What are the requirements for obtaining a master's or a Ph.D degree in Cognitive Neuroscience from one of the following countries?

[Proshno]

I'm updating my previous question to include the possibility of obtaining a Ph.D. degree. 

What are the requirements for obtaining a master's degree or a Ph.D. degree in Cognitive Neuroscience: 

A) With scholarships/ funding, from such countries as the USA or the UK, or any other countries where the course is offered in English and majority of the population can speak English* (such as Canada, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden etc.), or 

B ) From such European countries as Norway, Finland etc where tuition fees are free? 

I want to know: 

1. Do I have to take any specific tests, such as GRE and TOEFL for American universities? 

2. Which topics of cognitive neuroscience should I know really well to get an admission to a university? (I'm especially interested in studying the neuronal basis of the association between visual or auditory stimuli and emotions.) 

3. Do I need to have knowledge in any additional subjects, such as computer programming, statistics, calculus or any other branches of mathematics? 

Update: 4. I expect to get my MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) by this year (I'm from Bangladesh.) Can I apply for a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience with an MBBS degree? 


*(I'm not interested in Asian countries, for example Singapore and Japan, and some other countries such as Germany and Australia due to some personal reasons.) 


Thank you very much for your time.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Proshno

[Jay's Brain]

Hi,

 

I can try to help you out with Canadian universities. The GRE and an English proficiency test is definitely necessary for international students at any of the institutions here. 

 

In terms of your topics of interest, I think it's great that you have something in mind that you want to pursue research in. I would suggest looking at the different universities that offer a cognitive neuroscience/psychology program (most Canadian universities touch on these in some ways), and look at the faculty members of your university of interest. Those people will be your supervisors for the next 2-6 years (depending if you end up pursuing a terminal Master's, which is highly advised against, or continuing into your PhD). If you can find several PIs that are similar to your research interests you may want to consider applying to work with them and including their names in your statements of interest.

For the most part, Canadian universities, especially graduate programs in Psychology, require the Master's before PhD. These programs have research areas that cater to cognition, perception, and neuroscience. Other programs, like MiNDS at McMaster offer a much more comprehensive program directly in the fields of neuroscience. 

 

There is also funding for international students, although a bit more limited. That's something to consider when identifying a home institution. 

 

Hope that helps, and good luck!

[Proshno]

Hi,

 

I can try to help you out with Canadian universities. The GRE and an English proficiency test is definitely necessary for international students at any of the institutions here. 

 

In terms of your topics of interest, I think it's great that you have something in mind that you want to pursue research in. I would suggest looking at the different universities that offer a cognitive neuroscience/psychology program (most Canadian universities touch on these in some ways), and look at the faculty members of your university of interest. Those people will be your supervisors for the next 2-6 years (depending if you end up pursuing a terminal Master's, which is highly advised against, or continuing into your PhD). If you can find several PIs that are similar to your research interests you may want to consider applying to work with them and including their names in your statements of interest.

For the most part, Canadian universities, especially graduate programs in Psychology, require the Master's before PhD. These programs have research areas that cater to cognition, perception, and neuroscience. Other programs, like MiNDS at McMaster offer a much more comprehensive program directly in the fields of neuroscience. 

 

There is also funding for international students, although a bit more limited. That's something to consider when identifying a home institution. 

 

Hope that helps, and good luck!

 

Hi. 

 

Thank you very much for your reply. And I'm extremely sorry that I couldn't reply earlier. First I got sick, then my computer did. My operating system crashed, and it took me a few days to get it fixed. 

 

Thank you very much for your suggestions on how I should approach Canadian universities. That was immense help. 

 

And I don't want to stop at Master's. I do want to continue to do the Ph.D. But what I'm not sure is if I can get funding for the years I'll be taking the master's program, since you said most Canadian universities require a Master's before Ph.D. 

 

Thanks a lot once again. I'm forever grateful to you.

[crossoveranx]

What are your reasons for not wanting to attend universities in Singapore, Germany, etc.

[Jay's Brain]

 

Hi. 

 

Thank you very much for your reply. And I'm extremely sorry that I couldn't reply earlier. First I got sick, then my computer did. My operating system crashed, and it took me a few days to get it fixed. 

 

Thank you very much for your suggestions on how I should approach Canadian universities. That was immense help. 

 

And I don't want to stop at Master's. I do want to continue to do the Ph.D. But what I'm not sure is if I can get funding for the years I'll be taking the master's program, since you said most Canadian universities require a Master's before Ph.D. 

 

Thanks a lot once again. I'm forever grateful to you.

Hi! Sorry I didn't respond! 

The Masters programs in Canada are normally funded, which is the nice part about it