Are you interested in the neural basis of cognition, the mechanisms of neurodegeneration or the evolution of behaviour?
In this programme, you can study the function and mechanisms of the brain and behaviour from three different perspectives:
In these tracks, you will deepen your knowledge of the aims and methods of your chosen domain (See “Programme” for more info). In addition, thanks to integrated courses and links between tracks, you will get a unique opportunity to acquire multi-disciplinary skills and training in the neurosciences.
The main focus of this Research Master is to train students to become independent researchers. For this purpose, a large portion of the programme is devoted to two research projects (in total 70 ECTS) in which the students are embedded in research groups to conduct their own experiments. Students are encouraged to perform one of these research projects abroad.
The BCN Research Master is one of the best Neuroscience master programmes of the Netherlands (Dutch Higher Education Guide 2017 - Keuzegids Masters 2017).
Admission to the programme is selective, based on the applicant’s academic credentials and motivation (See “Entry Requirements” for details).
2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.
For the complete curriculum, please see: https://www.rug.nl/ocasys/rug/main/programmeSearchResults?keywords=behavioural&faculty=fwn&pLevelRestrictionsState=1&pLevels=4194&pLangRestrictionsState=0&new=1&pOptionsState=block
Programme options |
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Animal and Human Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track) (specialization) The B-track focuses on the neurobiology as well as the function and evolution of behaviour. Neurobiological, physiological, developmental and (epi)genetic processes are crucial to understand the evolution, function, causation and development of behaviour. Exploring these fields will provide insights in brain circuitry and processes driving human and animal behaviour. Courses in the B-track cover chronobiology (circadian and annual rhythms), evolution of behaviour (development, causation, evolution and adaptive significance), neuroendocrinology, physiology and behaviour (brain-periphery interactions, energy balance, eating disorders), and individuality of behaviour (trait-like patterns, behavioural and physiological responses). Students perform a minor and major research project where they acquire fundamental and scientific knowledge skills on animal and human behavioural neurosciences. Altogether the B-track prepares students for a scientific career in the behavioural neuroscience field. Bachelor-Master connections: Life Science and Technology, Biology The coordinator of the B-track is prof. Anton Scheurink: http://www.rug.nl/staff/a.j.w.scheurink/ For the complete curriculum, please see: https://www.rug.nl/ocasys/rug/vak/showpos?opleiding=6406 |
Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track) (specialization) The N-track focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development, function and communication. Investigating these molecular and cellular pathways contributes to understanding the neuronal basis of cognition and behaviour and is essential for the development of strategies to detect, treat or even prevent neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Courses in the N-track cover the anatomy of the nervous system, neurotransmission and transduction cascades, neurophysiology, stem cell biology, protein homeostasis and quality control, neuropathology, neuropharmacology and neuroinflammation. Students engage in diverse research projects that range from basic research in simple model systems to translational studies in clinical departments but ultimately share a common interest in addressing neuroscience-related research questions at the molecular and cellular level. Altogether, the N-track master prepares students for a future research career in the molecular neurosciences. Bachelor-Master connections: (Molecular) Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences and Technology. The coordinator of the N-track is Sonja Pyott https://www.rug.nl/staff/s.j.pyott/ For the complete curriculum, please see: https://www.rug.nl/ocasys/rug/vak/showpos?opleiding=6408 |
Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Modelling (C-track) (specialization) The C-track focuses on cognitive processes and their implementation through neural mechanisms at the systems-level. By characterizing and modelling the functional and neural implementation of cognitive processes, a fundamental understanding of both the workings of the healthy brain and mind can be achieved, and of how cognitive functioning breaks down in case of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Courses in the C-track offer knowledge and hands-on training in advanced statistical analyses, EEG and fMRI methods, cognitive modelling, and cognitive neuropsychiatry. In addition, students execute two research projects in which they can pursue and develop their interests and research skills. Altogether, training in the C-track prepares students for a PhD position in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Bachelor-Master connections: Bachelor programs that teach knowledge and skills in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. For instance, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Human Movement Sciences. The coordinator of the C-track is dr. Mark Nieuwenstein, https://www.rug.nl/staff/m.r.nieuwenstein/ |
Exchange: All our science and engineering programmes offer study abroad possibilities at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count toward your final degree.
