Graduate study
We are delighted that you are considering applying to our department.
The Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN) usually admits around 30 students per year from both scientific and clinical backgrounds and has in the region of 100 graduate students at any one time. These students will be working in a variety of areas of neuroscience including ophthalmology, neuroimaging, chronobiology, pain and anaesthetics, neurodegeneration, genetics, ion channel disorders, neuroimmunology and functional neurosurgery and cerebrovascular disease.
Students are actively involved in a variety of programmes and seminars within the Department and more broadly with other University departments. There is a rich exposure to a wide variety of technologies, visiting speakers and the opportunity for travel to national and international meetings and workshops.
Recent graduates have taken up postdoctoral research opportunities within universities or industry. Some of our students have gone on to undertake a Graduate Medical degree. Most graduates with previous medical training have continued their clinician-scientist careers both within the University of Oxford and elsewhere.
In this section you will find information about the courses we offer and how to apply:
- MSc (Res)/ DPhil Clinical Neurosciences
- Distance-learning Sleep Medicine courses
- MSc Pain Neurosciences
There are also details of departmental funding sources, scholarships, studentships at the department, external funding that applicants can consider applying for and information about careers our former students have gone on to pursue.
Have a question?
Watch this video to hear from some of our students:
IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING TOEFL TESTS DECEMBER 2025
Due to forthcoming changes in the TOEFL iBT English test, the University will not permit TOEFL tests taken from 21 January 2026 to be used to meet the English language requirement for graduate courses. The University will undertake a review of the revised test to determine whether it meets our requirements so it can decide whether to accept it in future. If you have already booked a TOEFL iBT test that will take place before 21 January 2026, the results will be accepted as normal.
Please note that you do not need to meet the English requirement at the time of applying and any scores will not affect the academic assessment of your application. If you are offered a place on a graduate course and are required to demonstrate English proficiency, you will be given time to book a test to meet your English language offer condition.