Prepare for a career in research
Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience is a diverse and fascinating field. Examine the nature of attention and perception, explore the workings of emotion and awareness, or dig into the biology of behaviour. Or study the interaction between our genes and the environment, and the causes of brain disorders.
Learn in state-of-the-art cognitive and behavioural neuroscience laboratories alongside leading researchers. The results of your work could lead to new insights about how the brain and mind work.
Your study will prepare you for careers in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or health and biomedical science research. You'll get the knowledge and skills you need through a set of courses, research laboratory rotations, and a research thesis.
Choose your study path
Build on your undergraduate degree with a Master of Science in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience.
The Master of Science in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience is a 2-year, coursework and thesis programme. If you enrol in the Master's but don't complete the thesis component, you may be awarded the Bachelor of Science with Honours.
In special circumstances—such as if you already have an Honours degree with the right focus—you may be able to go directly to the thesis year (Part Two).
Contact the programme director to discuss this option.
Who can apply
You’ll need at least a B+ average in your best four 300-level Psychology courses. Two of these need to be related to cognitive and behavioural neuroscience. You’ll need to meet other entry requirements as well, including and a ‘pass’ mark in psychology research methods courses (PSYC 232 and PSYC 242 or equivalent).
You’ll need to apply to continue to Part Two. Acceptance is based on grades, but you’ll also need to find a supervisor for your proposed thesis project before you can apply.
See all entry requirements for the Master’s degree below.
PhD study
A Master's in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience will give you a strong foundation for further research and study at PhD level.
When to apply
For the Master of Science in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, apply by 1 November the year before the qualifications starts in Trimester 1.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
With a Master’s degree in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, you’ll be well prepared for a research career in academia or industry.
You’ll also be ready to work in fast-growing areas like:
- data science
- human-computer interaction
- natural language processing
- human performance testing.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don't receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
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Applicants must be full-time post graduate student studying at Victoria University of Wellington. This scholarship is open to students from any course of study which focuses on social justice but students studying Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Law and Restorative Justice are encouraged to apply. Students holding a full three-year PhD scholarship are not eligible to apply.
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The VSPS constitution states "The Psychology Society offers a range of events that enrich the study of psychology, bring together students at all levels of study, and foster a relationship between students and academic staff outside the classrooms".
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
We encourage you to apply—many scholarships don't receive enough applications.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience
-
The VSPS constitution states "The Psychology Society offers a range of events that enrich the study of psychology, bring together students at all levels of study, and foster a relationship between students and academic staff outside the classrooms".
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Be part of the postgraduate Psychology community
As a Postgraduate student in the School of Psychology, you'll join a community with a track record of strong collaborations between students and staff. More than two thirds of publications produced by the School's academics have one or more students as co-authors.
You’ll be able to join the Victoria Students’ Psychology Society. Come along to the annual quiz night, talks by guest speakers, movie nights, and other social events aimed at bringing students and staff together.
Academic staff research interests
David Podhortzer Carmel
Senior Lecturer
Bart Ellenbroek
Head of School
Gina Grimshaw
Professor
Anne Macaskill
Senior Lecturer in Behaviour Analysis
Tirta Susilo
Associate Professor
Carolyn Wilshire
Senior Lecturer
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.