Are you interested in the basis of consciousness, the mechanisms of learning, or the genetics of behaviour? In this programme you study the brain, cognition, and behaviour from different perspectives.
The main focus of this Research Master is to train students to become independent researchers, and contains three tracks that are described in more detail below:
The curriculum consists of 20 ECTS of track-specific education, 10 ECTS of multidisciplinary education that covers all fields of neuroscience, and 90 ECTS in which students can pursue their own specific interests through choosing electives and two research projects. Students will also participate in summer and winter symposia.
Through the four track-specific courses (see the Programme link below), students develop their foundational knowledge of research topics and skills in the Behavioural, Cognitive, or Molecular Neuroscience. Thereafter, students can further develop their specialisation through elective courses and research projects in their field of interest. The programme also provides the unique opportunity to broaden their scope by choosing projects and electives in the domains of the other tracks (i.e., interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary research). It is advised to start the programme in the track that aligns best with your BSc. Educational profile.
Admission to the programme is selective, based on the applicant’s academic credentials and motivation (see “Entry Requirements” for details).
Groningen has been ranked among the top ten best cities to live in Europe in the 2023 EU Report on Quality of Life in European Cities. Info about life in Groningen can be found here.
2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.
For the complete curriculum see the 'more info about this option' links in the specialisation sections below.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track) (specialization) The four track-specific courses of the B-track focus on the neurobiology as well as the function and evolution of behaviour. Track Mentor: Prof. Meerlo, https://www.rug.nl/staff/p.meerlo Bachelor-Master connections: Biology or other Bachelor in Life Sciences with a substantial neuroscience component. Content: Neurobiological, physiological, and developmental 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 (i.e., the rhythms of life, from molecular mechanisms to behavioural output), evolution of behaviour (development, causation, evolution and adaptive significance), neuroendocrinology, physiology and behaviour (e.g., brain-periphery interactions, energy balance, eating disorders), and neurobiology of behaviour (e.g., neural mechanisms in neuroethology, human speech and birdsong). Altogether training in the B-track prepares students for a future research career in the field of Behavioural neurosciences. B-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, & literature. This information is provided to give an impression of the content of the track. It is not required to study this prior to the start of the programme.
Representative research links:
|
| Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling (C-track) (specialization) The C-track focuses on cognitive processes and their implementation through neural mechanisms at the systems-level. Track Mentor: Track Mentor: Dr. Tassos Sarampalis, https://www.rug.nl/staff/a.sarampalis Bachelor-Master connections: Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (e.g., Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Human Movement Sciences). Content: By characterising 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 future research career in the field of cognitive neurosciences. C-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, and background literature.
Representative research links: Behavioural and Social Sciences: https://research.rug.nl/en/organisations/experimental-psychology/publications/?type=%2Fdk%2Fatira%2Fpure%2Fresearchoutput%2Fresearchoutputtypes%2Fcontributiontojournal%2Farticle
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706072/pdf/nihms-1046507.pdf |
| Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track) (specialization) The track-specific courses focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development, function, and communication, as well as clinical/neurological and psychiatric disorders. Track Mentor: Dr. Susanne Kooistra, https://www.rug.nl/staff/s.m.kooistra Bachelor-Master connections: (Molecular) Medicine, Biomedical Sciences. Content: 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 molecular and biomedical (or clinical) neurosciences. N-track Curriculum information, representative papers, research projects, and background literature. This information is provided to give an impression of the content of the track. It is not required to study this prior to the start of the programme.
Representative research links:
|
During the BCN programme you can do an internship abroad in various labs around the globe. The exchange period has a typical duration of 7 months and counts toward your final degree.
| 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. |
| knowledge minimum |
Please see detailed information for each track in the section “Programme” |
| reference letter |
Please provide us with reference letters from two qualified referees. |
| other admission requirements |
The BCN research master is selective. Selection will be based on academic performance, motivation, and extracurricular activities. After registering via www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/ (before May 1st) your application will be forwarded to the Board of Admissions. BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at https://www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/ 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. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology (EN), Psychology (NL) | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
| Biology | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
| Bewegingswetenschappen | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
| Artificial Intelligence | All Research universities | Additional requirements |
| Medicine | All Research universities |
Additional requirements More information:Preferred learning community: Molecular Medicine |
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 for 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). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:
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 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| 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. |
| knowledge minimum |
Please see detailed information for each track in the section "Programme" |
| 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 selective. Selection will be based on academic performance, motivation, and extracurricular activities. After registering via www.rug.nl/fse/education/admission-application/apply-msc/ (before May 1st) your application will be forwarded to the Board of Admissions. BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit ' MSc Application Procedure ' 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 for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course starting on 1 September). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:
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 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
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.
To get a sense for the type of research corresponding to each track, please see the section 'Programme' above. There, we provide representative papers and/or links to recently published research for each of the three tracks in the programme.
