A neuroscientist adjusts a brain-monitoring cap on a seated female participant during a lab session, while reviewing data on a tablet. Medical staff work at computer stations in the background, with brain scans and neural activity displayed on monitors.

Master of Neuroscience

Think deeper about the brain with a flexible master’s that lets you tailor your learning through clinical, research, or broad neuroscience pathways.
Time investment
2 years ful-time, 6 years full-time
Location
Online
Cost
AUD 37,296
Language
English
A group of neuroscience students in white lab coats gather around their professor, who is pointing to a 3D brain model during a lab demonstration.

Tackle a growing global challenge

Mental health disorders are on the rise globally, now affecting over 1 in 8 people. At the same time, breakthroughs in brain science are reshaping how we understand, diagnose, and treat neurological and psychiatric conditions. 

UNE’s Master of Neuroscience puts you at the centre of this evolving field. Whether you’re driven by clinical interests, research ambitions, or a passion for understanding the brain, this program gives you the tools to respond to some of the most urgent health and wellbeing challenges of our time. 

You’ll explore advanced concepts in neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, brain imaging, and neural development—all delivered 100% online and grounded in real-world relevance.

Tailor your degree to how you think

After completing 10 core neuroscience units, you’ll choose one of three pathways to take your learning further. 

Want clinical experience? Choose the Clinical Experience Pathway and gain practical insight through a practicum or supervised independent study. 

Prefer to explore your own research questions? The Capstone Research Pathway lets you complete a thesis in a specialised topic—perfect if you’re considering a PhD. Or, keep your options open with the General Pathway, selecting units from across the neuroscience spectrum. 

However you specialise, you’ll graduate with deep knowledge and practical skills tailored to your direction.

A doctor in a white coat and stethoscope sits at a desk in a medical office, reviewing charts and brain scan images on a monitor.
Close-up of a hand pointing to a brain scan.

Learn from the brains behind the research

UNE is home to world-class neuroscience researchers and a standout Brain-Behaviour Research Group focused on real-world impact, particularly in the fields of depression, autism, and clinical intervention. 

Their research in medical and health sciences has been ranked well above world standard in the latest Excellence in Research Australia review. That means when you study with UNE, you’re learning from leaders who are actively shaping the future of brain science. 

You’ll also benefit from their long-standing reputation for flexible, online education—with 24/7 tutor support, career-aligned learning, and a strong academic community. Whether you’re upskilling, changing careers, or planning for further study, you’ll get the support and structure to thrive.

Where you’ll be studying

University of New England logo with the letters 'une' in green lowercase font above the text 'University of New England' in white on a dark background.

Study online with the University of New England (UNE)

UNE is a pioneer in distance education, delivering flexible, high-quality learning for over 70 years.

With a strong reputation for academic excellence and student support, UNE’s online programmes are designed to fit around your life, wherever you are. 

Learn from expert academics in an inclusive digital environment and graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance your career on your terms.

Learning outcomes

Know the brain inside out

Master neuroanatomy and cellular brain functions that shape human behaviour.

Speak neuroscience fluently

Communicate clearly and persuasively with researchers and clinicians across disciplines.

Think like a neurodetective

Use creativity and judgement to connect neurobiology with real-world human behaviour.

Practise with precision

Evaluate evidence and data from diverse sources to inform neuroscience practice.

Design research that matters

Critically plan and propose studies or clinical assessments to advance understanding.

Keep pushing boundaries

Commit to deepening expertise to drive breakthroughs in neuroscience and clinical care.

Additional information

To apply, you’ll need to meet one of the following academic requirements: 
  • You’ve completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher (AQF Level 7, 8 or 9), in any discipline 
  • You’ve completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience
  • You’ve completed a UNE Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience

Since this programme is taught in English, you’ll need to show you meet one of the following criteria:
  • English is your first language 
  • You’ve completed at least one year of study (within the past five years) in English at senior secondary, post-secondary, or tertiary level, in a country where English is an official language 
  • You’ve passed an English subject at Australian Year 12 level (or an equivalent overseas qualification) 
  • You’ve completed an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at UNE or another NEAS-accredited provider 
  • You hold registration with a recognised body (such as AHPRA, AMC, ANMAC, NESA or APC) that requires English proficiency

Alternatively, you can also demonstrate your eligibility with one of these test scores:

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5) 
  • TOEFL iBT: 79 overall (with at least 22 in writing) 
  • PTE Academic: 57 overall (with no skill below 50)

UNE’s online degrees give you the freedom to shape your learning through a flexible mix of core modules, major-specific units, and electives.
  • Core modules build essential business skills and knowledge to set you up for success.
  • Major-specific units let you dive deeper into your selected field.
  • Electives give you the chance to explore topics outside your major and expand your perspective.

This modular approach helps you gain a strong foundation while tailoring your degree to suit your goals.

Whether you’re drawn to research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, this degree opens a world of possibilities. You might already have a career path lined up, but if you’re still figuring it out, you’ll be able to consider roles like these upon graduation:
  • Clinical psychologist 
  • Counsellor or allied health professional 
  • Biomedical researcher 
  • Pharmaceutical developer 
  • Policy advisor (public or private sector) 
  • Behavioural or cognitive scientist 
  • Neuroscience educator

Whichever path you choose, you’ll be supported by a university with 19 consecutive years of five-star Overall Experience ratings and ranked in the top 20% of Australian universities for Graduate Full-time Employment.

Explore related subject areas

Browse similar fields of study that align with your interests. These related subjects can expand your options or complement your chosen degree path.

Want to know more?

Please fill in your details, and we’ll share your information with the University of New England (UNE), who will be in touch.

Playful geometric illustration of a graduate in cap and gown leaping with a diploma, surrounded by flying mortarboards and confetti, in vibrant purple, pink, and orange gradients.