Neuroimaging Research MPhil/PhD

Overview

Neuroimaging at the IoPPN is world-renowned. The Department of Neuroimaging is embedded in the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, a joint venture between the IoPPN and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM). The Centre provides, under one roof, an interdisciplinary research environment that combines the development of high resolution structural, functional and metabolic mapping techniques, with expertise in the definition, diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. By early 2018 the CNS will house 2 research-dedicated MRI scanners plus a 3^rd used jointly for research and clinical studies; all three scanners, along with another in the adjacent NIHR / Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility, have a field strength of 3T, and are capable of performing functional, spectroscopic, anatomical and pathological mapping techniques. A 9.4T pre-clinical MRI system is based at the James Black centre on the Denmark Hill Campus.

Current research projects span neurodegeneration, epilepsy, stroke, pain, psychosis, affective disorders, developmental disorders and normal brain function, using a battery of neuroimaging techniques which include perfusion, diffusion, functional and structural imaging. Complementary research in imaging physics and analysis supports these applications, and the PhD program supports both image acquisition and analysis, and application driven, research projects.

Basic scientific research is also performed in models of neuropsychiatric disease, again using a diverse array of neuroimaging techniques, including pharmacological MRI and spectroscopy techniques. In conjunction with non-MR methods such as microscopy and autoradiography, this multifaceted approach enhances our understanding of the patho-physiological mechanisms underlying disease and informs the development of novel therapeutic interventions. In addition, improved understanding of the biological processes that underlie MR signal changes advances the crucial role of MR in non-invasive assessment of neuropsychiatric disease. Again, the PhD program supports research projects in all these area.

Key benefits of this course:

Access to state-of-the-art imaging equipment.
Interaction with internationally recognised researchers in a wide range of neuroimaging topics.
Excellence in both technical and applied neuroimaging research and development.
Strong partnerships with hospitals, industry and other research centres.
Access to rich and varied clinical populations.
PhD students have access to a wide range of educational resources, ranging from neuroimaging specific lectures from the Department’s MSc Neuroimaging to transferable skills and career development resources at the KCL level.
Opportunities to be involved in tutorials and laboratory demonstrations for undergraduate and taught post-graduate students.

Key information

Duration Three years FT; six years PT. Email ioppn.educationsupport@kcl.ac.uk for further information.

Study mode Full-time, Part-time

Further details

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience

Department Department of Neuroimaging

Locations

Select location

Explore campuses

Welcome to King's

In the heart of London

Discover the advantages of studying at one of the top 25 universities in the world and take a look at our central London campuses.

Watch more videos

Course detail

Description

A list of publications, research grants and researchers from the department of Neuroimaging can be found online here.

Related courses:

The Department of Neuroimaging sits within the Division of Neuroscience at the IoPPN. Related courses include:

Basic and Clinical Neuroscience MD (Res) / MPhil / PhD
Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering (Research Division) MPhil / PhD

Course study environment

Graduate research students work closely with their supervisors and enjoy regular meetings to discuss their progress. They also liaise with other members of staff with relevant research interests and are encouraged to attend and participate in departmental research presentations and other Institute seminars. There is a full induction for new graduate students on commencing their studies. Each full-time graduate research student is allocated their own workspace and computer; facilities for part-time students can be arranged according to their needs.

Postgraduate training

Training courses run by the department, the Institute or through the Graduate School can be utilised as required to provide training in a wide variety of topics, from transferable skills to academic areas directly relevant to the student's thesis. Of particular interest is the MSc Neuroimaging, also run by the Department of Neuroimaging and our graduate research students are welcome to attend the MSc lectures. King's runs an outstanding Researcher Development Programme, which is designed to meet the individual training needs of research students. The programme has been developed to ensure we produce the most qualified, experienced and employable researchers.

Contact for information

For any additional queries regarding application and project approval procedures please contact

Education Support Team: Olivia Rees- ioppn.educationsupport@kcl.ac.uk

Admissions Tutor: Dr Po-Wah So- Po-Wah.So@kcl.ac.uk

Business Manager: Miss Rachel Keen- Rachel.keen@kcl.ac.uk

Contact email

ioppn.educationsupport@kcl.ac.uk

Course website

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-courses/neuroimaging-mdres-mphil-phd.aspx

Entry requirements

Neuroimaging Research Entry Requirements
Minimum UK requirements		A Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Masters with Merit.
International requirements		Visit our admissions webpages to view our International entry requirements.
English Language requirements	Band D	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

Applicants not applying for an advertised studentship must attached confirmation of support from your proposed supervisor to your application.

Application procedure

To apply:

Step 1: Find a supervisor

View our departmental supervisor profiles to learn about their research interests.
Identify your 1st and 2nd supervisor, before emailing them directly with a description of your intended research project. Applicants are expected to contact academics directly.

Step 2: Arranging funding: Unless you are applying for a studentship or can self-fund your studies, you will need to arrange for funding before you make the application.

Take a look at our Graduate Funding Database for details on funding support.

Read tips and advice from our students who have been awarded NIHR and MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowships, particularly regarding the interview stage.

