MSc in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
Studying Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience at Victoria University
The MSc in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience is the only programme of its kind in NZ.
It integrates cognitive and behavioural perspectives on the interaction between cognition, brain and
behaviour.
This programme provides graduates with grounding in cognitive and behavioural theory, and
expertise in neuroscience-based technologies and approaches that are becoming increasingly
important to our understanding of behaviour. These techniques include electrophysiology, brain
stimulation, pharmacology, and genetic approaches. This training provides a foundation for further
study in the cognitive and behavioural sciences, and prepares students for careers in basic research,
government, health care, and industry settings.
Key information
The MSc in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience is organised in two parts.
In part 1 students take four seminar courses on topics related to cognitive and behavioural
neuroscience, and a research preparation course that provides an introduction to several
neuroscience-based research tools. Students additionally take two elective seminars in other areas
of psychology or related disciplines.
In Part 2, students complete a focused research thesis in their chosen area, supervised by one of the
principal investigators within the program. With approval, students in Part 2 can upgrade to a PhD.
Full time students can complete this qualification in two years. It is possible for students to study
part time with the approval of the Programme Director.
Student Profiles
Joshua Foster initially enrolled at Victoria
University as a physics major, but took two
Introductory Psychology courses and was hooked.
As a research
assistant in the
school’s Cognitive
and Affective
Neuroscience
Laboratory, he
examined how
emotion and
cognition interact.
His experience in
the laboratory led
Josh to enrol in the MSc in Cognitive and
Behavioural Neuroscience. In his thesis work, Josh
used electroencephalography (EEG) to determine
whether emotional faces automatically capture
attention.
Josh says he particularly enjoyed the stimulation of
working alongside other postgraduate students,
and attending meetings where students working in
different laboratories presented their research to
each other. “As a Master’s student, the
opportunity to pursue my own research,
collaborate with researchers both in New Zealand
and abroad, and present my work at conferences,
convinced me that I want to pursue a career in
research.”
Josh feels the MSc programme at Victoria
University prepared him well for further study. He
is currently completing his PhD in Cognitive
Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. He
plans to develop a career as a researcher and
lecturer.
How to apply
Domestic students should complete their
application online. International students
should contact Victoria International to begin
their application process.
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/psyc/study/postgra
duate-study/msc-cbns
Emma Ashcroft completed a conjoint BA in
criminology / BSc in psychology in 2014, and went
on to enrol in an MSc in Cognitive and Behavioural
Neuroscience. She wants her research to have
some direct application in the world, and is
interested in the neurological basis of dyslexia and
its possible treatment. She therefore chose “A
treatment intervention for visual subtype dyslexia”
as her thesis topic.
In her research Emma is developing computerbased learning tools based on neuroscientific
findings about reading. She works with children
and adolescents, having them complete computerbased reading tasks, analysing incorrect responses,
and assessing whether their performance
improves in response to her intervention. She
hopes these tools will be used in schools to help
dyslexic children learn to read.
Emma says she is really
enjoying postgraduate
study, especially the
smaller class sizes and
opportunities to share
ideas with other
postgraduate students.
Her advice for anyone
considering doing an
MSc is “it’s about the
people around you.
Don’t be afraid to email
lecturers, they want to have conversations and
hear your ideas.” She would like to complete a PhD
here at Victoria University, perhaps building on her
current research.
Important dates
Application deadline – 24th November 2017
Contacts for further information
Programme Director:
[email protected]
Administrator Graduate Programmes
[email protected]