Master of Neuroscience (Advanced option available)

MRI brain scans on a screen

Master of Neuroscience (Advanced option available)

Study Neuroscience at ANU

Can you imagine building a career in research by studying how cells and the nervous system work in the brain and body?

The Master of Neuroscience is your opportunity to learn more about biology, biotechnology and policy roles in clinical medicine, biomedical science and education.

Work with some of the Australia's leading scientists in the field to develop the theoretical and practical skills for conducting research into modern concepts and methodologies in neuroscience.

This highly interactive, research-based neuroscience program provides opportunities to work closely with staff on a range of neuroscience projects. Current research staff are focused on modern aspects of neuroscience, including optogenetics, a way of studying brain cell sensitivity to light, measuring nerve activity and how chemicals are released, and the degradation of the eye’s retina.

New students in the Advanced program are eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place.

What you will learn

Master of Neuroscience

The Master of Neuroscience offers a variety of study areas such as cellular and systems neuroscience, cell physiology in health and disease. neuroscience research proposal, medical physiology and pharmacology, biochemistry and nutrition, advanced research techniques, research, treatment and policy, neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, science communication, and human ecology.

Advanced program

The Advanced program consists of one year of coursework plus one year of independent research. The coursework component will provide you with an advanced knowledge of current concepts in neuroscience, and will support those who wish to move into a neuroscience field from related areas of science and psychology but do not have a significant neuroscience background.

Your independent research will allow you to develop expertise in a nominated area.

A scholarship valued at $6,000 per year is available to exceptional students enrolled in the Master of Neuroscience (Advanced).

Key facts

  • #3 in Australia for Biological Sciences (QS 2023)
  • Semester 1 & 2 intake
  • Study part time or full time
  • Advanced option available
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities
  • Prior learning recognised
  • #1 in Australia for graduate employability (Times Higher Education)

Careers

Graduating from the Master of Neuroscience will enhance your existing abilities and expertise, building on your undergraduate experience to retrain for a new career, or provide you with new tools and insight into your work or study ambitions. As a graduate, you will be highly employable for work in research, policy, clinical and management roles in Australia and across the world including:

  • PhD and/or Research Fellow
  • Genetics
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Science communication
  • Lecturing, teaching and education.

Students graduate with the ability to carry out research on neuroscience in university, industry, health or government research institutions.

Master of Neuroscience students rate the degree highly, with an overall student satisfaction rating of 100 per cent (ANU Undergraduate and Postgraduate Satisfaction Ratings).

The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.

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Professor Ted Maddess has developed new technology which could revolutionise the diagnosis and management of the most common blinding diseases.

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World class facilities

Use state-of-the-art technology for examining eye movements, texture processing, and brightness and methods for diagnosing neurological disorders. Plus equipment for cell sorting and analysis, fluorescence, confocal and 2 photon microscopy, histology, and imaging.

Learn more

Advanced program

Take your learning much further by working with leading scholars in the field and developing theoretical and practical knowledge in contemporary research exploring neuroscience.

Learn more

Recognition of prior learning

You can be granted course credits or exemptions for prior learning that is formal, non-formal and informal. If you already work in a related field, relevant workplace learning can be incorporated into your study.

Learn more

Learning experience

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Ayla Venslovas

Neuroscience grad has research on the brain

Ayla Venslovas’ complex neuroscience research is one of the reasons why she says she’ll be graduating with confidence in her chosen field.  

Discover why studying the brain has changed Ayla’s perspective
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TomShaw_0_0

Meet neuroscience student Tom Shaw

"I didn’t have undergraduate training in cellular neuroscience so the Masters program was challenging at first but it’s exactly what I want to do, so that’s kept me motivated."

Read Tom's story

Fees & scholarships

Fees

Please visit the Programs and Courses website for information about fees.

View fees View fees for advanced program

Scholarships

Whether you are looking for financial support to start your studies at ANU or help to move away from home for the first time, we have scholarship opportunities for you and your situation.

Key people

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Associate Professor Brian Billups

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Brian's research has primarily focused on cellular nervous systems, the central nervous system, cell physiology, basic pharmacology, receptors and membrane biology.

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Professor Ehsan Arabzadeh

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Ehsan is studying sensory processing at the level of single cells and neuronal populations. His lab, the Neural Coding Group, is combining electrophysiological recordings, optical imaging, and computational analyses to create detailed models of the neural circuits that underpin the efficient encoding and decoding of sensory signals.

How to apply

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the domestic postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

Domestic postgraduate applications

Understand the how to apply steps

Visit the international postgraduate applications page to prepare for your application to ANU.

International postgraduate applications

 

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