Neuroimaging Postgraduate Taught - September 2024/25* Entry

Neuroimaging is an important methodology in modern cognitive and clinical neuroscience of the human brain. It is used to study the physiological correlates of mental processes and it plays a prominent role in the detection, diagnosis and research of neurological and psychiatric illnesses and the evaluation of new treatments. Neuroimaging techniques are growing increasingly sophisticated and as a result there is a high demand in both clinical and research settings for individuals with neuroimaging skills.

The Bangor MSc in Neuroimaging is one of the most well established programmes dealing with modern neuroimaging in the UK. It is exceptional in its focus on both the practical and biomedical aspects of Neuroimaging. Students learn through both taught modules and practical application. Through developing and running their own imaging research project students are afforded the opportunity to participate in novel studies in one of several cognitive and clinical research areas including: social neuroscience, auditory physiology, neurotransmitter dynamics, stroke and acquired brain injury, vision, motor control, and psychopharmacology. Students graduating from the Bangor MSc in Neuroimaging have been extremely successful with 80% either in further higher education, or fully employed in the first year after degree completion.

The MSc is designed to:

• provide students with the knowledge and skills to design, analyze and evaluate imaging data.
• focus on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including functional MRI, anatomical imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and Spectroscopy
• examine neuroimaging in the context of relevant applications.
• to place a strong emphasis on practical skills with a dedicated computer lab where students learn and apply modern analysis and imaging techniques.

Under supervision of our world-class academic staff students co-design and run a novel imaging based research study using the in-house 3T MRI scanner.

The course is especially suited for:

• students interested in pursuing an Academic career in the field of Neuroimaging;
• students looking to find a job as research staff in industry or academic labs involved in translational brain research;
• medical professionals looking to develop skills in an emergent technology and research field;
• students with a background in physics, mathematics or computer science who want to move into cognitive or clinical neuroscience;
• students with a background in psychology or biology who want to improve their technical skills for a neuroscience career.
• End points for graduates have included:
• Funded PhD’s at Bangor, Nottingham, Cardiff
• Research posts at Cambridge, John Hopkins, NIH, and Oxford
• Clinical assistant posts in Scotland and England
• Research Radiographer posts in England

Student Comments 

“For me, the most important module of the whole postgraduate year. Extremely difficult, but with a huge reward for every single bit one gets to understand.”

“The best class I have taken in a long time. Anyone taking the class before a PhD will have a huge advantage.”

“Excellent feedback provided in all assignments, you can tell that marking each submission has been given a lot of time and thought … I enjoyed having team members in the practical sessions who I could bounce ideas off and work together with ... The level of coding required in practical classes is a real asset.”

“It was really lovely that you always had help whenever you needed it. The lecturers would always spare time to help you and make sure you understand the topic.”

“Practical modules were fantastic and informative.”

Why Study at the School of Psychology?

Have a look at this page for reasons to study for a postgraduate degree at Bangor University's School of Psychology.

What will you study on this course?

The core of the MSc consists of four modules focussing on Neuroimaging, split over two semesters.

The first module, Introduction to Neuroimaging, concentrates on the theoretical and methodological aspects of modern Neuroimaging. It includes an introduction to the physics of MR imaging, the physiological basis of functional signals, the theory behind processing and analysis of imaging data and the design of research studies.

The second module in first semester, Practical Aspects of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), takes place in a dedicated imaging analysis computer lab. Through weekly workshops the students learn how to handle and analyse functional neuroimaging data, how to use two of the major software packages available for FMRI analysis, and how to report the results.

In second semester, Advanced Concepts in Neuroimaging exposes the students to a number of specialized imaging techniques used to understand the biology of brain function in health and disease. This is a seminar based discussion module, in which students critically appraise imaging literature and novel techniques.

The final module is a second practical module, Advanced Analysis techniques in Neuroimaging, is focused on imaging techniques that go beyond typical fMRI studies.

All four modules illustrate the use of imaging in the context of both basic research on typical brain functioning, and translational and clinical studies of disease processes affecting the human brain. Through the two lab based modules the programme also puts a strong emphasis on practical skills. View the Neuroimaging MSc modules.

In addition to course work and research projects, Masters in Neuroimaging students are encouraged to become a part of the local Neuroimaging community by attending and participating in the weekly Bangor Imaging Group (BIG) meeting. This meeting is where academic staff, postdocs and students discuss current research projects and new findings. All MSc and PhD students are expected to propose their research here.

Additional optional modules provide an in-depth view of several content areas of cognitive and clinical neuroscience (see below). Journal-clubs and research meetings concerning fMRI, EEG, and TMS methodologies are open to all students.

Students are required to take a module in advanced statistics to complete the curriculum by training students in a broad scope of statistical skills.

The Bangor Imaging Unit houses a state-of-the-art 3T MRI machine, available for student projects. Setups for the measurement of arm and hand movement, EEG data, and physiological parameters are also available.

In the beginning of the year you start to work with your academic supervisor. The supervisor will be responsible for helping you plan, design, conduct, and draft your research thesis. In your project proposal you will review the relevant literature, and formally outline your study. In the weekly Bangor Imaging Group meeting we learn about and discuss proposed, ongoing and completed studies and important new publications in the field. Moreover, all MSc and PhD students present their proposed plan of research in this forum. Thus, you are tightly integrated into the research environment at the Bangor Imaging Unit, and profit from interactions with PhD students, post-docs, and other supervisors. Your final research project is conducted over the summer months. The course ends with the successful submission of your research thesis and presentation of results at the Psychology Masters conference.

Course Structure

The course consists of two parts. Part one comprises taught modules over two semesters. You are required to take the four core modules in Neuroimaging, which include a large component of laboratory work. You will also choose three ’content’ modules, each designed to provide knowledge and promote understanding in a specific core area of neuroscience. You also take two ’skills’ modules designed to hone your research skills. In addition, you will partner with one of the academic faculty in order to jointly develop a research proposal for your thesis. In parallel with part one, you’ll develop your research study, and then spend the final third semester acquiring data analysing results, and writing your research thesis. View the Neuroimaging MSc modules.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching occurs via lectures, Lab sections, seminars and tutorials given by research experts. All teachers are actively engaged in research programmes. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, oral presentations and a research thesis.

Research Thesis

The thesis is the ’crown’ of the course and is an intensive research experience conducted in collaboration with your supervisor that allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice. In conducting your thesis project, you will develop new skills such as planning, co-operative working, and the academic skills essential to understanding and reporting findings to others.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Neuroimaging Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

Additional Course Costs:

Additional costs may also be charged as follows: Enhanced DBS check (approx. £65).

You can find out more about Scholarships and funding sources here.

You must have a single or joint honours degree in Psychology, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Biology, Medical Sciences or a related subject area, normally with a minimum degree class of 2(i) or equivalent.

IELTS: 6.5 (with no element below 6.0) is required.

 

The Neuroimaging MSc is especially suited for:

• students interested in pursuing an Academic career in the field of Neuroimaging;
• students looking to find a job as research staff in industry or academic labs involved in translational research;
• medical professional, looking to develop skills in a new emergent technology and research field;
• students with a background in physics, mathematics or computer science who want to move into cognitive or clinical neuroscience;
• students with a background in psychology or biology who want to improve their technical skills for a neuroscience career.

Research / Links with Industry

The academics involved with this Neuroimaging MSc have extensive research links with external bodies and companies, which are fully utilised in ensuring that the modules are relevant to the modern work and research environment graduates will enter.