Introduction to Neuroimaging - 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.

Who is this Short Course suitable for?

This short course is designed for anyone interested in modern MRI-based neuroimaging methods. It is particularly relevant for researchers, healthcare professionals, psychologists, physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and anyone with a curiosity about the brain. Whether you are looking to enhance your expertise or explore how cognitive neuroscientists and physicians investigate brain function, this course offers an engaging and informative learning experience.

Why study this course?

This course provides a solid foundation in neuroimaging, equipping learners with:

• Theoretical knowledge essential for understanding modern MRI and functional MRI-based neuroscience research.
• Ethical and philosophical insights into the challenges of neuroimaging research.
• Practical skills needed to design, conduct, and analyse neuroimaging studies.

By the end of the course, participants will have the expertise to interpret neuroimaging data and apply their knowledge in research or clinical settings.

How long does this course take to complete?

This short course runs over 12 weeks during Semester 1 of the academic year.

For the 2025/26 academic year, Semester 1 runs from 29th September to 22nd December 2025.
 

Assessment

Assessments are designed to encourage continuous learning and practical application of course materials. They include:

• Short weekly coursework (150-300 words) – 40% of the overall grade.
• Final timed open-book exam – 60% of the overall grade.

Further Information

This flexible assessment allows the learner to follow their own interests by writing a coaching essay aimed at improving perceptual/motor skills in a particular sport or domain (e.g. business, education, music etc.).   (Word count 2,500). 

Tutor

Dr Ken Valyear

I teach rehabilitation neuroscience, brain stimulation, clinical and applied neuroscience, and methods in cognitive neuroscience. I supervise BSc, MSc and PhD student dissertations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Paul Mullins

 

Professor of Neuroimaging and Senior Physicist at the Bangor Imaging Centre in the School of Psychology and Sports Science.

My research falls into three broad areas: the use of magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to investigate basic neurologic and physiologic processes in health and disease; the use of these techniques to measure changes associated with neurotransmission and neural activity in health and disease; and investigating the impacts of physiologic challenges (e.g. hypoxia, concussion, exercise) on the brain.

I also interact with colleagues from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences on MRI study design, data acquisition and processing and the resources available to help with their research questions, my aim is to keep the Bangor Imaging Unit a world-class centre for neuroimaging research in North Wales.

What will you study on this course?

Participants will explore key concepts and practical skills in neuroimaging, including:

• Basic computing and data literacy for neuroimaging.
• Imaging data formats and management techniques.
• Statistical analysis of functional time-series data.
• Experimental design for functional imaging studies.
• Software skills for data processing and analysis, using tools such as MATLAB, FSL, SPM, and TARQUIN

List of Units

The syllabus covers the following areas:

• Basic computer literacy – Understanding brain informatics and data structures.
• Viewing neuroimaging data – NIFTI format, image contrasts, and resolution.
• Using MATLAB – Simulating hemodynamic responses across time series.
• The General Linear Model (GLM) – Design matrices, testing efficiency, and first-level analysis in FSL.
• Second-level analysis using SPM – Advanced neuroimaging data interpretation.
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) processing – Basics of tractography.
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) – Data processing and analysis.
• Neuroimaging study design – Principles of experimental setup and methodology.

To be eligible for this course, applicants must have:

• An undergraduate degree (2:1 or higher).

Alternatively, applicants with at least three years of relevant work experience and evidence of recent study or professional development (demonstrating readiness to study at Level 6/7) may also be considered.

If you do not meet the standard academic requirements, please contact the course lead to discuss your eligibility.
 

How to Apply

Please make sure you read and follow the step-by-step application guide as this will specify which sections of the application form are compulsory for the type of course you want to apply for and save you time.

Please prepare the following information (in a Word document):

• Current employment details;
• Years of experience, and employment history (where relevant)
• Name of staff member and organisation that have approved your funding for this module.

This will speed up the process of completing the application form