The University of Sheffield
Department of Psychology

MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging

Programme code: PSYT22
Duration: One year full-time. Starting in September of each year.


Who should take this course?


This course is directed at students who wish to pursue a research career in cognitive neuroscience and would like to spend an extended portion of their postgraduate degree (20 weeks) engaged in a practical, lab-based research project. Projects will be conducted within Academic Clinical Psychiatry (SCANLab), and will involve collection and analysis of data or analysis of pre-existing data sets in areas including fMRI and neurophysiological recording (skin conductance response [SCR], transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] or transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]). The course would be suitable for students from two streams:

1) those in life sciences who wish to learn and put into practice data collection and analysis techniques (e.g. statistical parametric mapping (SPM) or neurophysiological data analysis)

2) those in physical sciences, mathematics and engineering who wish to apply their technical knowledge to `real life´ cognitive brain science data.


To get some idea of the technical material on the course please see this page.

What is Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Imaging?


The taught portion of the course comprises most of the MSc in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience which provides the foundation for understanding the relationship between brain function and the cognitive, perceptual and motor mechanisms which underpin behaviour. Specifically, computational neuroscience utilises neuroscientific data to construct rigorous computational models of brain function, whereas cognitive neuroscience relates cognitive and behavioural function to its underlying neural substrate. The MRes is distinguished from the MSc by the length and nature of the research project.

Is there an additional fee for the MRes?

Due to the research-intensive nature of the extended project, the high cost of modern MRI technology and neurophysiological data collection, this course attracts a bench-fee of £2,000.

Course Outline


During this course you will gain an in-depth understanding of the core problems in cognitive and computational neuroscience and have the opportunity to conduct an in-depth research project. You will develop an understanding of the disciplines and techniques used to address these problems such as:
• Experimental cognitive psychology
• Computer simulation modeling
• Brain imaging
• Neuroimaging and/or neurophysiological data collection and analysis

Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Imaging Research at Sheffield


The Department of Psychology at Sheffield University, where the taught aspects of the course are delivered, has a strong track record in both computational neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience. Recently, this strength has been consolidated by the creation of the Centre for Signal Processing in Neuroimaging and Systems Neuroscience. Academic Clinical Psychiatry (SCANLab), where the extended research project will be conducted has a strong track record in using neuroimaging and neurophysiological recording techniques in the biological investigation of psychiatric disorders. Research within Psychiatry also comprises modulation of neural systems by novel treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

An extended research project (dissertation) will provide an opportunity to combine these skills and knowledge to investigate the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological bases of specific cognitive processes.

Investigative techniques in Academic Clinical Psychiatry


Functional MRI (fMRI), structural MRI, skin conductance response (SCR) recording, neuropsychology, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The diverse range of research interests and techniques ensures a rich and vibrant research environment for students studying on the course.

Areas of special interest in Academic Clinical Psychiatry


Schizophrenia, perception (particularly auditory processing and hallucinations), social cognition and communication (particularly theory of mind, empathy and emotion regulation) and executive functioning (particularly willed action and temporal processing).

Course structure and modules

Course aims


The MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Neuroimaging will give you:

  1. A broad and critical understanding of leading-edge cognitive and computational neuroscience.
  2. Appreciation of different approaches for understanding brain function.
  3. Development of a range of computational and analytic skills relevant to the modelling of brain function.
  4. The ability to generate and test specific experimental hypotheses which incorporate constraints derived from psychophysics, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioural studies.
  5. An appreciation of an academic scientific environment that rewards innovation, fosters a sense of community, and encourages students to direct their own learning.
  6. The opportunity to conduct an extended research project involving neuroimaging / neurophysiological data which stand students in an excellent position to pursue an research career in a wide range of neuroscience fields.

Entry requirements
How to apply
Fees and scholarships
Information for international students
Sample course teaching material

Postgraduate Open Days


Details of our Postgraduate Open Days can be found here.

Course contact


Josie Cassidy
Postgraduate Admissions
Department of Psychology
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield, S10 2TP, UK.

Phone: 0114 2226515
Email : j.cassidy@sheffield.ac.uk