MSc in Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences (Research)

Are you interested in the neural basis of cognition, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, or the evolution of behavior?

In this program, you can study the function and mechanisms of the brain and behavior from three different perspectives:

• Animal and Human Behavioral Neurosciences (B-track)
• Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Modelling (C-track)
• Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track)

In these tracks, you will deepen your knowledge of the aims and methods of your chosen domain (See “program” for more info). In addition, thanks to integrated courses and links between tracks, you will get a unique opportunity to acquire multi-disciplinary skills and training in neurosciences.

The main focus of this Research Master's is to train students to become independent researchers. For this purpose, a large portion of the program is devoted to two research projects (in total 70 ECTS) in which the students are embedded in research groups to conduct their own experiments. Students are encouraged to perform one of these research projects abroad.

The BCN Research Master is one of the best Neuroscience master programs in the Netherlands (Dutch Higher Education Guide 2017 - Keuzegids Masters 2017).

Admission to the program is selective, based on the applicant’s academic credentials and motivation.

Why study this program in Groningen?

• Awarded 'Top Rated program' label (Keuzegids Masters 2017/2018/2019)
• Excellent research facilities including University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), NeuroImaging Center, and Centre for Life Sciences
• More than 75% enrolment in Ph.D. projects after graduation
• Integrated teaching by top researchers from three faculties in small groups
• Students collaborate in stable cohorts during the 2 years

2-year program; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

Program options

• Animal and Human Behavioral Neurosciences (B-track) (specialization)
• Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track) (specialization)
• Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Modelling (C-track) (specialization)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is recommended.

Exchange: All our science and engineering programs offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, the UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programs have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.

Job prospects

As a graduate of this program, you can work as a researcher, both in the academic world and in other fields. Because of their multi-disciplinary training, graduates of this degree positively distinguish themselves: you can easily grasp the bigger picture and are able to familiarise yourself with new fields and methodologies quickly.