Description:

The Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience is a comprehensive 120 ECTS credit curriculum spread over two academic years. It is meticulously designed to provide students with a profound understanding of human brain function. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to tackle complex brain-behavior issues.

Deadline:

The application period is scheduled for January 2026.

Dates:

• Application Period: January 2026
• Program Start: Late August 2026
• Duration: 2 academic years (2026–2028)

Location:

University of Turku, Turku, Finland

Tuition fee:

Free for citizens of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, for citizens of non-EU/EEA countries €10,000/academic year

Key Components of the Programme:

1. Brain Imaging Methods (15 ECTS): Students will learn non-invasive techniques to investigate brain activation and structure, including modalities such as PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG, TMS, and optical imaging.

2. Clinical Neuroscience (23 ECTS): This component delves into the neural basis of human brain functions and clinical neuroscience, providing insights into various neurological conditions and their impact on behavior.

3. Behavioral Methods (10 ECTS): Students will be trained in methods to measure human cognition, perception, consciousness, and performance, integrating behavioral assessments with brain imaging data.

4. Data Analysis (10 ECTS): This segment focuses on equipping students with the skills to analyze complex behavioral and neuroimaging data, essential for interpreting research findings accurately.

5. Elective Courses (17 ECTS): Students have the flexibility to choose courses that align with their specific interests, allowing for a tailored educational experience.

6. Human Neuroscience Seminars: These seminars encompass lab presentations, thesis discussions, and exploration of future career opportunities, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

7. Master’s Thesis (40 ECTS): An integral part of the program, the thesis involves conducting practical research work, writing a research plan, and participating in research seminars. The thesis is based on analyses of behavioral and/or brain-imaging data conducted in collaboration with research groups or companies in the Turku area or elsewhere.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background:

   • Possess a nationally recognized first-cycle degree—typically a Bachelor’s degree—from an accredited institution of higher education.
   • The degree should correspond to at least 180 ECTS (European credits) or three years of full-time study.
   • The degree must be in a relevant field, such as psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, medical sciences, biomedicine, biochemistry, life sciences, biology, physics, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering. Degrees in other fields may also provide a suitable background depending on the applicant’s study history and plans.

2. Language Proficiency:

   • Applicants must demonstrate excellent English language skills, typically proven by internationally recognized English language tests. Specific requirements and accepted tests are detailed on the university’s admissions page.

3. Motivation Letter:

   • A motivation letter (maximum 2,000 characters, including spaces) is required, addressing the following:
     • Reasons for choosing the Master’s Degree Programme in Human Neuroscience.
     • Relevance of previous studies in the field of neuroscience.
     • Knowledge and experience in statistics and/or programming.
     • Proficiency in English, particularly in scientific writing.

The motivation letter may be checked for plagiarism.

Application Evaluation:

Applications are evaluated by the admission committee based on:

• Suitability of background studies.
• Previous academic success.
• Content and quality of the motivation letter.

Only complete applications received during the application period are considered. Preliminary assessments of suitability or chances for admission are not provided.

Link to the Programme:

For comprehensive details and application procedures, visit the official program page HERE