A broad view
The master in Neuroscience & Cognition covers the full width of research topics in the field. This unique setting in Utrecht is created by the vast number of participating research groups, overall organized in Neuroscience and Cognition Utrecht. Research topics range from neurological and psychiatric diseases (Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience) to cognition research (Helmholtz Institute) and linguistics (Utrecht institute of Linguistics).
State-of-the-art infrastructure
The principal researchers involved in the master program are experts in a large variety of advanced techniques. Examples are; neuroimaging, neurogenetics, epidemiology, molecular biology, animal behavior, neuropsychology and EEG techniques. But also more formal approaches e.g. in linguistics are taught. The infrastructural environment in Utrecht is excellent, with the latest developments in 7T human functional neuroimaging, 9.4 T rodent imaging and deep-sequencing of human genetic material.
A great variety in internships
The emphasis of the Utrecht master in Neuroscience & Cognition is on hands-on experience, although a selection of elective courses allows for a thorough theoretical basis.
Over 200 principal investigators participate in the program and offer internships and supervision. The second internship is often taken outside Utrecht, usually within an international collaboration of one of the principal investigators, allowing easy access to top institutes all over the world.
Maximal flexibility under experienced guidance
The wide range of options for internships, thesis topics and elective courses allows each student to design a personalized study path matching individual interests, abilities and ambition. Students are not limited to topics within their track, but can choose any topic within the master. To advise and guide students in choosing their study path students consult their mentor, the track coordinator.
Active student participation
To prepare students for active participation in the competitive neuroscience community, the master program offers students unique opportunities to practice various forms of scientific communication.
- Students are encouraged to participate in the Board of Student Representatives, a student body responsible for organizing extracurricular activities such as social events, introduction of new students, master classes. The Board communicates with both the students and the track coordinators.
- Students each year organize the “Mind the Brain Symposium”, a two-day scientific meeting, in which all students present their results from internships, invite international top speakers, and of course practice organizing a symposium, presenting, discussing, chairing sessions, raising funds etcetera.
- Students also run their own scientific journal “The Journal of Neuroscience & Cognition“, a unique opportunity to discover the world of scientific writing, peer reviewing, publishing and editing.
An excellent preparation for a successful future
Over the past years, 95% of all students in the master Neuroscience & Cognition were employed already before graduating. Of these, 25% were approached for a PhD project by a researcher from one of the research institutes in Utrecht.