Course deadlines
- Thursday 3 December 2026 (winter)
- Thursday 4 February 2027 (spring)
- Tuesday 1 June 2027 (final)
Applications received after Thursday 4 February 2027 may be accepted if places are still available until Monday 1 June 2027, but applicants should first contact the programme coordinator, Dr Anna Smith, at psyneuropg@st-andrews.ac.uk for advice.
Why study this course?
- An intensive introductory module prepares students for the programme at the start of Semester 1.
- The programme includes a streamlined taught component, comprising compulsory and optional modules (60 credits).
- Students conduct a year-long research project in a single laboratory (120 credits).
Teaching
Delivered through lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, and guided independent study.
Research project
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of written work and oral or online presentations.
Modules
Students take all compulsory modules and choose two additional optional modules.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Masters Thesis Research in Neuroscience: Enables students to conduct supervised masters level research over 3 semesters (S1, S2, summer).
- Neuroscience Research Design Reading Party: is an introductory module, designed to provide an intensive introduction to designing and carrying out integrative neuroscience research at the postgraduate level.
- Techniques and Skills in Neuroscience Research: examines state-of-the-art neuroscience techniques through critical analysis of primary literature.
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- Advanced Microscopy and Image Analysis - Seeing is Believing: This module will introduce you to advanced imaging techniques, such as Confocal, Super-resolution, TIRF and Electron Microscopy and how these techniques have been utilised to address fundamental questions in Cell and Developmental Biology.
- Advanced Principles of Neuroscience: This module covers basic biochemical, cellular and behavioural aspects of the nervous system in health and disease.
- Behavioural Neuroscience: allows students to access current research in the area of behavioural neuroscience. Possible topics include motivation, learning and attention.
- Complex Systems in Animal Behaviour: examine animal behaviour from a complex systems’ perspective, where analyses range from captive housing of entire bird flocks, computer simulation, and use of robots to interact with the animals.
- Data Science for Psychology & Neuroscience: introduces modern data science methods such as machine learning and data mining, with emphasis on the practical utilisation of these methods in the context of psychology and neuroscience.
- Maladaptive Changes in the Nervous System: Students explore molecular neuroscience of maladaptive nervous system changes, focusing on cellular mechanisms, neurodegeneration, and empirical models through labs and seminars.
- Mechanisms of Behaviour: Integrating Psychological and Neuroscience Perspectives: explores many physiological and neural systems that modulate patterns of behaviour in a range of species, including humans.
- Research Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience: showcases the state-of-the-art approach of observing the brain in action to to understand the physical bases of behaviour.
- The Neuroscience of the Hunt: focuses mainly on behaviours arising from the interactions between predators and their prey.
- Vision in a Complex World: Exposes students to current important areas of perceptual psychology, and allows them to apply that knowledge to problems in the real world
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Students will spend one year conducting a research project culminating in a data-based thesis of not more than 15,000 words. The thesis will describe the research results obtained from the year-long research project and must be submitted by a date specified in August.
If students choose not to complete the thesis requirement for the MRes, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MRes.
What it will lead to
Careers
A large number of psychology and neuroscience postgraduates have gained postdoctoral and lecturing positions in universities across the world.
They have also gone on to pursue postgraduate medical and veterinary degrees in the EU and UK, as well as overseas.
The School provides opportunities for students to gain academic experience by being involved in tutorials, laboratory classes and through conducting independent research.
In addition to pursuing careers in academia, postgraduates within the School have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of fields including industry, education and medicine.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Further study
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
The School of Psychology and Neuroscience offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The PhD comprises three to four years of full-time study and the submission of an 80,000-word thesis.
Why St Andrews?
Events
The School of Psychology and Neuroscience hosts a weekly seminar programme typically held online or in the Old Library of the Psychology Building.
These seminars can include public lectures, open School discussions and papers presented by a variety of guest lecturers from the UK and abroad.
The School also hosts an annual Jeeves Lecture as part of its seminar programme. The lectures are given by eminent psychologists and neuroscientists. Staff, students and members of the public are welcome at this lecture.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“This MRes was a way for me to continue in research and further develop my skills. I knew I wanted to practice clinical medicine with some involvement in research, and I think this programme provides a valuable bridge to medical school for people with similar future goals. What sets this programme apart from others is the heavy emphasis on longitudinal research. The challenge of navigating your own year-long research project is daunting, but also a tremendous growth opportunity. The other great part of this programme is the small size and resulting opportunities for close relationships with colleagues and faculty.”
- Medical Student, Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine, USA
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- Undergraduate degree (typically 2.1 or higher) in a science-related subject (e.g. neuroscience, chemistry, physics, biology, psychology or computer science).
- Candidates with other suitable and equivalent qualifications such as relevant work experience or research accomplishments will also be considered.
The qualifications listed are indicative of standard requirements for entry. Some academic Schools may require applicants to achieve higher grades than the standard to be competitive. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University takes a holistic view of every application.
If your qualification does not appear in the list, it may not meet the typical requirements for entry to this programme. You may need a higher-level qualification to be competitive, for example, a Masters degree.
English language requirements
Some applicants may need to provide an English language test score to evidence their English language ability. Find out who needs to provide evidence of English language ability. Details of acceptable tests and scores are provided below.
Test scores are only normally accepted if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Application requirements
- CV that includes a history of your education and employment to date
- personal statement of 500 words maximum that includes the names of three potential supervisors from the Cellular and Behavioural Neuroscience group
- one letter of recommendation
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
Potential supervisors may vary from year to year. MRes neuroscience students are typically supervised by academic staff within the Cellular and Developmental Research Group. However, academic staff in other research groups may supervise students in certain instances. Questions about suitability of potential supervisors should be directed in the first instance to the programme coordinator, Anna Smith (aes29@st-andrews.ac.uk).
Fees and funding
- UK: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
- Rest of the world: Tuition fees have yet to be set.
Application fee
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 21 August 2026