Master's Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience
Turku, Finland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
22 Jan 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 10,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €10,000/academic year
Introduction
Discover all degree programs of the University of Turku
Do you have the brain and mind for human neuroscience?
In the Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience, you will get a deep understanding of human brain function. You will learn non-invasive imaging methods to investigate brain activation and structure as well as behavioral methods to measure human cognition and performance. The program also gives a strong foundation to work as a human neuroscience expert in various industries requiring knowledge and skills to tackle complex brain-behavior issues.
When you graduate, you will be qualified to find a job, for example, in drug development, in companies developing novel health and game products, and in customized marketing research. In addition, you will obtain a strong background to continue studies towards a PhD.
Academic Excellence & Experience
The University of Turku (est. 1640) is among the top one percent of all universities in the world. Turku is well known particularly for its PET Centre which provides several state-of-art PET and MRI scanners for human studies. With a long research tradition in neuroscience, strong research groups, and excellent facilities, Turku is a great place to study neuroscience. The city has a unique, compact campus area with two universities, a university hospital, and a strong cluster of medical and technology companies nearby, which creates an inspiring environment to study and work.
The program is run by the Turku Brain and Mind Center (TBMC) in collaboration with experts from three faculties (Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science). TBMC provides a multidisciplinary context for comprehensive theoretical and practical education in human neurosciences. The University of Turku has excellent research facilities for non-invasive brain imaging including PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG, TMS, and optical imaging. Researchers of TMBC have a wide network of connections within the Turku area, in Finland, and internationally. This provides the students with ample opportunities to work and learn in practical research projects.
Meet programme staff, current students, and study advisors:
Join the Virtual Open Week with 30+ live sessions from 18–22 November!
Admissions
Curriculum
Program Structure
The extent of the Master’s Degree Programme is 120 ECTS to be completed in two years. The studies consist of:
- Brain Imaging Methods, 15 ECTS
- Clinical Neuroscience, 23 ECTS
- Behavioral Methods to measure human cognition, perception, consciousness and performance, 15 ECTS
- Data Analysis, 5 ECTS
- Elective Courses, 17 ECTS
- Human Neuroscience Seminars consisting of seminars related to lab presentations, thesis, and future career opportunities, 5 ECTS
- Master’s thesis, 40 ECTS
All program parts contain lectures, group work, independent studies, and practical exercises. The Programme requires a basic understanding of key neuroscience concepts. Depending on previous study history, this may require the completion of introductory neuroscience courses during the first semester.
Master's Thesis & Topics
Master’s thesis (40 ECTS) is an important part of the program’s curriculum. You will write a research plan, participate in research seminars, conduct practical research work, and write a theoretical report of your results. The thesis will be based on analyses of behavioral and/or brain-imaging data conducted in collaboration with research groups or companies in the Turku area or elsewhere.
Program Outcome
Competence Description
In the Master’s Degree Programme you will
- Learn to understand and measure complex brain functions at a systems level¨.
- Learn to measure human cognition, perception, and behaviour.
- Learn to integrate brain-level and behavioural measurements to investigate human performance in different contexts.
- Gain knowledge and skills suitable for pursuing a scientific career.
- Design and manage your research project.
- Analyze behavioural and imaging data.
- Work in international and interdisciplinary research groups.
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarship Opportunities
The University of Turku supports merited and motivated students with generous scholarships. The university offers these scholarships to students pursuing Master's level studies who are subject to tuition fees.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, and you can apply for a scholarship by simply answering “yes” to the corresponding question in the online application form when you apply for the programme.
One type of scholarship covers whole tuition fees for two years for Master’s degree programmes. In addition to that, there is a scholarship for the best applicants that covers tuition fees and includes an additional grant of €5,000.
Approximately 30 % of the admitted students are awarded a scholarship by the University of Turku.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Job Options
The interdisciplinary Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience provides you with broad knowledge to use behavioural methods, non-invasive brain imaging, and structural brain measures as indices of the complex brain-behaviour relationship in different settings.
The Programme gives a strong basis to pursue a career as a human neuroscience expert. For example, graduates of the Programme can:
- Work in medical companies and drug development.
- Work in health and game industries.
- Continue studies and research towards a PhD.
Career in Research
Master of Science degree also provides you with eligibility for PhD studies. When you graduate, you will be able to apply for a position at the University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS). The Graduate School consists of doctoral programmes that cover all disciplines and doctoral candidates of the University.
Together with the doctoral programmes, the Graduate School provides systematic and high-quality doctoral training. UTUGS aims to train highly qualified experts with the skills required for both professional careers in research and other positions of expertise.
Several doctoral programmes at the University of Turku are available for graduates of the MDP in Human Neuroscience:
- Drug Research
- Molecular Medicine
- Clinical Research
Student Testimonials
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.