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Fundamental Neuroscience

Your future

The research master in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience is primarily designed to prepare students for a scientific career, in which pursuing a PhD is usually the next step. On average, more than 90% of our graduates find their desired job or training position within 3-6 months after they have graduated. The majority of our graduates are working on PhD projects at top universities. Others pursue clinical training or are employed in industry. 

The programme also provides you with a solid background for careers in a variety of other settings, which may include the following:

  • scientific research and policy functions in research institutes
  • somatic and mental health treatment institutions
  • forensic institutes
  • centres for educational research and counselling
  • insurance providers
  • government agencies
  • pharmaceutical, food, and medical technology industries

Fundamental Neuroscience Alumni

Forensic Psychology world map

Students start their career in Fundamental Neuroscience at Maastricht University and then spread out all over the world.

On this digital map you can find out more about the career paths of some of our alumni

Open the world map

Katherine Bassil | USA

  • First job: PhD candidate in molecular and cellular neuroscience at Maastricht University, The Netherlands
  • Current job(s): (finalising) PhD candidate in molecular and cellular neuroscience at Maastricht University, The Netherlands
  • Project Designer & Manager at DecisiX/NeuroMind, Brightlands Maastricht Health Campus, The Netherlands 

The programme was diverse and was a great foundation for a future both in and outside of academia. It was composed of a variety of laboratory skills but also skills for entrepreneurship. It’s intense but I’ve gained so much from following this Masters, especially with the Problem-Based Learning system. This programme also allowed me to build a strong network in the field, it facilitates building connections on a national and international level. Nevertheless, I’ve made some of the best friendships during these 2 years. Definitely recommended!

Margherita Zamboni | Italy

  • Graduation year: 2016
  • First job: PhD student in Regenerative Neuroscience at Jonas Frisén lab, Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
  • Current job: PhD student (Currently wrapping up for my PhD defense and applying for Postdoc grants)

“I had a wonderful experience at Maastricht University. The Research Master in Fundamental Neuroscience offered a great program and a lot of opportunities to get our hands dirty with lab work. Coming from a Psychology background, the practical classes have been the perfect setting to gain some basic technical experience with various biochemical methods. I enjoyed the topics covered in the program and particularly appreciated the unique learning system with the PBL structure and the small study groups, which allowed to solidify our communication skills and collaborative disposition.

I moved to the Karolinska Institute (Sweden) to conduct my Research Internship and write my Master thesis. After graduation, I was able to remain in the same lab to start my PhD studies, during which I have characterized the molecular profile of cells contributing to adult neurogenesis in the human brain and investigated how to leverage the latent stem cell potential of astrocytes to aid recovery after brain injury.

I am currently wrapping up my PhD and feeling excited about preparing for a career in academia. I am grateful for the opportunity to study at the Research Master in Maastricht University because it helped me secure my PhD position and equipped me with tools that helped me succeed during my doctoral studies and, hopefully, beyond!”

Nasim Badaghi | Ecuador

  • First and current job: docent at Radboud University

"I completed my research master in fundamental neuroscience last year. This was a high-quality program, which not only thought me theoretical knowledge but most of all skills that are an asset to research. Studying fundamental neuroscience helped me realized the importance of giving your best while working independently and as part of a research team. It also gave me the opportunity to immerse in the biological processes occurring in the brain. If offered me the possibility to understand and see the brain in health and illness from a molecular point of view. In addition, it was incredibly enriching to be able to share the journey with people from all over the world."