About this course
Gain advanced knowledge of the neural, pharmacological and physiological mechanisms underlying behaviour and the approaches used to study them.
- Explore brain and behaviour presented in a holistic and neuroscientific context, covering a broad range of topics
- Study on a course taught by research-active staff who are experts in their field
- Gain practical experience with cutting edge neuroscientific techniques
- Acquire skills, knowledge and practical experience directly relevant to a research career
- Enjoy both research- and student-led learning methods
- Conduct a research project covering the full research arc from study conception to dissemination
Neuroscientific research aims to understand healthy brain function as well as disorders of brain and behaviour in both humans and animals. As a relatively new field of study, which has only been recognised in its own right since the 20th century, it has benefited greatly in recent decades from novel technologies and has diverse applications including education, law and artificial intelligence.
This Masters in Brain and Behaviour covers the true breadth of this multidisciplinary field, from ion channels to human behaviour. Through hands on experiential learning, you will gain a cutting-edge grasp of nervous system structure and function and an appreciation of the field's real life applications in the clinic and beyond.
You will develop key transferable skills in the design, analysis and presentation of neuroscientific and behavioural studies, equipping you with a strong foundation for pursuing a career in a range of research settings in both academia and the private sector.
You will study in state-of-the-art facilities, including psychology and neuroscience labs within the purpose-built Tom Reilly Building. Facilities include:
- fNIRS
- 64 and 128 channel EEG
- psychophysiological measuring equipment, including Skin Conductance (SC), heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- TOBI eye tracker
- Fully equipped sensory testing laboratories.
You will also be based in the Life Sciences Building, which features brand new, fully equipped molecular and cellular biology laboratories for conducting:
- gene sequencing and DNA expression analysis
- protein expression analysis
- metabolite analysis and tissue culture labs.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Teaching will be delivered between two and three days per week, according to the requirements of your practical sessions. It is recommended that you dedicate 35 hours per week to study, combining both scheduled sessions and independent study. You will lead on organising laboratory/computer work for your Research Project, in consultation and collaboration with your project supervisor.
Teaching methods
You will attend a wide variety of sessions, including lectures, seminars, journal clubs, workshops, laboratory practicals and computer practicals. In addition, you will have individual meetings with your supervisor for guidance and support.
Applied learning
You will have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, using the latest computer software for data analysis and the internet and social media to communicate science. You will also have access to our biosciences laboratories where we will conduct neurophysiology, behavioural pharmacology and neuroendocrinology practicals.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Your progress will be assessed through practical reports, posters, exams, presentations, blogs and podcasts.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
This programme is based in LJMUs City Campus at the Byrom Street site, which is located in the heart of Liverpool city centre. We offer postgraduates excellent laboratory and research facilities, a host of social spaces and easy access to the Avril Robarts library.
Course tutors
Dr David Moore
- Programme Leader
My research informs my teaching and I really enjoy sharing that with my students seeing them enthused by the questions and topics that intrigue me and developing a desire to study the brain and behaviour further is hugely rewarding.
My research informs my teaching and I really enjoy sharing that with my students seeing them enthused by the questions and topics that intrigue me and developing a desire to study the brain and behaviour further is hugely rewarding.
David is a founding member and Co-Lead of LJMUs Somatosensory and Affective Neuroscience Group. David has research interests in pain experiences and expressions. In particular understanding autistic and more broadly neurodiverse populations experiences of pain. David utilises a range of neuroscientific methods including psychophysics, behavioural testing and EEG. Before coming to LJMU David completed a postdoctoral role at the University of Bath Centre for Pain Research developing the Bath Test of Attention for Pain (Bath TAP). Prior to this David completed my PhD at Sheffield Hallam University examining the attentional biases for faces in autistic adults. David maintains and interest in research relating to the cognitive functioning in individuals experiencing induced, acute and chronic pain.
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
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Principal Lecturer
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Reader
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
You will acquire the skills to pursue a research career as a university academic or in research departments in the private sector, such as the pharmaceutical industry or consumer goods industry.
Tuition fees and funding
- Home fee:
- £9,840
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
As well as meeting the academic criteria for this programme you will need to:
- demonstrate sufficient knowledge to embark on the programme
- display the potential to develop high level research skills
- identify a research area which fits staff supervision capability
- demonstrate the ability and commitment to work at postgraduate level
All selection processes are conducted in line with the LJMU Admissions Code of Practice.
Your university life
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.