A student examines a film displaying multiple medical scans.

Neuroscience (MSc, PhD)

Our neuroscience graduate program will guide you to the boundaries of discovery. You'll work to develop groundbreaking research that drives progress in human health, and gain the expertise and experience needed to shape the future of neuroscience.

Neuroscience (MSc, PhD)

Our neuroscience graduate program will guide you to the boundaries of discovery. You'll work to develop groundbreaking research that drives progress in human health, and gain the expertise and experience needed to shape the future of neuroscience.

A student examines a film displaying multiple medical scans.

Neuroscience (MSc, PhD)

Our neuroscience graduate program will guide you to the boundaries of discovery. You'll work to develop groundbreaking research that drives progress in human health, and gain the expertise and experience needed to shape the future of neuroscience.

About the program


As a Canadian leader in neuroscience, our graduate program delivers the advanced scientific knowledge you'll need to explore the complexities of the brain and nervous system. You'll be challenged to make original research contributions that help to deepen understanding of neurological function, drive medical advancements, and improve human health.
MSc, PhD
2 or 4 years
Thesis-based
Full-time
International students

Reasons to study

Explore brain function using biology, genetics, imaging, and psychology.

Understand brain function

Explore brain function and behaviour in health and disease. Deepen your interdisciplinary understanding of neuroscience using the methods of cellular and molecular biology, physiology, genetics, imaging, behavioural studies and experimental psychology.

Exciting, impactful research

Work with a supervisor from a pool of more than 100 core program faculty members. Leverage their expertise and guidance to support existing scientific exploration or develop your own line of inquiry.

Fields of research

Click each field to learn about their subcategories and faculties.

Program details


Duration

Two years (thesis based)

Application deadlines

This program has rolling admission dates. Complete applications are reviewed as they are received. For fall 2025 entry:

  • Domestic applicants: June 2, 2025
  • International applicants: March 28, 2025

* If your intended faculty supervisor's home department is Psychology, the deadline is January 10, 2025.

Requirements

  • Educational background: Four-year bachelor’s degree (honours preferred).
  • Grade requirement: Minimum academic average of 80% during the final two years. This is equivalent to a high second class standing at some universities.
  • Learners from multiple disciplines will be considered for admission.

Finding a supervisor

A supervisor’s acceptance is required for admission.

Duration

Four years (thesis based)

Application deadlines

This program has rolling admission dates. Complete applications are reviewed as they are received. For fall 2025 entry:

  • Domestic applicants: June 2, 2025
  • International applicants: March 28, 2025
* If your intended faculty supervisor's home department is Psychology, the deadline is January 10, 2025.

Requirements

  • Educational background: Master’s degree in neuroscience or related field with a strong research component, or an MD, DDS or DVS degree with some specialization in neuroscience.
  • Grade requirement: Minimum academic average of 80% during the final two years of the undergraduate program. This is equivalent to a high second class standing at some universities.
  • You'll need a degree from a recognized university to be admitted directly into the PhD program, otherwise you must first be admitted to the MSc program. After 18 months, with strong progress and evidence of a project that can be developed into a PhD these, you may be able to transfer into the PhD program.

Finding a supervisor

A supervisor’s acceptance is required for admission.

Apply now via Western's School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

What it costs

Expenses usually include tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities.

Find your tuition and fees in the fee schedules available through the Office of the Registrar.

Support available

As a thesis-based graduate learner, you may be eligible to receive funding.

Check out the funding package for the Neuroscience program.

Plan ahead

Use the Graduate Student Affordability Calculator to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Career resources & opportunities

Own Your Future

The Own Your Future website offers PhD students free career and professional development advice to support the transition into the working world.

Upskilling graduates for success

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers a series of free, online professional development courses to help you prepare to enter the always-evolving labour market in Canada and abroad.

Internship Program

As a graduate student, you can take part in our internship program, even when the opportunity may not be directly related to your thesis research.

After graduation


With a graduate degree in Neuroscience, you can pursue a career in research in academia, in a health-related field, in government, or in the private sector.

Our graduates go on to be professors, research scientists, physicians, veterinarians, dentists, physical or occupational therapists, optometrists. Some have pursued their MBA, or careers in pharmaceutical research or sales, law, regulatory affairs, consultancy, software development, hospital administration, medical writing, public health, non-profit and teaching.

Have questions? Connect with us!

Susan Simpson

Senior Program Coordinator
susan.simpson@schulich.uwo.ca

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