Overview
We accept applications for MPhil, MD and PhD in Neuroscience in many research areas. These include:
Motor systems development, plasticity and function
We conduct studies of normal and abnormal development. We also explore the plasticity of the motor system. This involves both clinical and preclinical developments. We run functional studies and computer modelling of motor system activity. We explore this throughout the neuraxis. We research the development and assessment of novel therapies for motor disorders/lesions. This includes stem cell and brain-machine interface.
Visual system development, plasticity and repair
We research novel neuro-technological approaches to retinal dystrophy repair. This includes brain-machine interface and stem cells. We use in vitro approaches to look at retinal development and visual system wiring.
Neural computation and network systems
We conduct experimental and theoretical studies. This is to understand how neurones throughout the brain interact. We explore how they act in localised networks to compute complex tasks.
Behaviour and evolution
Our research groups take evolutionary and comparative approaches to study brain behaviour. We compare brain function and behaviour. We explore this in:
- insects
- birds
- mammals
We study the ecological and evolutionary functions of their behaviour. Much of our work is at the forefront of:
- neuroethology
- behavioural ecology
- comparative cognition
It has important implications for the study and practice of animal welfare.
Visual perception and human cognition
We research:
- colour and depth perception – perception of natural scenes
- psychophysics and attention – memory
- word learning in children
- body image dysfunction
- visual social cognition and face processing
- advertising and consumer behaviour.
Auditory neuroscience
We conduct clinical and preclinical studies. We explore the brain mechanisms involved in the detection, discrimination and perception of sound. We look into how these mechanisms affect individuals with brain disorders. Disorders include dementia, autism and stroke.
Pain
Our research focuses on:
- understanding mechanisms underlying pain, analgesia, and anaesthesia
- the development of methods to assess pain and to reduce pain in animals and humans
Psychobiology
We conduct studies in laboratory animals, healthy volunteers and patient populations. We investigate the mechanisms underlying mood, anxiety and addiction disorders and their treatment. Allied research looks at normal neuropsychology. It explores psychiatric disorders the physiology and pharmacology. Research focuses on neurotransmitter and endocrine systems implicated in psychiatric disorders.
Neurotoxicology
We explore mechanisms of action of established and putative neurotoxins. This includes environmental and endogenous chemicals and naturally occurring toxins.
Forensic psychiatry and clinical psychology
Our research covers:
- the assessment, treatment and management of sex offender risk
- development and assessment of cognitive models
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment for bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety and developmental disorders
- developmental disorders of perception and cognition
Systems and computational neuroscience
We conduct theoretical and experimental studies. We aim to understand the following areas of memory:
- neuroanatomy
- neuropharmacology of vision
- visual attention
- episodic
Behaviour and evolution
Our research groups take evolutionary and comparative approaches to study brain behaviour. We compare brain function and behaviour. We explore this in:
- insects
- birds
- mammals
We study the ecological and evolutionary functions of their behaviour. Much of our work is at the forefront of:
- neuroethology
- behavioural ecology
- comparative cognition
It has important implications for the study and practice of animal welfare.
Visual perception and human cognition
We research:
- colour and depth perception – perception of natural scenes
- psychophysics and attention – memory
- word learning in children
- body image dysfunction
- visual social cognition and face processing
- advertising and consumer behaviour.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MPhil – Master of Philosophy
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
MD – Doctor of Medicine
An MD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It combines your research findings with clinical practice. To complete the MD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. For professionally qualified doctors, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is awarded.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
- Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
- Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the FMS researcher development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- Discovery Medicine North – MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
- Newcastle Liverpool Durham BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
You’ll work in the Faculty of Medical Sciences. This is part of our city-centre campus.
The Faculty is also home to:
- dentistry
- medicine
- psychology
- pharmacy
It is on the same site as Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary hospital. We are one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.
Our facilities include:
- individual research laboratories where students carry out their projects
- a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
- hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
- dedicated facilities for a range of key bioscience applications. This includes flow cytometry, bioinformatics, imaging, genomics and proteomics
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
MPhil
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a science or medicine related subject.
PhD
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent. Further research experience or a Master’s degree would be advantageous.
MD
A MBBS, or an equivalent medical degree.