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Life Science and Technology | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
Psychology (EN) | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
Medicine | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Preferred learning community: Molecular Medicine |
Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
Biology | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
Study programme | Organization | Transition |
---|---|---|
Biology | Radboud University Nijmegen | Additional requirements |
Specific requirements | More information |
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previous education |
A Bachelor's degree in the Life Sciences, (Molecular) Biology, Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or related programmes. The Admissions Board determines whether the content of the previous degree programme meets the admission requirements. |
knowledge minimum |
For C-Track: Students are expected to have some programming experience, for example in Python or Matlab. Matlab experience can be obtained by taking the University of Groningen BSc Psychology course Programming for Psychologists (https://www.rug.nl/ocasys/gmw/vak/show?code=PSB3E-M11), taking the Coursera course Introduction to Programming with MATLAB (https://www.coursera.org/learn/matlab) or self-study (e.g., Borgo, M., Soranzo, A., & Grassi, M. (2012). MATLAB for Psychologists, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2197-9). Coursera also offers a number of good python courses at different levels of difficulty. |
language test |
English proficiency at VWO level is required. |
reference letter |
Please provide us with the names of two qualified referees, preferably the supervisor of your BSc thesis. |
other admission requirements |
The BCN research master is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation. In 2019-20, the average GPA of admitted candidates was 7.9 (Dutch grades). After you have registered via www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission (before May 1st) your application will be requested to pass on to the Admissions Board of the programme. BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/1 for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements and the checklist with the documents you need to deliver to be able to process your application. |
Please fill out the following checklist to explain why you want to apply for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form): https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/bcn-checklist.docx
Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your co
Application - Decision:
1 December– 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
Specific requirements | More information |
---|---|
previous education |
A Bachelor's degree in the Life Sciences, (Molecular) Biology, Medicine, Artificial Intelligence, Psychology or related programmes. The Admissions Board determines whether the content of the previous degree programme meets the admission requirements. |
additional subject |
Admission to this programme is selective. A limited number of students can be accepted. Successful applicants are scientifically and academically driven, and have high grades in relevant courses, demonstrated interest (e.g. research experience) in behavioural and cognitive neurosciences, and good oral and written communication skills. Application deadlines are listed below. Since applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until May 1, you do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply. Make sure to read the MSc Application Procedure at: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/ for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements. |
knowledge minimum |
For C-Track: Students are expected to have some programming experience, for example in Python or Matlab. Matlab experience can be obtained by taking the University of Groningen BSc Psychology course Programming for Psychologists (https://www.rug.nl/ocasys/gmw/vak/show?code=PSB3E-M11), taking the Coursera course Introduction to Programming with MATLAB (https://www.coursera.org/learn/matlab) or self-study (e.g., Borgo, M., Soranzo, A., & Grassi, M. (2012). MATLAB for Psychologists, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-2197-9). Coursera also offers a number of good python courses at different levels of difficulty. |
language test |
Please visit https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores. Additional assessment of language proficiency might be part of the admission procedure. |
other admission requirements |
The BCN research master is highly selective. Selection will be based on academic performance and motivation to determine if you will be selected for the master's programme. In 2019-20, the average GPA of admitted candidates was 7.9 (Dutch grades). After you have registered via www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission (before May 1st) your application will be requested to pass on to the Admissions Board of the programme. BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/?lang=en for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements and the checklist with the documents you need to deliver to be able to process your application. |
Please fill out the following checklist to explain why you want to apply for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form): https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/nl-diploma/bcn-checklist.docx
Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your co
Application - Decision:
1 December– 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June
Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
---|---|---|
Dutch students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 | |
non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2023 | 01 September 2023 |
01 May 2024 | 01 September 2024 |
Nationality | Year | Fee | Programme form |
---|---|---|---|
EU/EEA | 2022-2023 | € 2209 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2022-2023 | € 18850 | full-time |
EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 2314 | full-time |
non-EU/EEA | 2023-2024 | € 20700 | full-time |
Practical information for:
As a graduate of this programme, you can work as a researcher, both in the academic world and other fields. Because of their multi-disciplinary training, graduates of this degree positively distinguish themselves: you can easily grasp the bigger picture and are able to familiarise yourself with new fields and methodologies quickly.
This programme is characterised by its interactive setting with a strong accent on scientific research, offering the unique chance of a truly multidisciplinary education, while becoming an expert in one specific track.
This research master programme concentrates on three focal and closely related areas of particular strength within Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN):
Animal and Human Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track)
Designed for students who are familiar with the theoretical foundations and basics of behavioural research. They follow the "four why's" of the evolution, function, causation and development of behaviour.
Thorough evolutionary insight is necessary for guiding the causal analysis of behaviour, just as we cannot understand its evolution without physiological knowledge. Hence we link the functional and physiological analysis of behaviour. This holds also for human behaviour where particular emphasis is placed on evolutionary psychology. Development of behaviour is a further key to understand the complex regulation of behaviour in adulthood, the origins of individuality and the constraints and plasticity in behavioural adaptation.
The coordinator of the B-track is Prof. Anton Scheurink
Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Modelling
This research track focuses on cognitive processing from psychological, neurological and modelling perspectives.
The psychological aspect is covered in expert courses on
psychological phenomena such as learning, memory and attention. The
neurological aspects entail specialized courses on neuroscience,
both from functional, clinical and biological perspectives, and
training in different methodologies (e.g., fMRI, TMS, EEG) to study
brain processes. The modelling aspect focuses on abstract
characterisation of cognitive processing. These characterisations
can take the form of statistical or computational models. This
enables researchers to establish causal relations between
behavioural and neurological phenomena and cognitive
theories.
The coordinator of the C-track is dr. M.R. (Mark) Nieuwenstein
Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track)
The Neuroscience track is designed for students interested in molecular mechanisms of brain function and of the neuropathology of diseases.
The brain and the central nervous system are the key players in behaviour and cognition. The programme focuses on molecular and functional neurosciences, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases, neuro-inflammatory processes and stem cell biology. The courses emphasize the anatomy of the nervous system, neurotransmission and transduction cascades, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and neuropathology. The latest insights in Parkinson's disease, sleep and sleep disorders, obesity, aggression, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, and stroke related pathology will be discussed.
The coordinator of the N-track is dr.
Liesbeth Veenhoff
Read moreThe perfect programme for a career in academia
I chose the BCN Research Master because it is interdisciplinary and full of opportunities. I am part of a research team for one semester every year, in which I can focus solely on gaining skills and first-hand experience in conducting research. I enjoy having a say in the process, whilst being taught by researchers themselves during both the research internship and the preceding courses.
I have the chance to develop my skills in whichever direction I want them to go. But it is not only the research experiences I gain; BCN is more than just a Master's degree programme. It is a community of students and researchers who meet for social events and exchange experiences during the courses and internships. You never feel alone or lost in your work, and there is always someone to help you out if you are stuck. Everyone interacts on a first-name basis, and thanks to the small number of study groups, everyone is fully included in the programme and its process. It’s the perfect programme for someone that wants to start a career in academia, or is thinking about doing so. For me, it convinced me that academia is the direction I want to go, and thanks to BCN, the whole world is open for me after I graduate!
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