Neuroscience is all about understanding how the brain and wider nervous system works, and it's one of the fastest growing areas of science.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science (MSc) will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
The currently-named MSc will have one final semester 2 intake (starting July 2026). Application closes 15 June 2026 for domestic students (the international student application deadline has now passed for the July 2026 intake).
Domestic and international students intending to begin study in 2027 should apply for the Master of Science (Thesis).
The University of Otago is the only New Zealand university to offer an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience.
Neuroscientists apply a wide range of scientific disciplines, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychology, and Zoology. As an interdisciplinary programme, Neuroscience is taught by staff from varied departments across the University. Each teaches a separate “neuro” component, resulting in a coherent and integrated subject.
Why study Neuroscience?
The brain is a final frontier… a last great unknown.
Neuroscientists are its explorers. They try to understand how the brain functions, how it deals with injury or damage, and how it develops and changes over time.
What they find helps neurologists, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists – and provides important models for high-level information processing and robotics.
Knowing how the brain perceives stimuli and controls movement helps those working on human performance, from sports science to space medicine
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Neuroscience as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) from 2027.
Master of Science (Thesis) MSc(Thesis)
Available from 2027. A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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| Notes: (i)Papers with PSYC codes are worth 10 points each and all other papers are worth 20 points each. (ii)PHSL 474 may be taken only by students supervised in the Department of Physiology. (iii)With approval from the Neuroscience Programme Director, one of the listed papers may be replaced by another 400-level paper. (iv)PSYC 432 may count toward these subject requirements if taken during years during which it was offered as Special Topic: Social and Affective Neuroscience. |
| Papers and Thesis |
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(i)Papers with PSYC codes are worth 10 points each and all other papers are worth 20 points each, (ii)PHSL 474 may be taken only by students supervised in the Department of Physiology. (iii)With approval from the Neuroscience Programme Director, one of the listed papers may be replaced by another 400-level paper. (iv)PSYC 432 may count toward these subject requirements if taken during years during which it was offered as Special Topic: Social and Affective Neuroscience. |
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
(i) Papers with PSYC codes are worth 10 points each and all other papers are worth 20 points each. (ii) PHSL 474 may be taken only by students supervised in the Department of Physiology. (iii) With approval from the Neuroscience Programme Director or Deputy Director, listed papers worth up to 20 points may be replaced by other 400-level papers with an equal total points value. (iv) PSYC 432 may count toward these subject requirements if taken during years during which it was offered as Special Topic: Social and Affective Neuroscience. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
NEUR papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEUR201 | 2026 | Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| NEUR202 | 2026 | Systems Neuroscience | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| NEUR301 | 2026 | Current Topics in Neuroscience | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| NEUR303 | 2026 | Neuroendocrinology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| NEUR452 | 2026 | Neurodegenerative Disorders | 20 points | Full Year |
| NEUR453 | 2026 | Applied Human Neuroscience | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| NEUR455 | 2026 | Sleep | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| NEUR456 | 2026 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Neuroscience | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| NEUR459 | 2026 | Neuroendocrinology | 20 points | 1st Non standard period (6 May 2026 - 8 July 2026) |
| NEUR471 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| NEUR472 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| NEUR473 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| NEUR480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| NEUR490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| NEUR495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026), 2nd Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 25 June 2027) |
Contacts
Neuroscience Programme
Faculty of Biomedical Sciences
Tel +64 3 479 4205
Email neuroscience@otago.ac.nz
Neuroscience Programme website
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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