Translational NeuroscienceMSc
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/translational-neuroscience-msc Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
2026-27 entry
Translational Neuroscience MSc
School of Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Health\
Designed for students interested in gaining the practical, lab-based skills necessary to understand neurological diseases at the molecular and cellular level and how to apply this knowledge to benefit patients.
- Start date \ September 2026
- Duration \ 1 year
-
Attendance \ Full-time
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Apply now for 2026 entry or book a place on our online open day on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.
Course description
Lead academic
Dr Jenny Lord
[Lecturer in Systems Biology \
School of Medicine and Population Health](https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/people/academic/neuroscience/jenny-lord)
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This course offers you the opportunity to explore the latest advances in neuroscience and their impact on patient care. Through a combination of taught modules and hands on laboratory training, you’ll develop the practical skills needed to help tackle major neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and MND (Motor Neurone Disease).
You’ll study a wide range of topics from fundamental neurobiology and molecular biology to the structure and function of the human brain, and learn how this knowledge is used to develop new therapies and inform clinical practice.
The course is taught by leading experts in both basic and clinical neuroscience and places a strong emphasis on practical skills such as microscopy, neuroimaging and molecular pathology. A major component of the course is the research project, during which you’ll work alongside professional scientists to test a specific scientific hypothesis.
Although teaching takes place across the University of Sheffield campus, the course maintains close academic and research links with the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), a world-renowned centre of excellence where pioneering research is conducted to improve the lives of people living with neurodegenerative diseases. As a Translational Neuroscience student, you’ll benefit from access to SITraN’s expertise, resources and scientific community.
Intercalation
We accept medical students who wish to intercalate their studies. Find out more on the School of Medicine and Population Health website.
Do you have a question? Talk to us
Book a 15-minute online meeting with our course tutor to find out more information and ask further questions.
Book an appointment with Jenny Lord
Modules
A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. As you progress through your course, we'll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.
MSc modules
Core modules:
Ethics in Neuroscience : Ethics is embedded in all scientific research and clinical practice. This module introduces the ethical considerations and current legislation regarding patient and animal research, and how these are adhered to. This module will enable a detailed understanding of why and how all scientific research and clinical practice must comply with relevant legal and ethical standards.
**15 credits**
Molecular Neuroscience : This module aims to ensure you understand the current experimental strategies being used in molecular neuroscience, such as methods used to study genetic inheritance and molecular biology techniques, from the fundamental through to state of the art. This module will combine classroom teaching with carefully guided, complementary small group practical training in basic and advanced molecular biology techniques. The teaching will also include computer based tutorial and problem solving classes, in which you will be taken through basic bio-informatic approaches, such as sequence analysis, searching databases for gene, protein, expression and functional data and primer design.
**15 credits**
Neurodegeneration : The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, but effective treatments are lacking. Detailed knowledge of the neuropathology and genetics of neurodegenerative diseases is essential to understanding these disorders, while cell and animal models of neurodegenerative diseases are key to elucidating disease mechanisms and advancing translational research. This module will examine the classical neuropathology of a range of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease and Huntington's disease, and investigate the application and limitations of using models of disease to understand underlying cellular mechanisms.
**15 credits**
Neuroanatomy : Knowledge of the neuroanatomy of the central nervous system is fundamental to neuroscience. This module will combine a lecture series on basic and functional neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, peripheral neuroanatomy and basic neuroscience with practical demonstrations of the human brain and spinal cord using models and prosections. This will enable you to acquire an in-depth and critical understanding of functional neuroanatomy.
**15 credits**
Nervous system disease : Nervous system diseases are diverse and a common cause of death and disability. This module focuses principally on inflammatory, vascular, and neoplastic disease processes in detail. In recent years great progress has been made in both prevention and acute management of these diseases, however the precise pathways and molecular mechanisms involved are unknown. This module provides an opportunity to engage in in-depth learning of the classical clinical manifestations and neuropathologies of these diseases. It will also facilitate understanding how recent laboratory breakthroughs have been translated into clinical benefits for patients in the modern treatment of these conditions.
**15 credits**
Neuroimaging and Histopathology : While cell and animal models of disease are important research tools, imaging and histological examination of human tissue is essential to provide important insights into the underlying pathology of neurological disease. In this module, you will learn how imaging technologies are used to study the structure and function of the brain, and develop an understanding of the fundamentals of neuropathology alongside practical training in a range of histological techniques.
**15 credits**
Literature Review and Critical Analysis of Science : This module provides training in detailed critical analysis of current scientific literature. You will receive staged feedback by producing a plan and draft sections for a literature review that will be discussed with the academic member of staff who provided the title. Learning will be complemented with a series of tutorials where you will critically analyse scientific research papers in small groups.
**15 credits**
Research Project : The aim of the module is to provide the opportunity to learn and apply research methodologies to test a specific scientific hypothesis. A list of projects will be made available and students will be asked to select their top choices. Having been assigned a project of their choice, the students will carry out a 20 week research project, culminating in an oral presentation and dissertation concisely written in the style of a scientific paper describing their research. Students will be expected to join in with the School seminars, journal clubs and supervisor meetings, to learn and experience the role of a scientific researcher.
**75 credits**
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study?
- Take part in our online open day on Wednesday 29 April
- Join us on a discovery afternoon on Tuesday 12 May
- Register your interest in studying at Sheffield.
At the upcoming discovery afternoons you can book on to a biological and life sciences session to discover our broad range of courses across the discipline.
Duration
1 year full-time
Teaching
You will learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes and research training sessions.
Assessment
You will be assessed through short-answer or essay questions, lab-based practical, oral presentation, online debate or a neuroanatomy extended spotter exam, depending upon the nature of the material covered by each module
Your career
This course is great preparation for a career in neuroscience research. Many of our graduates go on to complete a PhD and work at top universities and research institutes. Others work as researchers in the pharmaceutical industry or the NHS.
Student profiles
[It felt very rewarding to apply what you learnt in the classroom to a practical research project.
Hannah Berntsson
Alumni, \ MSc Translational Neuroscience](https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/students/hannah) [The lectures were given by world experts on their respective fields, and the support I got during my research project was fantastic.
Alejandro Lorente Pons
Postgraduate student, \ MSc Translational Neuroscience](https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/students/alejandro) [The work we did for our research projects was real science
Karolina Wikaryjczyk
Alumni, \ MSc Translational Neuropathology](https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/students/karolina-wikaryjczyk) [The support has been amazing, from the personal tutors, to the academics teaching us, there was always someone to help or guide you
Harry Baker
PHD Student, \ MSc Translational Neuroscience Alumni](https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/students/postgraduate-students/harry-baker)
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.
Subject requirements
We accept degrees in the following subject areas:
- Biological Engineering
- Biology
- Biomedical Science
- Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.
If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.
We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.
Other English language qualifications we accept
Pathway programme for international students
If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
Other requirements
We will not ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.
We do not require a supporting statement for this programme.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Fees and funding
Funding for postgraduate taught courses
The Scott and Caroline Beaumont Neuroscience Postgraduate Scholarship
We are offering two scholarships worth £10,000 each for home fee-paying students starting an eligible taught postgraduate course at the Neuroscience institute in 2026.
See if you're eligible for a scholarship
Save on your course fees
£3,000 scholarships for international students
Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
More information
School of Medicine and Population Health
Contact
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
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