Master of Science in Neuroscience at Stellenbosch University

Programme overview

A research programme with no study modules, consisting of a research project, thesis and project presentation. The research protocol is prepared with the supervisor and submitted to the Faculty's Committee for Postgraduate Teaching.

Faculty: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | Department: Psychiatry | Duration: Two years | Intake: Applications open 1 April 2026; close 30 September 2026 (South African) and 31 August 2026 (international). | Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

What you will study

A single 180-credit thesis (Neuroscience). The final mark combines the supervisor's mark for the research project, internal and external examiner marks for the thesis, and the project presentation; 50% is needed to pass and 75% for distinction.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

One of the following at NQF level 8: MBChB; a four-year bachelor's or an honours degree in a neuroscience, social sciences (e.g. Psychology) or health sciences related discipline (e.g. Genetics, Physiology, Biochemistry); or an engineering degree (e.g. biomedical or computer engineering). BTech holders: considered if the BTech final mark is at least 60%, then admitted on passing a preliminary examination in the relevant field with at least 60%. Applicants must contact a prospective supervisor and upload email evidence of this contact with the application.

The application fee is R100 for South African citizens, permanent residents and refugee, asylum seeker and diplomatic status holders, and R400 for international applicants. Stellenbosch Business School applicants pay R1050 for the MBA and R850 for other SBS programmes. Some applicants are exempt; application fees are non-refundable.

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