MSc in Pain Neurosciences

The new MSc in Pain Neurosciences is a two-year, part-time blended programme that combines the flexibility of online learning with the richness of in-person teaching.

Rooted in pioneering work of Oxford’s vibrant pain research community, this course offers a unique opportunity to study pain from molecules to brain systems spanning basic to clinical science.

Delivered by pre-clinical and clinical teams from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University Hospitals, and across the wider University, the course will equip students with the advanced knowledge and interdisciplinary skills needed to tackle pain in both research and healthcare contexts.

Whether you're aiming to deepen your scientific understanding or make a meaningful impact in healthcare, this MSc provides the intellectual foundation and practical insight to lead innovation in the evolving field of pain research.

Who is it for?

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and aim to build a diverse cohort of students.

The part-time, blended format of the programme is particularly suited to medical practitioners, psychologists, allied healthcare professionals and other working professionals who wish to deepen their expertise and gain research experience while continuing their careers.

At the same time, the course offers a strong academic foundation and research opportunities, making it highly relevant and accessible to recent graduates, basic scientists and researchers affiliated with industry looking to specialise in pain neuroscience and advance their clinical understanding.

What will the course cover?

This course offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of pain science, bridging foundational principles with teaching on cutting edge research.

You will learn from Oxford academics and clinicians whose research spans molecular biology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology and clinical cohorts, offering students a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts whose work bridges pre-clinical and clinical pain science.

The programme will include five taught modules that will cover areas such as:

Foundations of pain neurobiology, physiology, and behaviour eg nociception and pain perception, pain-related pathways and modulation, genetic and epigenetic factors, learning and motivation.
Mechanisms of chronic pain and specific pain conditions eg low back pain, inflammatory pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, headache.
Assessment and management of pain eg pain metrics and biomarkers, pharmacological and multidisciplinary pain management, novel interventions.
Pain in distinct populations and pain research methodology eg age and gender, social factors, experimental rigour, research dissemination.
Special topics eg Immune system, sleep and use of neurotechnology in pain.

You will also have the opportunity to conduct a research project with world leading pain researchers as part of your dissertation which can be conducted remotely or in-person.

Furthermore, the course aims to provide a platform for developing a range of transferable skills, such as:

critical thinking
effective communication
data analysis
problem-solving
collaborative working

How will I learn?

The majority of teaching is delivered online so you can join us from anywhere in the world and fit the course around other commitments. Live online group sessions are scheduled with consideration for international time zones, complemented with online written, recorded and interactive material that can be accessed at your convenience.

In addition to the online components, two in-person residential weeks offer hands-on workshops and the chance to immerse yourself in the Oxford University experience. These residentials include accommodation in Oxford, social events, and opportunities to engage with Oxford researchers and fellow students.