Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Neuroscience MSc
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September. Two years part-time. Please note that the part-time programme runs on alternate years, the next intake is expected to be September 2026
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information. **We are proud to have been awarded an IoPPN Excellence Award in 2022/2023 for student satisfaction based on the Postgraduate Taught Education Survey (PTES)** Our Neuroscience MSc course will provide you with multidisciplinary training in a range of neuroscience topics, particularly those relevant to psychiatry, psychology and neurology. It seeks to equip graduates from a wide range of backgrounds for the next stage of their career, which may be either further full-time study in a neuroscience-related academic research environment, or employment in an academic, clinical or pharmaceutical organisation. Please note that the two year part-time programme runs on alternate years. The next intake is expected to be September 2026.
Key benefits
- Appeals to students from a variety of backgrounds.
- Offers specialised graduate training in several neuroscience subject areas, both clinical and non-clinical.
- Aims to equip all graduates for the next stage of their career. Teaching is research-led and prepares graduates for careers in a broad range of sectors including academic research and medical, clinical, or pharmaceutical environments, or scientific publishing.
“I would recommend the MSc Neuroscience and studying at the IoPPN to anyone with a passion for the subject, no matter the background! I was given an incredible opportunity in undertaking the course, exploring my interests within neuroscience and making connections that led to most of the opportunities I have today. ”
Our Neuroscience course features three core fundamental modules, followed by one optional module of your choice, and concludes with a research project lasting approximately 20-weeks. Students can chose their research project in the same subject area as their optional module (subject to conditions). We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported by innovative technology, incorporating elements of digital learning and assessment.
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
The normal minimum entry requirements are an undergraduate degree with 2:1 honours in a biological discipline; or a a medical degree (MBBS or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-biological degree or with a lower class may be considered.
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.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Please note that the two year part-time programme only runs on alternate years, the next intake is expected to be in September 2026
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required, answering the two questions detailed on the application form: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans? How does your educational background or professional experience make you a suitable candidate for the programme? |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | 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. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
You will learn through a mix of research-led lectures, seminars, tutorials and self-study.
We employ a delivery method designed to provide a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching is complemented and supported by innovative technology, incorporating elements of digital learning and assessment.
The course is divided into four taught and one research modules, totalling 180 credits.
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours) | Self-Study (hours) |
| A1 Fundamental Neuroscience |
20 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| A2 Fundamental Neuroscience |
20 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| A3 Fundamental Neuroscience |
20 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B4: Neurodegeneration Research |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B5: Neuroimaging: Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction Research |
25
|
8
|
5
|
267
|
| B7: Cognitive Neuroscience Research |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B8: Neural Stem Cells and Nervous System Repair Research |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B9: Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
|
C1 Research Project in Neuroscience |
5 |
25 |
5 |
565 |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Teaching
You’ll never have to rely on a textbook at King’s. All of our teaching team carry out their own research, so you’ll always be up to speed with the latest thinking in the field.
One day, you might be listening to someone who has recently given a TED talk on a ground-breaking topic. Another day, you might be listening to an academic who has just published a paper in a leading journal.
We focus on developing your practical skills too. For example, you’ll examine human brains from our Brain Bank, comparing healthy and unhealthy examples.
Assessment
- Exams
- Course Work
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. 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
Required modules
The course is divided into taught and research modules. Over the course of your study you will take modules totaling 180 credits.
Full time and part time (year 1) required modules
A1 Fundamental Neuroscience (30 credits)
A2 Fundamental Neuroscience (30 credits)
A3 Fundamental Neuroscience (30 credits)
Part -Time - Year 2 There are no required modules for the year.
Optional modules
Optional modules are structured differently for part time study. More details below.
Full Time Students take 30 credits from a choice of optional modules that may typically include:
B4 Neurodegeneration Research (30 credits)
B5 Neuroimaging: Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction (30 credits)
B7 Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
B8 Neural Stem Cells & Nervous System Repair Research (30 credits)
B9 Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (30 Credits)
Part Time - Year 2 Students take 30 credits from a choice of B optional modules, which are subject to availability. There are 2 alternative ways (paths) students can take their B optional modules:
Path 1 In Year 2 (Semester 1 - Autumn), students attend the “B1: Further Neuroscience” module. Students typically attend ONE day per week. Students can commence their research project at start of Semester 2 (Year 2).
B1 Further Neuroscience (30 credits)
Path 2 Students take one of the below options in Year 2 (Semester 2 - Spring). Note: these options require FULL-TIME attendance for the duration of the module. Students begin their research project at the end of Semester 2.
B4 Neurodegeneration Research (30 credits)
B5 Neuroimaging: Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction (30 credits)
B7 Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
B8 Neural Stem Cells & Nervous System Repair Research (30 credits)
B9 Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (30 Credits)
Research Project Module - Full Time and Part Time The research component will allow students to gain training and experience in hypothesis- driven academic research. Students can chose their research project in the same subject area as their optional module (subject to conditions).
