Have you completed an undergraduate qualification and want to continue with postgraduate study to further explore an area that truly fascinates you? Develop your understanding of Neuroscience to a high level and be part of the latest research in the field.
Choose the best postgraduate qualification for you
We offer the following postgraduate study options in Neuroscience. Which programme is right for you will depend on your goals and your prior training.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates is for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a subject other than Neuroscience. It can lead on to further postgraduate study in Neuroscience.
Find out more about the DipGrad and how to apply
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
The BSc(Hons) programme is is a one-year qualification and is open to students who have completed a BSc (majoring in Neuroscience) that included five 300-level Neuroscience papers.
Find out more about programme requirements for the BSc(Hons) and how to apply
View the regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
The PGDipSci in Neuroscience is is a one-year qualification for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in neuroscience. The diploma can be taken as either a smaller project and four papers, or a larger project and three papers.
Find out more about programme requirements for the PGDipSci and how to apply
View the regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
Master of Science (MSc)
The MSc in Neuroscience is available as a one-year or two-year programme:
- The one-year MSc is for students who have completed four years' Neuroscience study (incorporating research experience)
- The two-year MSc is for students who have completed a BSc majoring in Neuroscience
Find out more about programme requirements for the MSc and how to apply
View the regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (MSc)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD students conduct independent and original neuroscience research and write about their research in a PhD thesis. This would normally take three or more years to complete, if studying full-time.
More information about PhD study at the University of Otago
How to find a research supervisor
A neuroscientist must agree to supervise your research before your application for a postgraduate programme in neuroscience can be processed. All neuroscientists at the University of Otago are potential supervisors.
Find out more about our neuroscientists and their areas of research
Explore Neuroscience research at Otago
Explore postgraduate research opportunities at Otago
I've found a neuroscientist that I would like to be my supervisor, what do I do next?
Once you have identified a neuroscientist that you would like to be your supervisor, you should email them to see if they are available to supervise you.
Include the following information:
- The qualification you wish to enroll in (BSc(Hons), one-year or two-year MSc, or PhD)
- That neuroscience will be your major
- When you want to start studying
- A copy of your academic transcript (including the papers you have studied, your grades, and your qualifications)
- The reason that you would like this person to be your supervisor
- A possible research topic that fits in with the neuroscientist's interests
Please contact the Administrator of the Neuroscience Programme to advise that a neuroscientist has agreed to supervise your research.
Email neuroscience@otago.ac.nz