Neuroscience MPhil, PhD, MD

We conduct studies of normal and abnormal development. We also explore the plasticity of the motor system. This involves both clinical and preclinical developments. We run functional studies and computer modelling of motor system activity. We explore this throughout the neuraxis. We research the development and assessment of novel therapies for motor disorders/lesions. This includes stem cell and brain-machine interface.

We research novel neuro-technological approaches to retinal dystrophy repair. This includes brain-machine interface and stem cells. We use in vitro approaches to look at retinal development and visual system wiring.

We conduct experimental and theoretical studies. This is to understand how neurones throughout the brain interact. We explore how they act in localised networks to compute complex tasks.

Behaviour and evolution

Our research groups take evolutionary and comparative approaches to study brain behaviour. We compare brain function and behaviour. We explore this in:

• insects
• birds
• mammals

We study the ecological and evolutionary functions of their behaviour. Much of our work is at the forefront of:

• neuroethology
• behavioural ecology
• comparative cognition

It has important implications for the study and practice of animal welfare.

Visual perception and human cognition

We research:

• colour and depth perception - perception of natural scenes
• psychophysics and attention - memory
• word learning in children
• body image dysfunction
• visual social cognition and face processing
• advertising and consumer behaviour.

We conduct clinical and preclinical studies. We explore the brain mechanisms involved in the detection, discrimination and perception of sound. We look into how these mechanisms affect individuals with brain disorders. Disorders include dementia, autism and stroke.

Our research focuses on:

• understanding mechanisms underlying pain, analgesia, and anaesthesia
• the development of methods to assess pain and to reduce pain in animals and humans

We conduct studies in laboratory animals, healthy volunteers and patient populations. We investigate the mechanisms underlying mood, anxiety and addiction disorders and their treatment. Allied research looks at normal neuropsychology. It explores psychiatric disorders the physiology and pharmacology. Research focuses on neurotransmitter and endocrine systems implicated in psychiatric disorders.

We explore mechanisms of action of established and putative neurotoxins. This includes environmental and endogenous chemicals and naturally occurring toxins.

Our research covers:

• the assessment, treatment and management of sex offender risk
• development and assessment of cognitive models
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety and developmental disorders
• developmental disorders of perception and cognition

We conduct theoretical and experimental studies. We aim to understand the following areas of memory:

• neuroanatomy
• neuropharmacology of vision
• visual attention
• episodic

Our research groups take evolutionary and comparative approaches to study brain behaviour. We compare brain function and behaviour. We explore this in:

• insects
• birds
• mammals

We study the ecological and evolutionary functions of their behaviour. Much of our work is at the forefront of:

• neuroethology
• behavioural ecology
• comparative cognition

It has important implications for the study and practice of animal welfare.

Visual perception and human cognition

We research:

• colour and depth perception - perception of natural scenes
• psychophysics and attention - memory
• word learning in children
• body image dysfunction
• visual social cognition and face processing
• advertising and consumer behaviour.

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

An MD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It combines your research findings with clinical practice. To complete the MD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded. 

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva

Our mission is to help you:

• stay healthy, positive and feeling well
• overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
• get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
• carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
• understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules

We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.

You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:

• research and professional skills
• careers support
• wellbeing
• health and safety
• public engagement
• academic development

Find out more about our postgraduate research student support

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

We are unable to give an exact fee, this is why the fee is shown as a range. This fee range takes into account your research topic and resource requirements.

Your research topic is unique so it will have unique resource requirements. Resources could include specialist equipment, such as laboratory/workshop access, or technical staff.

If your research involves accessing specialist resources then you're likely to pay a higher fee. You'll discuss the exact nature of your research project with your supervisor(s). You'll find out the fee in your offer letter.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.