Neuroscience and Behaviour

The Master of Neuroscience and Behaviour is an internationally accredited Europe–Asia programme that offers a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to one of the most dynamic and emerging fields of contemporary science. The programme provides students with solid training in modern concepts, theories and advanced methods in neuroscience, with a particular focus on the neurobiological foundations of behaviour and its applications across multiple domains.

This joint master’s degree is offered by the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), in Macao, and the Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida (ISPA), in Portugal, and leads to the award of a joint diploma issued by both institutions upon successful completion. The programme is delivered by a multidisciplinary team of lecturers with strong academic and research backgrounds.

The first year of the programme takes place in Macao, while in the second year students attend two advanced modules in Portugal and develop their master’s dissertation either in Portugal or in Macao. Throughout the programme, students benefit from a rich international and intercultural academic experience, combining theoretical training, methodological rigour and applied perspectives.

The curriculum includes modules covering the core foundations of neuroscience—such as Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Functional and Comparative Neuroanatomy, Social Neuroscience and Cognitive Neuroscience—as well as training in research methods through the module Research Methods in Neuroscience and Behaviour. The programme also addresses clinical and transdisciplinary applications of neuroscience, including Clinical Neuroscience, Neuroeconomics, Neuroscience Applied to Education, Advanced Seminars in Human Neuroscience and Advanced Seminars in Comparative Neuroscience.

In the second year, students develop an original master’s dissertation focused on a specific topic in fundamental or applied neuroscience. Overall, this innovative programme aims to equip students with robust scientific knowledge, methodological skills and an integrated perspective on neuroscience and behaviour, preparing them for advanced academic training or professional pathways in diverse applied settings.

The study plan has a duration of 2 academic years (4 semesters), totalling 120 ECTS credits.

At the end of the programme, students are expected to:

• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the organisation and functioning of the nervous system, and its relationship with typical behaviour and behavioural disorders;
• Develop a broad and integrated perspective on the practical applications of neuroscience in research, clinical, educational and organisational contexts;
• Acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical training in key methods and techniques used in neuroscience and behavioural research;
• Develop robust research and analytical skills that support either progression to advanced academic training (doctoral studies) or a direct transition to the labour market.

Holders of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Management, Business, Education or related fields, as well as professionals from any sector seeking specialised training in neuroscience and behaviour.

During the two years of evening course work, Master of Neuroscience and Behaviour students hold full-time student status.

• Health sector
• Biomedical industry
• Research and academia
• Marketing and data science
• Education

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