexible, and three levels of postgraduate qualifications are offered: Achieve a postgraduate diploma after 120 credits and a master’s degree after completing all 180 credits. Students who wish to exit after the four introductory foundation modules will get the exit award Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, rather than an award in Applied Neuroscience. Complete four introductory foundation modules, two compulsory advanced modules and two optional modules to earn your postgraduate diploma. Complete all twelve introductory, advanced, optional and research skills modules to earn your MSc.

    Required modules

    PG Dip and MSc Students on this course are required to take Foundation modules:

    Biological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
    Psychological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)
    Contemporary Advances in Neuroscience (15 credits)
    Neurodevelopmental Disorders: From Bench to Bedside (15 credits)

    In addition for MSc:

    Research Skills: From Reviewing & Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (15 credits)
    Research Skills: From Methods & Procedures to Analysis & Reporting (15 credits)
    Independent Synoptic Project (30 credits)

    Optional modules

    In addition, you are required to take 30 credits from a range of optional modules which may typically include:

    PG Dip and MSc:

    Social, Genetic & Environmental Basis of Mental Health (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis (15 credits) distance learning
    Neuroimaging in Mental Health (15 credits)
    Neuroscience in Society (15 credits)
    Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction (15 credits)
    Child & Adolescent Mental Health: child development* (15 credits)
    Global Mental Health* (15 credits)
    Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application* (15 credits)

    *Due to limited availability, selecting these modules will prolong your study period. Please contact the enrolment team on +44 (0)20 7848 7860 if you would like to explore these options further.

    King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

    Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

    Employability

    At King’s, you’ll enter one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse student bodies and join a legacy of graduates that are sought out by some of the leading employers in the field.

    The Applied Neuroscience MSc will:

    • open opportunities within research, or progression to PhD
    • provide knowledge that can benefit a number of career paths
    • provide a solid set of transferable research skills such as analysis, report writing, reviewing and critical appraisal

     

    Tuition Fees

    Your fees will be charged per module as you progress through the course. In the 2024/25 Academic Year modules will be charged at £1,737 per module. In the 2025/26 Academic Year modules will be charged at £1,823.

    The number of modules you take will be determined by your chosen award as outlined below:

    Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules

    Master of Science: 12 modules

    Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 6%) each academic year in line with King's College London's terms and conditions. Each increase comes into effect in September of each year. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. Please find further information here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/student-fees/tuition/goods-and-sales-tax.

    Additional Fees Information

    When you receive an offer for this course, you will be required to pay for your first module upfront, as a non-refundable deposit, to secure your place. This payment will be credited towards your total fee payment. Please note that a standard 14 day cooling off period will apply from the point of initial payment for your first module. Any subsequent payments are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

    The deposit cost for this course is the cost of one module (£1,737) plus a non-refundable application fee of £75. From September 2025, the deposit cost will be £1,823.

    Student fees for the programme will be billed on a modular basis. Students are billed approximately 25 days prior to the first day of teaching, with the due date falling 12 days thereafter (two weeks before teaching begins). If you decide not to begin your studies on your agreed start date, you can defer your entry by giving notice no less than 24 hours prior to the teaching start date. You may defer entry no more than twice, and the deposit you have paid will remain on your account as credit until you begin study.

    If you have registered for a PG Dip or PG Cert qualification but decide you wish to upgrade to a higher award, you will need to speak to your enrolment advisor. If you choose to upgrade your programme, you will enter a new cooling off period from the date of payment for your next module on the upgraded award. Any subsequent payments following this next module payment are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

    Additional Requirements & Costs

    Students will need access to a computer or tablet in order to complete the programme. Although KEATS is optimised for mobile, a desktop computer may be necessary for some parts of the course.

    We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Microsoft Edge; full functionality cannot be guaranteed in older or less commonly used browsers.

    Students will require access to a high-speed internet connection (4Mbps minimum).

    We will endeavour to make as much study material as possible available online, but you may also need to purchase some books during your studies.

