Neurobiology

The Master's programme in Neurobiology builds upon the foundational Bachelor's programme in Cognitive Neurobiology—the only programme of its kind in Russia specifically designed to equip students with practical skills in modern techniques for generating and analysing neuroscientific data.

While welcoming graduates of our own Cognitive Neurobiology bachelor's programme, the Master's degree is also tailored for applicants with a strong background in neuroscience, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or programming. This diverse entry base fosters a truly interdisciplinary environment, enabling students to collaborate on cutting-edge research projects at the intersection of these fields.

The programme cultivates a new generation of highly skilled professionals with cross-disciplinary expertise, capable of independently identifying, formulating, and solving complex interdisciplinary challenges.

Career Prospects

Our graduates are prepared for successful careers in:

• Scientific and applied research within educational and research institutions.
• Analytical, managerial, and entrepreneurial roles in technology-driven sectors.
• Research and development positions at high-tech companies and technological enterprises across all forms of ownership.

The curriculum is structured into the following educational modules:

1. Major Module
This foundational module provides the basis for future professional activity, offering in-depth study of key disciplines such as cellular and molecular neuroscience, neuroscience of memory, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience methods, neuroimmunology, neuroinformatics, and others.

2. Key Seminars Module
Designed to help students plan their personal learning outcomes and coordinate their academic work according to their individual curriculum. This module also introduces students to advanced practices and research in neuroscience. It includes advisor seminars and research-focused seminars covering contemporary issues in neuroscience, patent law, ethical aspects of modern research, and the theory of cross-cultural communication.

3. Practicum Module
This module encompasses scientific research internships, industrial placements, and the preparation of the final graduation thesis.

4. MagoLego Module
This module consists of university-wide elective courses, allowing students to make independent choices based on their interests.

5. State Final Assessment Module
This module involves the defence of the final graduation thesis.

This programme stands out for its truly interdisciplinary curriculum, integrating foundational neurobiology with cutting-edge subjects like novel approaches to collecting and analysing behavioural, physiological, and molecular neuroscientific data.

A core strength is the seamless connection between coursework and real-world research. Through our network of HSE University labs and partner institutions, students gain hands-on experience by conducting individual research and applied projects in specialised facilities such as the Data Analysis Lab, the Behavioural Recording Lab, or the Neurointerface Development Workshop.

You will learn from a faculty of internationally renowned researchers, including scientists who have published in premier journals like Nature and Science and have worked at the world's leading neuroscience centres.

Students will have the opportunity to forge their own educational paths. This flexibility allows them to dedicate more time to specialise in one of the three core areas—Behaviour & Physiology, Molecular Neuroscience, or Neurointerfaces—or to distribute their focus evenly across all these fields.

The programme places significant emphasis on individual scientific work conducted in laboratory settings (research or industrial internships). This research can be fundamental or applied in nature. The research process includes the discussion of results within mentor-led seminars.

Graduates of the Master’s in Neurobiology will acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills in the field of neuroscience. These include methods for collecting and analysing neurodata, as well as expertise in creating and commercialising technology-based products. This unique combination makes them highly sought-after professionals across a wide spectrum of fields:

• Academic and Research Careers in scientific institutions and universities, both in Russia and internationally.
• R&D-intensive business and industry, including roles in technology development and production.
• Expert consulting and educational roles.

Graduates will also be well-prepared to continue their academic journey in PhD programmes at HSE University or other leading Russian and international educational and research institutions.

Admission to the master's programme and the competitive selection process are governed by the University's Master's Programme Admission Guidelines.

The entrance examination is conducted in the form of a document portfolio competition.

Complete information regarding application deadlines and the schedule of entrance examinations is available on the website of the Master's Programme Admissions Committee.

The program is participating in the Early Admission Invitation competition.