MSc in Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics

Our Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics MSc provide flexible interdisciplinary research and access to state-of-the-art equipment for brain imaging, electrophysiological recording, psychophysics, advanced data analysis, computational modelling and robotic systems.

This MSc course aims to integrate two active and rapidly developing fields, computational neuroscience and cognitive robotics, to generate innovative strategies and solutions for scientific problems and technological limitations.

From modelling human cognition to programming robots to act in their environment, this course crosses the boundary between several disciplines, including biology, neuroscience, psychology, and computer science.

The CNCR MSc course is highly interdisciplinary encompassing psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, computational modelling, neuroimaging, robotics, and patient rehabilitation. The course is designed for those who are interested in applying knowledge of neural systems, brain function, and modelling to research in human cognition, perception, sensory and motor systems as well as the design of bio-inspired and biologically plausible robotic systems. It has a strong research focus with hands-on modules and practical applications. The course is aimed at both students from psychology/neuroscience with a strong quantitative background and at students from computer science and physics that want to apply their knowledge to neuroscience.

Programme organisation

A significant part of the CNCR MSc Course involves being part of a research group and conducting an independent research project. For this, you will be assigned to a supervisor and supervise the research project. Your research project is written up as the master's dissertation and counts for one-third of your degree. Exposure to a different research group is intended to broaden research experience and widen the research skills repertoire.

The course is organised jointly through the Schools of Psychology, Computer Science, Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences and Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering.

Your choice of course modules will be individualised and agreed upon between you and your supervisor. The goal is to develop your knowledge and skills to allow you to carry out your research project in Semester 3 while learning a wide range of neuroscience, computation, and experimental method topics. Several modules rely on Matlab programming skills for their practical exercises, which could be used also in the placement and project. Students that don't have sufficient programming knowledge will be required to attend a programming course in Semester 1.

You will be taught to devise a research plan and will read and comment on scientific articles. You will choose the topic for your research project with the help of a research proposal module. The module allows you to participate in CNCR seminars, journal clubs, and lab activities to have sufficient knowledge to carry out the research project. This will expose you to cutting-edge research and labs.

Why study this course?

This course provides a flexible inter-disciplinary research apprenticeship, suitable for those seeking to begin commercial or postgraduate research.

You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment for brain imaging, electrophysiological recording, psychophysics, advanced data analysis, computational modelling and robotic systems, supervised by internationally leading researchers.

The College of Life and Environmental Sciences is dedicated to exploring the diversity and evolutionary challenges of life in all its forms.

Across the breadth of life and environmental sciences, we discover, apply and translate science, forging major advances in human and environmental health. From exercise, biomedicine and mental health to climate change, food security and resilience we combine original thinking and real-world experience with clear focus and rigour. This is underpinned by our enabling technologies, which combine state-of-the-art equipment with expert staff.

We are home to one of the best stand-alone Schools of Psychology in the UK, as well as being ranked consistently in the top five in the world QS league table for Sport and Exercise Sciences. Supported by a major gift from a philanthropist, we have developed the unique Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BiFoR), which is investigating the effect of rapid climate change on tree canopy development and pathogens.

The College is comprised of four Schools: Biosciences; Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences; Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences; and Psychology. We combine our discipline expertise with those across the wider University to address the most significant human and environmental questions of the present, past and future.

Our extensive engagement with partners across academia, industry and communities deliver a growing impact on the local, national and global stage.

Talented staff

With a faculty of more than 700 academic and professional services staff working in partnership, we are actively engaging with University initiatives to make high-quality appointments in the College’s established and emerging centres of research excellence. Among our academic staff are a number of outstanding, high potential, early career researchers, appointed as part of the University’s sector-leading Birmingham Fellowship programme. Our professional services staff provide valuable support to academic colleagues, enabling an exceptional educational experience for our students, and helping us to grow our influence regionally, nationally, and globally.

One of our core aims in the College is to help our staff to look after themselves. We have a range of apps, programmes and information available to our staff to improve and support both their physical, and mental health.

World-leading research

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014) the majority of our research was rated as world-leading (4) or internationally excellent (3). Our world-leading multidisciplinary research areas include:

• Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR)
• Environmental Sciences
• Microbiology and Infection
• Water Sciences
• Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain
• Centre for Human Brain Health
• Institute for Mental Health

In recent years, the College has placed significant investment into key interdisciplinary initiatives including the Centre for Computational Biology and, recently, the Centre for Human Brain Health. Established in 2017, the Institute for Mental Health will largely focus on transforming NHS services from an evidence base of the highest quality research. These investments build on the College’s outstanding infrastructure and reputation for enabling technologies.

Teaching excellence

The College is home to around 5,000 students studying a diverse range of more than 100 undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research programmes.

The combination of outstanding research, training, fieldwork and facilities enables our students to engage with the most exciting and pioneering research through its impact and application to real-world challenges. As a result, they learn both transferable and discipline-specific skills giving them the confidence and experience to succeed in a wide range of careers across the globe.

International students in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences

We are home to a diverse and vibrant community of international students who have chosen the University of Birmingham to further their studies in biosciences, geography, earth sciences, environmental sciences, planning, psychology, sport and exercise sciences and physiotherapy.

Muhammad Nadzmie Bin Zulkifli - Malaysia (MSc Air Pollution Control and Management)

“My favourite thing of being a student in the University of Birmingham probably would be the community, the diverse international community here. It makes me feel at home.”

Christy Wong Hei Yan - Hong Kong (BSc Psychology)

“Studying abroad can broaden my horizons”

Our schools

• Biosciences
• Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Psychology
• Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Fellowships

Pursue an independent fellowship in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and gain the opportunity to further your own research within a globally respected multi-disciplinary environment.

Postdoctoral and Early Researcher Career Development and Training - PERCAT

The PERCAT programme within the Colleges of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Life and Environmental Sciences aims to provide a gateway to resources and support available at the University of Birmingham for career development and training for postdoctoral and early career researchers, including events, seminars, career development opportunities, research council funding, fellowships and other support services.