    This is an online course and you are not expected to go to campus. Should you wish to do so, there are some additional fees to pay for:

    • Books, ebooks or articles (if you choose to buy your own copies)
    • King’s campus Library fees and fines
    • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
    • Graduation costs

    Funding

    To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

    The Applied Neuroscience course provides a comprehensive and integrated exploration of our current understanding of the neuroscientific field and will provide opportunities for students to develop specific interests in the applied neuroscience areas of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases, neuroimaging and how neuroscience can impact society. This 100% online neuroscience course draws upon the wealth of research, education and clinical expertise and experience across the world-renowned IoPPN.

    Course Aims

    • Gain a solid foundation of concepts and theories underpinning our current understanding of the neuroscientific and psychological foundations of mental health.
    • Explore basic neuroscience techniques, and how they are used to study disease mechanisms and help improve treatments.
    • Gain an understanding of how the brain develops, how it works and how this can relate to mental health problems, by studying anatomy, wiring and the cellular makeup of the brain.
    • Learn about the latest, cutting edge neuroscience research being carried out at the IoPPN.
    • Explore the psychological and neuroscientific basis of key mental health diagnoses.
    • Develop an understanding of how studies on genes and proteins through to cells and neural networks can be used to understand the mechanisms underpinning neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases.
    • Understand how technological advances and cross-disciplinary expertise can enhance our understanding of brain function and aid treatment development.
    • Get an insight into the way neuroscience impacts social problems and behaviours.
    • Acquire an advanced understanding of the scientific method in designing, developing and conducting academic research enabling the development of specialised research knowledge.
    • Select two 15-credit optional modules depending on your area of interest.

    Regulating bodies

    King's is regulated by the Office for Students

    UK applicants

    Standard requirements

    • A 2:2 honours degree (or above) in any subject area or international equivalent.
    • Degree certificates or transcripts will be required when submitting the application. Those with a 2:2 will also need to submit a personal statement.

    Non standard requirements

    Applications for candidates who fall outside of the standard entry requirements are still considered and are assessed on a case-by-case basis – this includes candidates applying for the course based on professional experience/qualifications (providing qualifications show evidence of higher learning).

    Non-standard applications will need to be supported by degree certificates or transcripts (where relevant), as well as a CV and personal statement. An academic or professional reference letter evidencing the student’s ability to study at master’s level will also be required.

    International applicants

    Equivalent International qualifications

    English language requirements

    English language band:
    D

    To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

    Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

    For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

    Personal statement and supporting information

    Depending on your previous qualifications, you may need to submit a personal statement and a reference letter as part of your application.

    You will need to submit a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

    You will need to submit your CV as part of your application to highlight your experience.

    Teaching methods - what to expect

    The programme is delivered entirely online. There are video lectures and self-directed learning activities. Time commitment: Whilst your academic background and familiarity with the topic of each module will have a bearing on your total study time, you should expect to commit roughly 21-25 hours a week to your studies. Assessments include discussion board participation, a multiple-choice question exam and coursework that involves critical appraisal of published work.

    Assessment

      The primary methods of assessment for this course are online examinations and coursework.  The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

      The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

      Structure

      This programme is flexible, and three levels of postgraduate qualifications are offered: Achieve a postgraduate diploma after 120 credits and a master’s degree after completing all 180 credits. Students who wish to exit after the four introductory foundation modules will get the exit award Postgraduate Certificate in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, rather than an award in Applied Neuroscience. Complete four introductory foundation modules, two compulsory advanced modules and two optional modules to earn your postgraduate diploma. Complete all twelve introductory, advanced, optional and research skills modules to earn your MSc.

