Neuroscience (Biomedical Sciences - Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences) PhD, MScR Level: Postgraduate research Subject: Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences Year of entry: 2027 Study options Part-time MScR | 2 years | Start date: multiple dates PhD | 6 years | Start date: multiple dates Full-time MScR | 1 year | Start date: multiple dates PhD | 3 years | Start date: multiple dates Key facts School School of Neurological and Cardiovascular Sciences College College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Programme website Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research School location Edinburgh BioQuarter Apply now 17 to 19 November 2026: Postgraduate Virtual Open Days Join us live to explore postgraduate taught and research study at Edinburgh and gain key insights before you apply. Browse sessions and register Overview About the degree programme This programme encompasses the study of the central and peripheral nervous systems at multiple levels of analysis, from the molecular and cellular levels to cognitive neuroscience, brain imaging, and behavioural neuroscience.Our training environment is highly dynamic, and you will learn through:hands-on laboratory-based projectsguided readingone-to-one supervisiongroup seminarssocietiesworkshops Study options PhDYou can study this programme full-time or part-time, with study normally commencing in Autumn.The full-time route is 36 months, with a further 12-month submission period.The part-time route is 72 months, with a further 12-month submission period.MSc by ResearchThe MSc by Research is a full-time 1-year, or part-time 2-year research project carried out under supervision. MSc by Research in Integrative NeuroscienceThis programme is different from the MSc by Research in Integrative Neuroscience, which contains formal taught elements. Find more information about the MScR Integrative Neuroscience Why choose this programme Gain hands-on research experience through laboratory-based projects, supported by one-to-one supervision and a highly interactive research environment.Build a strong foundation for a research career, developing the independent research, analytical and communication skills needed for PhD study, academia and research-intensive roles.Become part of a vibrant neuroscience community, with excellent opportunities to present your work, attend seminars and engage with researchers across multiple neuroscience disciplines.Access advanced neuroscience technologies and methods, including imaging, genomics, proteomics, informatics and in vivo analysis techniques used in contemporary brain research. “The University of Edinburgh offers a diverse and collaborative scientific community, making it an ideal place to study and conduct my own research. Edinburgh itself is a vibrant and welcoming city - I couldn't imagine living anywhere else!” Eleni Tsoukala PhD Neuroscience and Simons Initiative for Developing Brain candidate Applying How to apply Initial enquiries should be made to the Postgraduate Research Student Administrator:INCR.postgraduate@ed.ac.uk If you have your own research proposalBefore applying online, you should identify a potential supervisor and discuss your proposal with them.If you are applying for an advertised projectBefore applying online, you should contact the supervisor to discuss your interest in their project. When to apply We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Application fee There is no fee to apply to this programme. What you need to apply As part of your online application, you will need to provide: a personal statementrelevant knowledge/training skillsand, if applicable:your research topicdetails of any published workYou will also need to provide some or all of the following supporting information and documents:a research proposalname of supervisor (if known)research project (if applying to an advertised project)copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts that confirm your current or final marksreferencesevidence you meet the English language requirementscertified translations if your original documents are not in EnglishWhen you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide. ReferencesYou must submit two references with your application. Interview You will be invited to an in-person or virtual interview by their proposed supervisor and at least one other member of staff. Interviews typically consist of a short presentation followed by questions to a panel of experienced research investigators. Specific interview details may vary, but typically last between 30-40 minutes. Apply Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for. Select programme - Select a programme - MScR Neuroscience (2 years) PhD Neuroscience (Biomedical Sciences - Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences) (6 years) PhD Neuroscience (Biomedical Sciences - Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences) (3 years) MScR Neuroscience (1 year) After you apply Applications require a minimum processing time of one month. Applicants can expect to hear the outcome within two months of applying. Academic Technology Approval Scheme If you need to apply for a student visa, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme. Academic Technology Approval Scheme Funding, fees and costs Funding Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:borrowing moneytaking out a loanfamily supportpersonal savingsincome from workemployer sponsorshipscholarshipsExplore sources of funding for postgraduate study UK government loans If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan for study from one of the UK’s governments.You should check that your chosen programme is eligible for the funding you want to apply for. View details: UK government loans Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship In order to attract the best and brightest PhD students, the University seeks to offer not only unparalleled research facilities and superb supervision, but also to provide development opportunities which will support our research students as they progress beyond their PhD, through an exciting scholarship scheme.The awards are open to UK and overseas students applying to start their first year of study for an on-campus research degree in 2026-2027. Value: Covers tuition fees as well as a stipend equivalent to the UKRI stipend rate (£21,805 in 2026/27) Eligibility: Applicants must be of outstanding academic merit and research potential. Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, a UK first class or 2:1 honours degree at undergraduate level or the international equivalent. Deadline: February 2027 View details: Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships | Scholarships and Student Funding | Student Administration Applicants must have already applied for admission to a first year of full-time or part-time on campus or distance PhD study at the University. We encourage applicants who wish to apply for this scholarship to make contact with their academic school regarding any admission deadlines.Please check the Entry Requirements for your proposed programme of study for details of other acceptable English language qualifications. You may apply for the scholarship prior to obtaining the necessary English language test results but the results should be uploaded as soon as possible.These awards cannot be held concurrently with fully-funded scholarships but can be held with partially-funded scholarships and will be reduced pro-rata.Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships | Scholarships and Student Funding | Student AdministrationThe online scholarship application form is located in EUCLID and can be accessed via MyEd - our web based information portal at: https://www.myed.ed.ac.uk Search for other funding opportunities You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.Postgraduate funding opportunities Tuition fees Tuition fees by award and duration Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year. Part-time MScR Neuroscience (2 years) tuition fees PhD Neuroscience (Biomedical Sciences - Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences) (6 years) tuition fees Full-time MScR Neuroscience (1 year) tuition fees PhD Neuroscience (Biomedical Sciences - Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences) (3 years) tuition fees Graduate discount If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.Find out how to receive your graduate discount Costs Additional programme costs In addition to tuition fees, your programme is subject to additional programme costs. These contribute to the costs of conducting your research project, and may include aspects such as:research consumables and model systemsdata access/linkagefacility access charges fieldwork costscomputing resourcesessential travel and subsistenceYou should discuss with your supervisor how these costs will be paid and ascertain if these costs are covered by your funding scheme/scholarship or if there are any additional costs you need to cover.Estimated costs can be:up to £5,000 per year for MScR students£5,000 to £30,000 per year (pro-rata) for PhD students Accommodation and living costs You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £18,504 each year (£1,542 each month) to live in Edinburgh as a postgraduate.The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.Living costs: estimates explained Entry requirements These entry requirements are for the 2027-28 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2028-29 academic year will be published in early Oct 2027. Qualifications A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. International equivalent qualifications To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list. Where you studied - Select a country or region - Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia Democratic Republic of Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Finland France Gabon The Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guatemala Guinea Haiti Honduras Hong Kong-SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau-SAR China Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands, The New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria North Macedonia Norway Oman Pacific Islands Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam West Indies and Caribbean Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe My country or region is not listed English language requirements You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:an English language test (restrictions apply)a degree that was taught and assessed in English (restrictions apply)certain professional qualifications English language tests we accept We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher: IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.5 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component. Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component. How old your English language tests can be Tests no more than two years oldThe following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:IELTS AcademicTOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)Oxford ELLTOxford Test of English AdvancedTests no more than three and a half years oldAll other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality. Degrees taught and assessed in English We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.UKVI list of majority English speaking countriesWe also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).Approved universities in non-MESCHow old your degree can beIf you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Find out more about our English language requirements Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.English language requirements Programme details Research profile Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences (CDBS) is an interdisciplinary research centre within the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, part of the School of Neurological and Cardiovascular Sciences. CDBS, along with other university-wide, often philanthropically funded, themed research centres, make up Edinburgh Neuroscience: the vibrant interdisciplinary research structure that facilitates interaction and collaboration between researchers across groups, centres, schools and colleges.Over 1,200 staff and students collaborate across our core research areas, bringing together expertise that spans the body and life course.Together, we work to advance the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of major health conditions, including:heart diseasestrokemetabolic dysfunctionmental illnessdementianeurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disordersOur community attracts over £50 million in external peer-reviewed funding each year.Our research | Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences | Centre for Discovery Brain SciencesWhat does a day in the life look like inside the Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research? Our research community As a new institute founded in 2025, we are committed to creating a collaborative, inclusive and welcoming community.Our world-class researchers drive cutting-edge science and are supported by our expert technical and professional services colleagues. Our postgraduate students are at the heart of our community.Our people are central to our mission, contributing