Overview
The four-year Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour programme from University College London (UCL) starts with a semester of coursework followed by up to three laboratory rotations. At the beginning of the second year, students select a PhD project and advisor.
Our students receive a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and systems neuroscience, as well as intensive training in experimental techniques, including imaging, physiology, molecular, and behavioural methods in systems neuroscience.
The Programme is taught by SWC faculty and colleagues at the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit and other affiliates, all experts in their respective fields. Gatsby and SWC students overlap extensively during the Programme, building the foundations for long-lasting collaborations and friendships.
You will work in central London, with the highest concentration of neuroscience research in the world.
Why study this degree at UCL?
The SWC will provide intensive training in experimental techniques, including imaging, physiology, molecular, and behavioural methods in systems neuroscience. First-year students will build their own two-photon microscope, implement a 1,000 channel in vivo recording system, design viral tools for circuit tracing, and develop a closed-loop behaviour assay.
We will provide (together with our colleagues in the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit) a comprehensive introduction to theoretical and systems neuroscience. Gatsby and SWC students will overlap extensively during their first year with the opportunity to maintain these contacts throughout their PhD.
Programme Structure
Courses include:- Cellular logic of sensory circuits
- Circuits for sensory-motor transformation
- Computation of instinctive decisions
- Molecular genetics of behaviour
- Neural circuits for sensory processing and sensory-guided behaviours
- Neural mechanisms of intelligence
- Organisation of circuits for cortical information processing
- Spatial and ethological memory
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 48 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Neuroscience Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Machine Learning View 12 other PhDs in Machine Learning in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, life sciences or related degrees, including physics, mathematics and computer science. Bachelor’s level or overseas equivalent. Applicants should demonstrate a keen interest in neuroscience.
Tuition Fee
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International
27750 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 27750 GBP per year during 48 months. -
National
5690 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 5690 GBP per year during 48 months.
Living costs for London
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
SWC students are fully funded and will receive an annual tax-free stipend of £22,278, equivalent to the Wellcome PhD programme.
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.