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University of Oxford: Pain Neurosciences

Institution University of Oxford
Department Neuroscience
Web http://www.ox.ac.uk/study
Email graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk
Telephone +44 (0)1865 270059
Study type Taught

Summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MSc in Pain Neurosciences explores pain mechanisms from molecules to brain systems, providing students with the multidisciplinary skills and advanced knowledge essential for understanding and addressing pain in research and healthcare settings.

The MSc is a part-time course, spread over two years, combining online and in-person teaching, delivered by pre-clinical and clinical research teams from the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, the broader Oxford Pain community, Oxford University Hospitals, and external institutions. You will receive comprehensive and high-quality teaching on pain fundamentals and pain research, spanning basic to clinical science.

This format is designed to unite a diverse group of educators and students—including basic and clinical scientists, allied health professionals, and physicians—creating a unique environment for professional collaboration and providing opportunities to undertake research projects in world-leading laboratories.

Furthermore, this course provides a valuable platform for developing a range of transferable skills, such as:

  • critical thinking,

  • effective communication,

  • data analysis,

  • problem-solving, and

  • collaborative working.

These skills are essential across both academic and professional environments.

Course structure This two-year, part-time course with teaching delivered primarily online, is enhanced by two one-week residential sessions at Oxford University and the opportunity to undertake a research project. The course is designed to provide the flexibility to study remotely around other commitments, but also providing immersive in-person teaching in Oxford. The programme includes taught modules, delivered by experts in each field and the opportunity to conduct research in world leading pain labs.

Typically, modules will be taught over 10-11 weeks covering one Oxford term, split into 2-3-week sub-module blocks. Teaching will alternate between asynchronous weeks with written, recorded or interactive material to be covered in your own time, and synchronous weeks with live online group sessions (1.5-2 hours). On average, it would be expected that students devote 10-12 hours per week to their studies.

During the second year you will undertake a research project to be conducted remotely or in-person.

You will also attend two one-week residentials, one in each year of the course. Accommodation will typically be provided within an Oxford college. These weeks will also be an opportunity for you to explore your college, the city of Oxford and take part in social activities (eg college dinner) with fellow students and members of the Oxford pain community.

You will need a computer (Windows or iOS), webcam and microphone for this course. You will also need to ensure appropriate internet connection. The recommended bandwidth for the software is 4Mbps upload and 4Mbps download.

MSc

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