Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences

Are you interested in the basis of consciousness, the mechanisms of learning, or the genetics of behaviour? In this programme you study the brain, cognition, and behaviour from different perspectives.

The main focus of this Research Master is to train students to become independent researchers, and contains three tracks that are described in more detail below:

Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track)
Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling (C-track)
Molecular & Clinical Neurosciences (N-track)
The curriculum consists of 20 ECTS of track-specific education, 10 ECTS of multidisciplinary education that covers all fields of neuroscience, and 90 ECTS in which students can pursue their own specific interests through choosing electives and two research projects. Students will also participate in summer and winter symposia.

Through the four track-specific courses (see the Programme link below), students develop their foundational knowledge of research topics and skills in the Behavioural, Cognitive, or Molecular Neuroscience. Thereafter, students can further develop their specialisation through elective courses and research projects in their field of interest. The programme also provides the unique opportunity to broaden their scope by choosing projects and electives in the domains of the other tracks (i.e., interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary research). It is advised to start the programme in the track that aligns best with your BSc. Educational profile.

Admission to the programme is selective, based on the applicant’s academic credentials and motivation (see “Entry Requirements” for details).

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Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences

Why study this programme in Groningen?

• Awarded 'Top Rated Programme' label (Keuzegids Masters 2017/2018/2019/2020/2021)
• Excellent research facilities including University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Heymans Institute, and Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences
• More than 75% enrolment in PhD projects after graduation
• Integrated teaching by top researchers from three faculties in small groups
• The Programme takes great pride in having a strong cohort structure both within and across the three track

2-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

For the complete curriculum see the 'more info about this option' links in the specialisation sections below.

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage.

Programme options:
Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track) (specialization)
Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling (C-track) (specialization)
Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track) (specialization)

Study abroad is recommended.
During the BCN programme you can do an internship abroad in various labs around the globe. The exchange period has a typical duration of 7 months and counts toward your final degree.

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Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences

As a graduate of this programme, you can work as a researcher, both in the academic world and other fields. Because of their multi-disciplinary training, graduates of this degree positively distinguish themselves: you can easily grasp the bigger picture and are able to familiarise yourself with new fields and methodologies quickly.

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Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences

Dutch diploma

Registration procedure
Please fill out the following checklist to explain why you want to apply for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form): https://www.rug.nl/(...)a/bcn-checklist.docx

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:

Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June

International diploma

Registration procedure
Please fill out the following checklist to explain why you want to apply for this Master's degree programme (questions to be addressed are outlined on the form): https://www.rug.nl/(...)a/bcn-checklist.docx

Do you prefer an early decision on your request for admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course starting on 1 September). Application deadlines with the corresponding decision deadlines are as follows:

Application - Decision:

1 December– 15 January
1 February – 1 March
15 March – 15 April
1 May - 15 June

Application deadlines

More information on this programme? Visit the website!

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Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences - Impressions of your Masters study

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Overview of Masters programmes - University of Groningen

		Applied Mathematics
		Applied Physics
		Artificial Intelligence
		Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences
		Biology
		Biomedical Engineering
		Biomedical Sciences
		Biomolecular Sciences
		Computational Cognitive Science
		Computing Science
		Ecology and Evolution
		Energy and Environmental Sciences
		Industrial Engineering and Management
		Marine Biology
		Mathematics
		MSc Astronomy
		MSc Mechanical Engineering
		Nanoscience
		Physics
		Systems and Control
		Accountancy and Controlling
		Applied Cognitive Neuroscience
		Arts and Culture
		Business Administration
		Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology
		Economic Development and Globalization
		Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
		Ethics of Education: Philosophy, History and Law
		Global Criminal Law
		History
		Human Movement Sciences
		Human Resource Management
		International Business and Management
		International Relations
		Literary Studies
		Marketing
		Media Studies
		Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment
		Philosophy, Politics and Economics
		Philosophy, Science and Humanities
		Population Studies
		Religion and Cultural Heritage
		Religion, Conflict and Globalisation
		Sport Sciences
		Sustainable Entrepreneurship
		Theory and History of Psychology
		Tourism Geography and Planning
		Voice Technology

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Student of Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience:

I chose the BCN Research Master because it is interdisciplinary and full of opportunities. I am part of a research team for one semester every year, in which I can focus solely on gaining skills and first-hand experience in conducting research. I enjoy having a say in the process, whilst being taught by researchers themselves during both the research internship and the preceding courses.

I have the chance to develop my skills in whichever direction I want them to go. But it is not only the research experiences I gain; BCN is more than just a Master's degree programme. It is a community of students and researchers who meet for social events and exchange experiences during the courses and internships. You never feel alone or lost in your work, and there is always someone to help you out if you are stuck. Everyone interacts on a first-name basis, and thanks to the small number of study groups, everyone is fully included in the programme and its process. It’s the perfect programme for someone that wants to start a career in academia, or is thinking about doing so. For me, it convinced me that academia is the direction I want to go, and thanks to BCN, the whole world is open for me after I graduate!

More information on this programme? Visit the website!

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