Translational Neuroscience
Receive the advanced training required to understand neurological disorders and develop better treatments.
Receive the advanced training required to understand neurological disorders and develop better treatments
Build your foundational knowledge of neuroscience before specialising on one of two streams
Explore a neurological or psychiatric disorder in greater depth on an extended research project
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£15,500 Home
£45,000 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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Hammersmith
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Course overview
Receive high-quality training to better understand what causes neurological and psychiatric disorders on this Master's course.
Delivered by world-leading expert clinicians and neuroscientists, this programme also examines the various methodologies used in translational research to develop therapeutic approaches to treat neurological conditions.
You'll choose to study one of two specialised streams on this course:
- Stream 1: Psychiatry, Brain imaging and Machine Learning
- Stream 2: Neurodegeneration, Neuro-inflammation, Neuro-trauma and Neuro-regeneration
Both streams explore how different cellular components in the central nervous system physiologically work together to control brain function.
You'll then explore how this malfunctions in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A laboratory-based project also provides an opportunity to apply your research skills to a particular neurological or psychiatric disorder in greater depth.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
On both streams, you’ll take all of these core modules.
Core modules
Familiarise yourself with functional neuroanatomy and recognise and locate a range of neuroanatomical structures.
Develop your understanding of cellular and molecular neuroscience. Build the analytical skills required to think about disease conditions and research at cellular and subcellular level.
Learn how to programme and apply cutting edge techniques from computational brain imaging literature.
You’ll also take three optional modules specific to your chosen stream:
- Stream 1: Psychiatry, Brain imaging and Machine Learning
- Stream 2: Neurodegeneration, Neuro-inflammation, Neuro-trauma and Neuro-regeneration
Stream 1
Examine a range of topics involving emotional dysregulation, including neuropharmacology, substance dependence, eating behaviours and disorders, and depression.
Deepen your understanding of aspects of machine learning as applied to neuroscience.
Gain a theoretical and practical understanding of how neuroimaging techniques are used in clinical practice and research.
Stream 2
Become familiar with the pathology, diagnostics and current research related to neuroinflammation.
Study the clinical, pathological features and molecular mechanisms behind neurodegenerative disorders and learn about the main in vivo models.
Analyse the fundamental molecular, cellular and system biology aspects of brain and spinal plasticity, axonal regeneration, and stem cell biology.
You’ll also explore cell replacement therapies after spinal and brain injuries.
A laboratory-based research project is a key component of both streams.
You'll generate an original piece of research that shows an innovative and creative approach to a specific neuroscientific challenge.
This module is strongly practical and is characterised by a notable vocational focus, and will be carried out under supervision.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Practical/computational sessions
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Laboratory tours and demonstrations
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Interviews with patients
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Tutorials
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Group discussions and workshops
Balance of assessment
Key
- Modules
- Laboratory-based research project
- 50% Modules
- 50% Laboratory-based research project
Assessment methods
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Custom anatomy assessment
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Virtual research project
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Presentations
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Write-ups
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Code workbook for workshops
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Workshops
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Literature and editorial reviews
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Hackathon
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Problem solving pipeline development examination
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Research grant concept
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Dissertation
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Oral examination
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£15,500
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£45,000
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
The Dean’s Master’s Scholarships
Value per award
- £10,000
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine Master’s programme
The Dr Jean Alero Thomas Scholarships
Value per award
- Partial or full tuition fee at the Home rate
Who it's for
- All students applying to study a Faculty of Medicine lab-based Master’s programme
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Develop highly transferable skills that will prepare you for further study or a career in translational neuroscience.
Understand neurologic disorders and build expertise in treating or curing them.
The Department of Brain Sciences also provides an ideal environment to pursue a PhD and build your career in research.
Further links
Contact the department
Course Director: Professor Steve Gentleman and Dr Stefano Sandrone
Visit the Department of Brain Sciences website.
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Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications