Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience
Develop the expertise to investigate the brain, behaviour and mental health through advanced cognitive and clinical neuroscience research.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
Explore the neural foundations of cognition, behaviour and mental health through advanced teaching and research training.
You’ll develop expertise in neuroanatomy, neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods, including interpreting MRI and EEG data.
Using facilities designed to support neuroscience research, you’ll gain experience with specialist research techniques, including neuropsychological assessment and statistical analysis.
By working alongside leading researchers in Cambridge, you’ll develop practical skills for careers in neuroscience research, clinical research and further academic study.
Medicine students: intercalation
If you're studying Medicine, you can apply to complete this MSc as an intercalated year within your degree. It's an opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and research experience in cognitive and clinical neuroscience.
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Explore how the brain shapes behaviour through advanced neuroanatomy and imaging techniques
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Develop hands-on research skills through your own independent neuroscience project
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Investigate topics including memory and learning, language, and decision-making across the lifespan
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Study in Cambridge alongside expert lecturers and leading neuroscience researchers
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Develop the advanced research skills and specialist knowledge needed for careers in cognitive neuroscience or related fields.
As a graduate, you could progress to PhD study, academic research, or roles in universities, hospitals or research units active in cognitive neuroscience.
While you're studying with us, you can apply for postgraduate membership of the British Neuroscience Association. This offers opportunities to connect with the wider neuroscience research community and support your professional development.
Teaching and modules
Explore areas of cognitive neuroscience from memory and learning, to executive function and intelligence.
You’ll learn about the strengths and limitations of various imaging techniques used to investigate the relationship between mind and brain. These include structural and functional neuroimaging (sMRI, fMRI, and PET), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG).
This course covers the methodological foundations of cognitive neuroscience, including brain neuroanatomy and neuropsychological assessment. It also includes a practical introduction to SPM 12, a program widely used for analysing brain imaging data.
You’ll also develop an understanding of common statistical techniques used in psychological research, before undertaking your dissertation.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Imaging and Diagnostics in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
- Issues in Scientific Research (30 credits)
- Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits)
- Current Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
- Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)
- Into ARU
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
- Imaging and Diagnostics in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
- Issues in Scientific Research (30 credits)
- Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits)
- Current Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
- Psychology Dissertation (60 credits)
- Into ARU
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Prof David PearsonProfessor of Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
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Professor Jane AspellProfessor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Director of Postgraduate Research, and REF Convenor for UoA 4 (Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience)
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Professor Peter BrightProfessor of Neuropsychology
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Dr Flavia CardiniCourse Leader
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Dr Sharon GevaSenior Lecturer in Psychology and Neuroscience
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Professor Sharon Morein-ZamirProfessor
Facilities
Study at ARU in Cambridge and use our dedicated Science Centre, home to specialist teaching spaces and research facilities.
Here, you'll find psychology labs for EEG, perception, neuroscience, biomarker analysis and social behaviour research. These facilities support practical learning and independent research, helping you develop the scientific skills for careers in psychology and related fields.
You'll also benefit from extensive library and IT resources.
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Study psychology in our state-of-the-art Science Centre in Cambridge.
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Use specialist equipment and learn more about the brain mechanisms involved in perception, attention and inhibition in the EEG lab.
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Examine how the body responds to a variety of stimuli or tasks using equipment such as wearable eye trackers.
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Observe participants’ behaviours through a CCTV monitoring system in the Social Behaviour Lab.
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Test saliva and hair samples in the Biomarker Lab.
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Observe and assess children’s behaviour in the controlled environment of the Development Lab.
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Learn about brain neuroanatomy and neuropsychological assessment.
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![Atrium area in the Science Centre at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge]()
Study psychology in our state-of-the-art Science Centre in Cambridge.
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![An EEG procedure being conducted]()
Use specialist equipment and learn more about the brain mechanisms involved in perception, attention and inhibition in the EEG lab.
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![Tobii Pro 300TX eye-tracker equipment]()
Examine how the body responds to a variety of stimuli or tasks using equipment such as wearable eye trackers.
-
![Person wearing an EEG cap in a psychology lab]()
Observe participants’ behaviours through a CCTV monitoring system in the Social Behaviour Lab.
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![Psychology student testing samples in the Biomarker Lab at ARU]()
Test saliva and hair samples in the Biomarker Lab.
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![Psychology student seated in the Developmental Lab, with a range of children's toys and accessories seen in background]()
Observe and assess children’s behaviour in the controlled environment of the Development Lab.
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![Students in a neuroanatomy class]()
Learn about brain neuroanatomy and neuropsychological assessment.