fresh ideas, energy and innovation to deliver research that improves lives. Whether just starting out or leading the way, we want all our colleagues to feel supported, empowered and inspired to achieve their best.Meet some of our people | Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research | College of Medicine and Vet Medicine Programme structure PhDThe first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will assess your training needs and suggest relevant training opportunities. You must pass an annual review to successfully progress to the next year of study.You are strongly encouraged to attend research seminars and generic skills training programmes provided by the University. You also have the opportunity to act as demonstrators for undergraduate teaching.In Year 1, you may have the opportunity to participate in relevant taught modules of several associated MSc courses.Annual reviewsYear 1You will submit a 10-week report and a 9-month report, which are both assessed by the thesis committee. The 10-week report is a short report outlining the project. The 9-month report is an extended version of the report and includes a literature survey.At the first annual review meeting, you will deliver an oral presentation of your work to the thesis committee.Year 2Your progress is assessed at the annual review meeting.Year 3Your progress is assessed at the annual review meeting. To be awarded a PhD, you must submit your final thesis and defend it in an oral examination, which is assessed according to the University's regulations.MSc by ResearchThe MSc by Research is a full-time 1-year (or part-time 2-year) research project carried out under supervision. You will have two supervisors. This programme has no formally taught components and is therefore only suitable for highly motivated students with a clear idea of their research interests and goals, and significant theoretical or practical knowledge of a chosen field. An MScR provides excellent training in laboratory research and a strong grounding for further study at PhD level.After three months of study, you will deliver a short presentation and report of completed and proposed work to supervisors. At the end of the year, you will submit a dissertation and be assessed for the award of MSc by Research. Support You will carry out your studies within a research group under the supervision of an academic staff member who will be your primary supervisor. Supervisors maintain the highest standards of research training with a strong research output in leading international journals.You will also be supported by the Postgraduate Research Director and Postgraduate Research Student Administrator.In addition, PhD students will be assigned a personal PhD thesis committee comprising their primary supervisor, one or more assistant supervisors and another academic staff member appointed as committee chair. The committee will provide advice and mentoring, and monitor progress. TrainingWe also offer training events and support for PhD and MScR students in both academic and key life skills. In collaboration with other areas of the University, we provide a supportive training programme for PhD students hired as tutors and demonstrators. Facilities You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment to facilitate your research objectives. These are located at the Edinburgh BioQuarter, where the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is located. Careers Career opportunities Graduates of the MScR and PhD Neuroscience programmes are excellently equipped for careers in academic research, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, clinical and translational research, and data-driven health sciences. By gaining experience in areas ranging from molecular and cellular neuroscience to brain imaging, cognition and behaviour, students develop highly sought-after skills in research design, laboratory techniques, data analysis and scientific communication. Potential job roles include:Postdoctoral ResearcherClinical Scientist Trainee (STP - Scientist Training Programme)Manufacturing BiotechnologistTeaching Fellow/LecturerLab ScientistResearch Associate Example employers/sectors:NHSLife Sciences IndustryPublic SectorAcademia and Research Careers Service Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. With the Careers Service, you can: access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengthstry different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you developget help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobsattend careers events and practice interviewsget information and advice to help you make informed decisions Visit the Careers Service website Life at Edinburgh What our students say Thinking about studying with us? See what our students say about studying at the Institute: What our students say | Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research | College of Medicine and Vet Medicine Accommodation We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programmeaccept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 Julystudy at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in SeptemberUniversity accommodation websiteAccommodation guarantee criteriaWe also offer accommodation options for couples and families.Accommodation for couples and familiesIf you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place Societies and clubs Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.SocietiesSport Clubs The city of Edinburgh Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. Find out more about living in Edinburgh Exercise, leisure and support facilities Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities that you might find useful day-to-day, including:sport and active wellbeing facilitiesUniversity cafes and cateringEdinburgh University Students' Association (EUSA) venues and shopsa multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and nonea University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus) Health and wellbeing support You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.The support services we offer include: a student counselling service a health centre (doctor's surgery) support if you're living in University accommodation dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustmentsHealth and wellbeing support services Disability and Learning Support Contact General enquiries For general PhD enquiries, contact the Postgraduate Research Student Administration Team:INCR.Postgraduate@ed.ac.uk Academic contact For academic queries, contact the Programme Director, Paddy Hadoke. Paddy Hadoke Postgraduate Research Director Contact details Email: INCR.Postgrad@ed.ac.uk
