Introduction to Neuroimaging Analysis - 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 the practical aspects of analysing MRI-based neuroimaging data. It is particularly relevant for researchers, healthcare professionals, psychologists, physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and anyone eager to gain hands-on experience in neuroimaging techniques. Whether you are looking to develop practical data analysis skills or deepen your understanding of how cognitive neuroscientists and physicians study brain function, this course provides an engaging and applied learning experience.

Why study this course?

This short course focuses on teaching students the practical steps involved in analysing MRI-based neuroimaging studies. From data processing and analysis to study design and implementation, learners will develop key skills for working with neuroimaging data.
The course will cover:

• Neuroimaging data formats and best practices for data management.
• The General Linear Model (GLM) and its role in neuroimaging analysis.
• Designing effective fMRI studies using knowledge of the GLM.
• Pre-processing and analysing MRI and fMRI data using software such as MATLAB, FSL, SPM, MRS, and DTI packages.
• Reporting and interpreting neuroimaging results to inform research and practice.

A lab-based module, this course provides hands-on experience in data analysis, visualization, and programming, equipping learners with the skills needed to work with neuroimaging data in a research or clinical setting.

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 skill development and application of knowledge. They include:

• Weekly practical coursework assignments – 50% of the overall grade. These scaffold learning week by week, ensuring steady skill progression.
• Final analysis project – 30% of the overall grade. Students will process and analyse three neuroimaging datasets, applying the techniques learned throughout the course.

Tutor

Professor 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 gain hands-on experience in neuroimaging data analysis, covering:

• Understanding modern neuroimaging data formats and best practices for data management.
• Applying the General Linear Model (GLM) to neuroimaging data analysis.
• Designing effective fMRI studies based on a solid understanding of the GLM.
• Pre-processing and analysing MRI and fMRI data using industry-standard software.
• Reporting and interpreting fMRI study results with confidence.

This course provides a strong foundation in neuroimaging analysis, preparing learners to design, conduct, and interpret their own neuroimaging studies.

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