Fast track your career with a postgraduate degree in brain and mind sciences.
About us
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Find out moreWe are ranked 18th in the world for medicine in the QS Subject Rankings 2020.
Learn more
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
The Graduate Diploma in Brain and Mind Sciences provides focused education and training for the next generation of science, medical, nursing, psychiatry and psychology workforces, preparing them to meet the needs of those suffering from disorders of the brain and mind.
Why study with us?
There are no specialisations for this course.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 30 November of the preceding year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 30 November of the preceding year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February)
Graduate Diploma in Brain and Mind Sciences requires the successful completion of 36 credit points of units of study including:
Explore the Medicine and Health Postgraduate Handbook to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree:
The core units of study will provide you with an understanding of the link between basic neuroscience and clinical applications and interventions. Elective units of study will provide you with a high standard of specialised training in your chosen area with learning of current research methodologies, access to cutting-edge scientific research equipment and supervision by high profile researchers.
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Brain and Mind Sciences will hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification and, where required, satisfactorily perform at an interview. In exceptional circumstances, the dean may admit applicants without this qualification who, in the opinion of the school, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Handbooks Online and the University of Sydney Study Dates are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Robyn Thomas
“As a corporate medicolegal, I was looking for a career change into a field where I could make a difference to the wellbeing of people experiencing chronic pain and mental health disorders. The Master of Brain and Mind Science degree provided me with the knowledge and skills to do that.
“I have been able to integrate education about the neurobiological underpinnings of behaviour, mental health and cognition into my work with people across the spectrum of illness. Patients report feeling empowered and that their functional capacity and quality of life have improved. It’s been very rewarding to be part of the process.”
Elena Germanoska
“The Master of Brain and Mind Sciences offers a hands-on research component where students work with elite researchers and professors on cutting edge projects. This learning experience gave me the ability to better understand medicine of the brain as well as opportunities to advance in my career path.
“I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to advance their knowledge around medicine or central nervous system diseases. It tests the way you think and understand information by teaching you to question and assess ideas and research in advanced ways.”
Outstanding graduates may be eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in the courses of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy and Master of Surgery (by research) offered by Sydney Medical School. A research degree provides students with the opportunity to prepare a substantial piece of work which represents a significant contribution in a particular field of study and to gain transferable skills in general research methodology.
Sydney Medical School is affiliated with over 40 independent medical research institutes aimed at achieving medical firsts in specialist areas of health and medicine.
It provides an outstanding environment for postgraduate research. Sydney Medical School's research activities consistently attract high levels of funding from the Commonwealth and state governments, overseas funding agencies and other public and private sources.
Sydney Medical School offers a wide range of short professional development courses for health professionals. Many of the courses offered are pre-accredited for Continuing Medical Education (CME) points, and other courses may be awarded CME points on request to your relevant association or professional body.
Learn more about short courses in medicine
Graduates of the Master of Brain and Mind Sciences will have opportunities within general practice, clinical psychology, or psychiatry, or working as graduate scientists in industry (science organisations, biotech industries, pharmaceutical companies), or university-based settings.
