PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Admission 2024-25, Eligibility, No. of Students Placed, FAQs

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit About

The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (GCNU) is a research unit based at University College London (UCL), dedicated to the study of computational neuroscience. The unit offers an MPhil/PhD programme that provides training in theoretical and experimental neuroscience, as well as in the mathematical and computational methods used to analyze and model neural systems.

The programme is designed for students who have a background in neuroscience, mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering, and who are interested in applying these skills to understanding the workings of the brain. Students in the programme have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including high-performance computing clusters, as well as world-renowned researchers in the field of computational neuroscience.

The GCNU MPhil/PhD programme is a four-year programme that includes coursework, research, and the writing of a thesis. During the first year, students take a series of core courses in neuroscience, mathematics, and computer science, as well as specialized courses in topics such as neural systems, cognitive neuroscience, and machine learning.

In the second and third years, students focus on their research projects, working closely with their supervisors and collaborating with other researchers in the unit. Students have the opportunity to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences, and to present their research at international meetings.

The final year is devoted to the writing of a thesis, which is expected to represent a significant contribution to the field of computational neuroscience. Upon completion of the programme, graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, and government, as well as in a variety of other fields that require expertise in neuroscience and computation.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Highlights

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Entrance Exam

There is no specific entrance exam for the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (GCNU) MPhil/PhD programme.

However, applicants are required to demonstrate their academic excellence and research potential through their academic transcripts, references, research experience, and personal statement.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Admission Process

Admission to the programme is competitive and based on a combination of academic excellence, research potential, and fit with the research interests of the faculty.

Applicants are required to hold a relevant undergraduate or master's degree, with a minimum of a 2:1 (or equivalent) in a related discipline such as neuroscience, mathematics, physics, computer science, or engineering.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the academic requirements for admission and demonstrate a strong interest in the field of computational neuroscience.

Previous research experience, particularly in computational neuroscience or related fields, is highly desirable.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Duration

The GCNU MPhil/PhD programme is a four-year programme, which includes one year of coursework and three years of research leading to the submission of a thesis.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the GCNU MPhil/PhD programme include academic excellence, research potential, and fit with the research interests of the faculty.

Applicants are assessed on the basis of their academic transcripts, references, research experience, and personal statement.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit How to Apply

Applicants should first identify a potential supervisor from the list of faculty members on the GCNU website and contact them directly to discuss their research interests and potential projects.

The application process involves submitting an online application form, along with academic transcripts, references, a research proposal, and a personal statement.

The application deadline is typically in early December, with interviews held in January and offers made in February.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Application Form

The application form for the Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit (GCNU) MPhil/PhD programme can be found on the UCL website.

Applicants should ensure that they have identified a potential supervisor and have discussed their research interests and potential projects with them before submitting their application.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Application Process

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Fee

The fee for the GCNU MPhil/PhD program is the same as the fee for other PhD programs at UCL. The fee for the 2022/23 academic year is £5,660 for UK and EU students, and £28,580 for international students.

Please note that fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the duration of the program.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Syllabus

The GCNU MPhil/PhD programme includes one year of coursework, followed by three years of research leading to the submission of a thesis.

The coursework includes core courses in neuroscience, mathematics, and computer science, as well as specialized courses in topics such as neural systems, cognitive neuroscience, and machine learning.

In the research component of the program, students work closely with their supervisors and other researchers in the unit on research projects.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Job Scope

The salary for PhD students in the UK varies depending on funding source and is typically between £15,000 and £20,000 per year.

Graduates of the GCNU MPhil/PhD program are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, and government, as well as in a variety of other fields that require expertise in neuroscience and computation.

Potential career opportunities include positions in research and development, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Top College in India

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras

National Brain Research Centre (NBRC)

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Admission Process

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit Document Required

1. Documents (10th onwards)
2. Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
3. Migration Certificate (Original)
4. NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
5. Affidavit (undertaking)
6. Guide Willing
7. Assignments
8. Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
9. Library No Dues
10. Lab Letter
11. Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
12. No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
13. Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
14. C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
15. Conference Certificate - 2
16. Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
17. summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
18. Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.