      Required modules

      PG Dip and MSc Students on this course are required to take Foundation modules:

      Biological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Techniques in Neuroscience (15 credits)
      Psychological Foundations of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Mental Health in the Community (15 credits)
      Contemporary Advances in Neuroscience (15 credits)
      Neurodevelopmental Disorders: From Bench to Bedside (15 credits)

      In addition for MSc:

      Research Skills: From Reviewing & Critical Analysis to Research Ethics (15 credits)
      Research Skills: From Methods & Procedures to Analysis & Reporting (15 credits)
      Independent Synoptic Project (30 credits)

      Optional modules

      In addition, you are required to take 30 credits from a range of optional modules which may typically include:

      PG Dip and MSc:

      Social, Genetic & Environmental Basis of Mental Health (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Affective Disorders (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Psychosis (15 credits) distance learning
      Neuroimaging in Mental Health (15 credits)
      Neuroscience in Society (15 credits)
      Psychology & Neuroscience of Addiction (15 credits)
      Child & Adolescent Mental Health: child development* (15 credits)
      Global Mental Health* (15 credits)
      Mindfulness: Neuroscience & Application* (15 credits)

      *Due to limited availability, selecting these modules will prolong your study period. Please contact the enrolment team on +44 (0)20 7848 7860 if you would like to explore these options further.

      King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

      Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

      Employability

      At King’s, you’ll enter one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse student bodies and join a legacy of graduates that are sought out by some of the leading employers in the field.

      The Applied Neuroscience MSc will:

      • open opportunities within research, or progression to PhD
      • provide knowledge that can benefit a number of career paths
      • provide a solid set of transferable research skills such as analysis, report writing, reviewing and critical appraisal

       

      Tuition Fees

      Your fees will be charged per module as you progress through the course. In the 2024/25 Academic Year modules will be charged at £1,737 per module. In the 2025/26 Academic Year modules will be charged at £1,823.

      The number of modules you take will be determined by your chosen award as outlined below:

      Postgraduate Diploma: 8 modules

      Master of Science: 12 modules

      Tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase (capped at 6%) each academic year in line with King's College London's terms and conditions. Each increase comes into effect in September of each year. Depending on your country of residence, you may also have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) in addition to your tuition fees. Please find further information here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/student-fees/tuition/goods-and-sales-tax.

      Additional Fees Information

      When you receive an offer for this course, you will be required to pay for your first module upfront, as a non-refundable deposit, to secure your place. This payment will be credited towards your total fee payment. Please note that a standard 14 day cooling off period will apply from the point of initial payment for your first module. Any subsequent payments are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

      The deposit cost for this course is the cost of one module (£1,737) plus a non-refundable application fee of £75. From September 2025, the deposit cost will be £1,823.

      Student fees for the programme will be billed on a modular basis. Students are billed approximately 25 days prior to the first day of teaching, with the due date falling 12 days thereafter (two weeks before teaching begins). If you decide not to begin your studies on your agreed start date, you can defer your entry by giving notice no less than 24 hours prior to the teaching start date. You may defer entry no more than twice, and the deposit you have paid will remain on your account as credit until you begin study.

      If you have registered for a PG Dip or PG Cert qualification but decide you wish to upgrade to a higher award, you will need to speak to your enrolment advisor. If you choose to upgrade your programme, you will enter a new cooling off period from the date of payment for your next module on the upgraded award. Any subsequent payments following this next module payment are not subject to additional cooling off periods.

      Additional Requirements & Costs

      Students will need access to a computer or tablet in order to complete the programme. Although KEATS is optimised for mobile, a desktop computer may be necessary for some parts of the course.

      We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari or Microsoft Edge; full functionality cannot be guaranteed in older or less commonly used browsers.

      Students will require access to a high-speed internet connection (4Mbps minimum).

      We will endeavour to make as much study material as possible available online, but you may also need to purchase some books during your studies.

      This is an online course and you are not expected to go to campus. Should you wish to do so, there are some additional fees to pay for:

      • Books, ebooks or articles (if you choose to buy your own copies)
      • King’s campus Library fees and fines
      • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
      • Graduation costs

      Funding

      To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

      Key information

      Course type:
      Single honours
      Delivery mode:
      Online
      Study mode:
      Distance Learning by eLearning
      Duration:
      MSc: Two Years | PG Dip: 16 months
      Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
      120/180
      Application status:
      Open
      Application deadlines:
      10 June 2025
      12 August 2025
      7 October 2025
      25 November 2025
      10 February 2026
      14 April 2026
      Apply

      Contact us

      For more information regarding this programme please contact us using the details below

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