C1 Research project in Neuroscience (60 credits)
C1 Research Project in Neurodegeneration (60 Credits)
C1 Research project in Neuroimaging; Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction (60 credits)
C1 Research project in Cognitive Neuroscience (60 credits)
C1 Research project in Neural Stem Cells and Nervous System Repair (60 credits)
C1 Research project in Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (60 credits)
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.
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
This course provides excellent training for students who wish to pursue a broad range of careers including an academic or research career, or those who wish to enter medical school, the pharmaceutical industry, or train as clinical psychologists, or work as scientific writers.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- 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.
Our Neuroscience course features three core fundamental modules, followed by one optional module of your choice, and concludes with a research project lasting approximately 20-weeks. Students can chose their research project in the same subject area as their optional module (subject to conditions). We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported by innovative technology, incorporating elements of digital learning and assessment.
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
The normal minimum entry requirements are an undergraduate degree with 2:1 honours in a biological discipline; or a a medical degree (MBBS or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-biological degree or with a lower class may be considered.
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.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Please note that the two year part-time programme only runs on alternate years, the next intake is expected to be in September 2026
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required, answering the two questions detailed on the application form: Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans? How does your educational background or professional experience make you a suitable candidate for the programme? |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | 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. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Optional | You may also wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
You will learn through a mix of research-led lectures, seminars, tutorials and self-study.
We employ a delivery method designed to provide a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching is complemented and supported by innovative technology, incorporating elements of digital learning and assessment.
The course is divided into four taught and one research modules, totalling 180 credits.
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours) | Self-Study (hours) |
| A1 Fundamental Neuroscience |
20 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| A2 Fundamental Neuroscience |
20 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| A3 Fundamental Neuroscience |
20 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B4: Neurodegeneration Research |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B5: Neuroimaging: Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction Research |
25
|
8
|
5
|
267
|
| B7: Cognitive Neuroscience Research |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B8: Neural Stem Cells and Nervous System Repair Research |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
| B9: Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence |
25 |
8 |
5 |
267 |
|
C1 Research Project in Neuroscience |
5 |
25 |
5 |
565 |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Teaching
You’ll never have to rely on a textbook at King’s. All of our teaching team carry out their own research, so you’ll always be up to speed with the latest thinking in the field.
One day, you might be listening to someone who has recently given a TED talk on a ground-breaking topic. Another day, you might be listening to an academic who has just published a paper in a leading journal.
We focus on developing your practical skills too. For example, you’ll examine human brains from our Brain Bank, comparing healthy and unhealthy examples.
Assessment
- Exams
- Course Work
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. 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
Required modules
The course is divided into taught and research modules. Over the course of your study you will take modules totaling 180 credits.
Full time and part time (year 1) required modules
A1 Fundamental Neuroscience (30 credits)
A2 Fundamental Neuroscience (30 credits)
A3 Fundamental Neuroscience (30 credits)
Part -Time - Year 2 There are no required modules for the year.
Optional modules
Optional modules are structured differently for part time study. More details below.
Full Time Students take 30 credits from a choice of optional modules that may typically include:
B4 Neurodegeneration Research (30 credits)
B5 Neuroimaging: Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction (30 credits)
B7 Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
B8 Neural Stem Cells & Nervous System Repair Research (30 credits)
B9 Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (30 Credits)
Part Time - Year 2 Students take 30 credits from a choice of B optional modules, which are subject to availability. There are 2 alternative ways (paths) students can take their B optional modules:
Path 1 In Year 2 (Semester 1 - Autumn), students attend the “B1: Further Neuroscience” module. Students typically attend ONE day per week. Students can commence their research project at start of Semester 2 (Year 2).
B1 Further Neuroscience (30 credits)
Path 2 Students take one of the below options in Year 2 (Semester 2 - Spring). Note: these options require FULL-TIME attendance for the duration of the module. Students begin their research project at the end of Semester 2.
B4 Neurodegeneration Research (30 credits)
B5 Neuroimaging: Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction (30 credits)
B7 Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
B8 Neural Stem Cells & Nervous System Repair Research (30 credits)
B9 Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (30 Credits)
Research Project Module - Full Time and Part Time The research component will allow students to gain training and experience in hypothesis- driven academic research. Students can chose their research project in the same subject area as their optional module (subject to conditions).
C1 Research project in Neuroscience (60 credits)
C1 Research Project in Neurodegeneration (60 Credits)
C1 Research project in Neuroimaging; Investigating Brain Function and Dysfunction (60 credits)
C1 Research project in Cognitive Neuroscience (60 credits)
C1 Research project in Neural Stem Cells and Nervous System Repair (60 credits)
C1 Research project in Network Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence (60 credits)
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.
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
This course provides excellent training for students who wish to pursue a broad range of careers including an academic or research career, or those who wish to enter medical school, the pharmaceutical industry, or train as clinical psychologists, or work as scientific writers.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. the scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- 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.
Application closing date guidance
Full-time MSc:
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time).
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Part-time MSc:
This course is next expected to run in September 2026 and so, is not open for applications this year.
Key information
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September. Two years part-time. Please note that the part-time programme runs on alternate years, the next intake is expected to be September 2026
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Contact us
If you would like to ask for more details about the course please do get in touch with the Course Lead Dr Eamonn Walsh.
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