Cognitive neuroscience is a field of study that combines principles from psychology, neuroscience, and computer science to understand how the brain enables cognitive processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, and decision-making. The MPhil/PhD program in cognitive neuroscience is designed for students who wish to pursue research in this field and gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in various aspects of cognitive neuroscience. The MPhil/PhD program typically involves coursework, research training, and the completion of a research project under the supervision of a faculty member. The program may take four to six years to complete, depending on the student's progress and research goals. During the program, students may take courses on topics such as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, statistical methods, and research design. They will also have opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects and attend seminars and conferences to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. The research component of the program will involve the design, implementation, and analysis of a research project that contributes to the knowledge base of cognitive neuroscience. This may involve collecting and analyzing data from human participants, animal models, or computer simulations. The results of the research project will typically be presented in a thesis or dissertation, which will be defended in front of a committee of faculty members.
Course Name | PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience |
Course Duration | 3 Years |
Course Type | Degree |
Eligibility Criteria | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Application Process | yearly |
Fee Structure | Updated Soon |
The specific entrance exam requirements for a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program may vary by institution. |
Some universities may require the GRE or a similar test, while others may require a subject-specific exam. |
Prospective students should check the admission requirements of the specific programs they are interested in to determine which exams are required. |
Researching Programs: | Start by researching universities and programs that offer a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience. Look for institutions with faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. |
Preparation: | Before applying, make sure you meet the prerequisites for admission, which usually include a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field (such as neuroscience, psychology, biology, or cognitive science), relevant coursework, and research experience. |
Application: | Submit your application through the university's online portal or application system. This typically includes filling out personal information, providing academic transcripts, GRE scores (if required), letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). |
Statement of Purpose: | Write a compelling statement of purpose that outlines your research interests, career goals, relevant experience, and why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience at that particular institution. |
Letters of Recommendation: | Request letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to your academic abilities, research experience, and potential for success in a PhD program. Make sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write and submit their letters. |
Eligibility criteria for admission to a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program may vary depending on the institution, but typically include: |
A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field such as neuroscience, psychology, biology, or computer science. |
A strong academic record, with a minimum GPA requirement of around 3.0 or above. |
Competitive scores on entrance exams such as the GRE or a similar test. |
Relevant research experience or coursework in cognitive neuroscience or related fields. |
The duration of a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program may vary depending on the institution and the specific program, but typically takes between four to six years to complete.
Selection criteria for admission to a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program may include: |
Academic record and GPA. |
Entrance exam scores. |
Relevant research experience or coursework. |
Personal statement or essay. |
Letters of recommendation. |
Interview (in some cases). |
1 | Prospective students can apply to Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD programs through the universities' websites or online portals. |
2 | The specific application requirements and deadlines may vary by institution, so it is important to check the requirements of the specific program you are interested in. |
3 | Generally, students are required to provide official transcripts, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and a resume or CV. |
4 | Some programs may also require an interview. |
5 | It is recommended to apply well in advance of the deadline to ensure that all materials are received on time. |
The application form and process for a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program can be found on the website of the specific institution offering the program. Generally, the application process involves submitting transcripts, entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and a resume or CV. Some programs may also require an interview. It is important to check the specific application requirements and deadlines of each program.
The fees for a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program may vary depending on the institution and the specific program. Typically, the fees for a PhD program are higher than those for an MPhil program. It is important to check the fees and any available scholarships or funding options for each program.
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Graduates of a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program can pursue a variety of career paths, including academia, industry, government, or nonprofit organizations. Some possible job titles and salaries include:
Research Scientist: $70,000 - $130,000 per year
University Professor: $60,000 - $150,000 per year
Science Writer: $50,000 - $90,000 per year
Science Policy Advisor: $70,000 - $120,000 per year
Science Education Specialist: $40,000 - $80,000 per year
Graduates of a Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
Academic research and teaching |
Industry research and development |
Science communication and journalism |
Science policy and advocacy |
Government research and policy-making |
Nonprofit research and advocacy |
Some of the top institutions offering Cognitive Neuroscience MPhil/PhD programs include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD 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.