Master
Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences
★ StudyPath verdict
?/10
No verdict yet — the score, best-for / skip-if and match score are editorial signals we generate once the underlying outcome data is collected.
Tuition · Intl
↗€24,900
EU: €2,694/year · click ↗
Duration
2 years
120 ECTS
Start
Sep 26
apply by May 26
Language
English
IELTS 6.5+
Accred.
NVAO
NVAO 2023
Admission
Open
no intake cap
Enrolled/yr
↗182
DUO ↑133% ↗
Intl. %
?
no data yet
S:F ratio
↗25:1
institution-wide ↗
Min. English
6.5
IELTS required
Entry route
↗Bachelor
5 bachelor routes ↗
Satisfaction
↗4.5/5
NSE 2026 ↗
Employment
↗92%
field est. ↗
Median salary
↗€3,230
/mo gross · field ↗
Alumni
?
no data yet
↗ Real values are sourced; tiles marked “?” aren’t collected yet · Enrolled/yr is live from DUO · Satisfaction/outcomes are live from StudiekeuzedatabaseLast sync: 9 Jun 2026
About this program
How does the brain give rise to behaviour, emotion, and cognition? What happens when neural systems malfunction — and how can we intervene? Can we connect the dots from molecules to behavior to minds?
What to expect from the Master's programme in BCN✔ Study the brain from molecules to behaviour to mind across three research tracks
✔ Benefit from an interdisciplinary programme taught by experts from three faculties
✔ Work in small cohorts with a strong academic and social support network
✔ Shape your own path: specialise deeply or explore across neuroscience fields
The research master Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences (BCN) at the University of Groningen is an international programme that trains you to become an independent neuroscientist. Combining interdisciplinary breadth with deep specialisation, this two-year MSc offers you the freedom to build your own scientific profile. Whether you want to zoom in on molecular mechanisms, understand cognition and modelling, explore behavioural and physiological processes — or move from one to the other.
The BCN programme is organised around three distinct tracks:B-track (Behavioural Neurosciences) focuses on how neurobiology, physiology and development shape behaviour in humans and animals.C-track (Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling) centres on brain function, cognition, and neuropsychiatric disorders, using tools like fMR
Institution’s own description (HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase)
English120 ECTSMaster of ScienceField area: Natural SciencesSector: Gedrag en MaatschappijCode of Conduct (intl.)Full-timeMaster
About University of Groningen
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands with over 33,000 students. Known for its vibrant student city atmosphere (1 in 4 residents is a student), excellent research output, and 4 Nobel Prize laureates including Ben Feringa (Chemistry 2016).
Living in Groningen
Student cost of living
Rent · room
€450/mo
Monthly total
€800–€1,400
Cost of living
Medium
Population
234k
Young, vibrant, and welcoming. Groningen has a laid-back northern Dutch charm combined with the energy of a true student city. The compact city center is easy to navigate by bike, and the local community is known for being friendly and open to international students.
View city guide →Specializations
Tracks from HOVI
Behavioural Neurosciences (B-track)Specialisation
The four track-specific courses of the B-track focus on the neurobiology as well as the function and evolution of behaviour.
Track Mentor: Prof. Meerlo, https://www.rug.nl/staff/p…
Cognitive Neuroscience & Modelling (C-track)Specialisation
The C-track focuses on cognitive processes and their implementation through neural mechanisms at the systems-level.
Track Mentor: Track Mentor: Dr. Tassos Sarampalis, https://www.…
Molecular and Clinical Neuroscience (N-track)Specialisation
The track-specific courses focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development, function, and communication, as well as clinical/neurological and psyc…
Source: HOVI via Studiekeuzedatabase
Curriculum
Course structure by year
?No curriculum data yet
Career outcomes
Graduate surveys · field-group level
Good job-market outlookfield: psychologie
Median starting salary (field)€3,230/mo gross
Employed ~1.5y after graduating92%
Months to a substantial job4
Working in their own field79%
Permanent contract43%
Satisfied with their job3.9/5
Top graduate occupations (field)
Psychologen50%
Professoren en andere onderwijsgevenden in het hoger onderwijs11%
Specialisten op het gebied van personeelszaken en loopbaanontwikkeling4%
Bedrijfs- en organisatieanalisten3%
Vakspecialisten op het gebied van maatschappelijk werk3%
Field-group estimates from national graduate surveys via Studiekeuzedatabase — not measured per programme
Progression & cohort
Official register statistics
Complete this degree78%
Women among first-years70%
Say workload is “just right”70%
Official register statistics (1cijferHO · 2025) via Studiekeuzedatabase
Student voices
National Student Survey (NSE) — first-party reviews coming
4.5/5overall satisfaction · NSE 2026 · 44 respondents
Content & set-up4.3
Teachers4.5
Atmosphere4.9
Involvement & contact4.4
Study guidance4
Testing & assessment4.2
Facilities4.3
Career preparation4.1
Teachers' English4.8
Would choose again4.5
Source: Nationale Studenten Enquête via Studiekeuzedatabase (Studiekeuze123/LCSK)
Admissions
Minimum language scores · from StudyInNL
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 90
Scholarships
Internships
?No data yet
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