MSc Applied Neuroscience at Royal Holloway is preparing students for the future in exciting ways.
Whether your ambition is to continue in neuroscience research, to do a PhD or to embark on a career in creative technology or in applied settings in commercial and governmental organisations, you’ll graduate from MSc Applied Neuroscience with a portfolio of transferable skills and latest techniques that will open doors in this fascinating and evolving field.
You’ll gain the skills to work in areas such as Data Science, User Experience, Interaction Design, as well as neuroscience research, using neuroscience-based insights and conducting research using cutting-edge methods of studying the brain, supported by innovative technology. You’ll future-proof your learning with experts at the forefront of neuroscience, and be part of a friendly Psychology community that’s renowned for world class, internationally-leading research*.
Join us as a postgraduate student on MSc Applied Neuroscience and you'll get the inspiration and support you need to achieve your academic and career goals.
*Psychology is ranked 3rd in the UK for research (THE, REF Institutions ranked by subject, 2022)
What our students say
Read what some of our Applied Neuroscience masters students said about their experience on this exciting course
"I'm really passionate about how we can apply neuroscience to create a therapeutic landscape that’s useful and dynamic for people."
"I'm really interested in going in to research that’s related to multisensory effects like VR and video games and how you can use that to help treat pain, treat Alzheimer’s and help with Parkinson's."
"This is one of the most important and exciting areas of academia and research in terms of if you’re thinking about the future and AI, it’s transformative in terms of your imagination and your curiosity."
“What stood out the most is the opportunities to go further with your curiosities…both practically and theoretically."
Meha - Research assistant placement
Meha describes her work experience, part of studying MSc Applied Neuroscience
My experience as a Research Assistant to Dr Tim Holmes:
"I worked with Dr Tim for about 8 months. From the start till the end, he was encouraging whenever we did a good job and also offered polite, constructive criticism to ensure the project was on track. He was understanding of the fact that academic work should be prioritised and helped manage the workload accordingly.
I had the opportunity to learn about so many topics, which gave me a better view of the real world of neuroscience. Overall, my experience was absolutely wonderful as he is knowledgeable, fun and generous and even took us to Disney’s London office. I would have loved to continue working with him after graduation if there were any opportunities and if I had stayed in the UK!"

Charley - Research Assistant in a Neuroscience lab
Charley describes her career path since recently graduating from MSc Applied Neuroscience
"I'm currently a research assistant in a neuroscience lab at a university, where I have assisted with running fMRI scans and behavioural studies. I've also recently started my own project analysing eye tracking data collected from one of the studies happening in the lab.
In the next year or so, I plan to start a PhD which combines my interests in autism and computational modelling techniques."

Dr Tim Holmes - Visual neuroscientist
Tim did his undergrad and PhD at Royal Holloway, and is now an independent neuroscientist consultant. He recently hosted two MSc Applied Neuroscience student placements working for Disney as a consultant on a neuroscience project.
“In this article, I’m inviting you to geek out with me about Areas of Interest (AOI), because whether your eye tracking data is collected using screen-based systems, wearable eye trackers, VR or webcams, you need to understand the consequences of the AOIs you create for the insights you generate.”
Read the blog: https://www.tobii.com/blog/what-the-aoi
Dr Tim Holmes is a visual neuroscientist who researches the role that environment and design play in decision making and behaviour. He is recognised as a leading authority on eye tracking and visual attention and has worked with top brands, retailers, architects, content creators, and sports teams to educate on, and develop, behavioural interventions. Tim also works with many academic institutions and is an award-winning educator and public speaker on the application of neuroscience to behavioural influence.
Jasleen - MSc Applied Neuroscience
"If you have an interest or an enthusiasm in neuroscience, even the slightest bit, go for this course, because you can explore that so much further here and there’s so many opportunities to get into the different realms of neuroscience."
Watch the video here.