Step 3: Make an online application:

Submit an online application. This application will be assessed by the Admissions team to assess your references, fee status as well as your eligibility in terms of education and experience.

Step 4: Submit a Project Approval Form:

The project approval form (PAF) is used to assess your project in terms of planning, feasibility and appropriateness for a PhD. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the form is completed but it is recommended that applicants work closely with the supervisors.

Make sure you complete all sections, answering all questions fully, and signatures from all supervisors and student are included. There is no need to collect the signatures from the Head of Department/Business Manager and Sub-Committee Chair at this point.

We strongly advise the submission of your application as early as possible to ensure that you can begin with your desired intake. If your application is not processed in time you run the risk of a deferral to the subsequent intake.

We advise Home students to submit their online application and PAF at least two months before their desired registration date, and EU and Overseas students to submit their online application and PAF at least three months ahead of their desired registration date, although the earlier the application submission the better. This is to take into account any English Language tests you may need to take and await the results of, and any visa applications that you may need to make.

It is typical that the process from the receipt of your online application and PAF through to offer letter stage (which includes the arrangement of the PhD interview) takes approximately six weeks.

Please note that the deadlines listed below are for both the online application and Project Approval Form (PAF) which is to be submitted in Microsoft Word format to ioppn.educationsupport@kcl.ac.uk.

Download a copy of the Project Approval Form (PAF).

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Neuroimaging research checklist
Personal Statement	Yes	A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Include an explanation of your interest and existing knowledge of the addictions field.
Research Proposal	Yes	The proposal should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it. For advice on how to write a winning application, please visit the following page. A letter of support from your proposed King's supervisor is also required. Futher details on this letter are available on the IOPPN webpages.
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.

Course intake

No set number.

Application closing date

The final deadlines for applicants with Home, EU or overseas (international) fee status are detailed below. Please note that funding applications deadlines may be earlier. We will open applications for the corresponding intake in 2022 after the same intake has passed in 2021.

February 2021 entry – 23rd October 2020 for international applicants and 23rd November 2020 for Home/EU applicants
June 2021 entry - 12th April 2021 for international and Home/EU applicants
October 2021 entry – 30th July 2021 for international/EU applicants and 27th August 2021 for Home applicants
February 2022 entry – 12th November 2021 for international/EU applicants and 6th December 2021 for Home applicants
June 2022 entry – 1st April 2022 for international/EU applicants and 11th April 2022 for Home applicants

Applications for 2022/23 academic year will open from October 2021.

Help and support

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

UK Tuition Fees 2020/21

Full time tuition fees: £6,390 per year

Part time tuition fees: £3,195 per year

International Tuition Fees 2020/21

Full time tuition fees: £24,150 per year

Part time tuition fees: £12,075 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2021/22

Full time tuition fees: £6,720 per year

Part time tuition fees: £3,360 per year

International Tuition Fees 2021/22

Full time tuition fees: £25,350 per year

Part time tuition fees: £12,675 per year

EU Students starting their programme in the academic year 2021/22 will pay international tuition fees.

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

The PhD course aims to equip students to move on to a range of careers, including options such as work in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, as well as continued academic research.

Career destinations

Students can follow a variety of career paths including academic positions as such as postdoctorate researchers, lecturers and above, as well as positions within the NHS and Industry (specifically pharmaceutical industry and equipment manufacturers).

Testimonials

Daniel Martin (MD, MSc)

I am a Portuguese medical doctor by training, currently pursuing a combined Mphil/PhD degree in Neuroimaging – Department of Neuroimaging, IoPPN, KCL. Since my early contact with neuropsychiatric patients in the clinics my mind has been flattered by how little we have to offer to these patients in comparison with other medical specialties. Part of the problem surely stems from the limited knowledge we have about the human brain’s functioning and of the mechanisms underlying dysfunction during disease. Neuroimaging research has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Its potential to elucidate alterations of brain’s structure, function and neurochemistry during disease and to probe the effects of new experimental treatments on crucial targets of these diseases immediately caught my attention… and the time came that I thought I could contribute to that as well. Aiming to expand my research skills and my knowledge in Neuroimaging research, I have then decided to join the Neuroimaging research Mphil/PhD program at IoPPN as a full-time PhD student. The quality of the research and infrastructures left no doubt about the place where I felt I could achieve my goals. Here, I found a vibrant multidisciplinary research community combining people from different backgrounds that work all together in a casual yet productive environment. At the same time, the close contact with the South London and Maudsley Hospital NHS foundation trust certainly sets the atmosphere for several interesting collaborations with clinicians and allows for a very fruitful flow of ideas between basic researchers and medical professionals. In this program, I have met an extraordinary bunch of inspiring and motivated academics and research scientists that always supported me and looked after my progress and career development. I also had the opportunity to participate in some teaching activities, which certainly allowed me to develop my portfolio of soft skills and gain full experience of the academia’s environment. Overall, I would sum up my experience so far as very positive and fulfilling. Thinking about joining us? Strongly recommended!

PhD candidate in Neuroimaging