Neuroscience (1+3) (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The DPhil in Neuroscience (1+3) is a four-year taught and research-based course at Oxford. It begins with a taught MSc year covering molecular to cognitive neuroscience, followed by a three-year doctoral project in a chosen neuroscience field.

The course takes an integrated approach to neuroscience and provides a wide range of skills training in experimental and theoretical methods that is intended to enable you to ask questions and tackle problems that transcend the traditional disciplines from which this field has evolved.

Course structure
The first year follows the taught MSc in Neuroscience course and is outlined below. After successful completion of the MSc, students continue with a three-year doctoral research project (DPhil). and approved supervisors.

Year one
During your first year, you will join those students taking the stand-alone MSc in Neuroscience. Having a larger cohort of students enhances and expands the training opportunities available, helping you to make a more informed decision about the topic and design of your doctoral research project.

The MSc academic year begins in late September and is divided into three terms. The first term provides an introduction to neuroscience and research methods through five compulsory introductory modules and associated practical classes. During the second and third terms you will combine advanced taught courses, essay writing and two laboratory rotations (research projects).

You will undertake two extended research projects from a choice of over 100 offered each year by the extensive neuroscience research community in Oxford. You will also attend the graduate programme lecture series, which provides a broad education covering molecular, cellular, systems, computational and cognitive neuroscience.

Each of the MSc research projects lasts for about 16 weeks and is selected from a very extensive list of approved abstracts. With over 100 abstracts submitted each year there is always plenty of choice, but if you are interested in a particular lab or research topic, you are welcome to discuss a potential project independently with an appropriate supervisor. Many of these projects lead to publications.

Early in May of the first year, you will meet with the course director and course lecturer to discuss the process for selecting your DPhil project. You will decide which laboratories and supervisor(s) you wish to work with and prepare a proposal for your three-year doctoral research project. It is recommended that you talk to several potential supervisors and, in many cases, collaborative projects are proposed. Your project can take place in any area of neuroscience within the Oxford network of laboratories

Years two to four
You will begin the DPhil in October of the second year. At this point, you will become integrated within your chosen department(s) and follow the same progression as other research students who work there.