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PhD Programme
Training in theoretical and
computational neuroscience and machine learning.
The Gatsby Unit is a world-class centre for theoretical neuroscience
and machine learning, focusing on unsupervised learning,
reinforcement learning, neural dynamics, population coding,
interpretation of neural data, perceptual processing, and
computational motor control. It provides a unique
opportunity for a critical mass of theoreticians to interact closely
with each other, and with other world-class research groups in
related departments at UCL,
including
Anatomy,
Computer Science,
Functional Imaging,
Physics,
Physiology,
Psychology,
Neurology,
Ophthalmology, and
Statistics.
Students at the Gatsby Unit study toward a PhD in either theoretical
neuroscience or machine learning, with minor emphasis in the
complementary field. Exceptionally, some students with pre-secured
shorter-term studentships have joined us to study for an MPhil
degree in one of these fields. Besides these Gatsby-funded
programmes, students from some other PhD programmes are also able to
carry out all or part of their research in Unit. See the links
below. We do not offer undergraduate or taught masters programmes,
nor (usually) a research masters.
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Structure
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The PhD programme lasts four years, including a first year of
intensive instruction in
techniques and research in theoretical neuroscience and machine
learning.
In their first term, all students take the core courses in
theoretical neuroscience and machine learning, after which they
generally choose to concentrate on one of these fields. Each
discipline runs a specialized course over the remainder of the
first year, whilst the students start their research
projects. After 4 terms, the students sit a written breadth exam
in their chosen field, and a shorter paper (equivalent to a
short research proposal) in the other. After 5 terms, they take
an oral qualifying exam based on their thesis proposals. Having
passed all the exams, they transfer from MPhil to PhD and then
are devoted to research for their remaining tenure.
Throughout the training programme, students are immersed in a
strong informal educational environment, comprising regular
short talks, research reports, journal clubs and ad hoc reading
groups; extensive seminar programs in the Unit itself and its
neighbours (including ICN, FIL, Psychology at UCL and Birkbeck,
Statistics, Computer Science); and attendance and participation
in international conferences. Furthermore, the Unit endeavours
to function as a single integrated research group, and so
students have ready access to all members of the faculty, not
just their immediate supervisors.
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Applications
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The Unit always has openings for exceptional PhD
candidates. Applicants should have a strong analytical
background, a keen interest in neuroscience or machine learning
and a relevant first degree, for example in Computer Science,
Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or
Statistics. Students seeking to combine work in neuroscience
and machine learning are particularly encouraged to apply.
A number of competitive fully-funded studentships are available
each year and the Unit also welcomes students with pre-secured
funding or with other scholarship/studentship applications in
progress.
Applicants are encouraged to apply informally in the first
instance by forwarding, in PDF or plain text format, a CV, a
statement of research interests, and the names and addresses of
three referees to admissions@gatsby.ucl.ac.uk.
General enquiries should also be directed to this e-mail
address. For further details of research interests please
visit the unit website.
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Related links
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Other related PhD programmes at UCL.
General information about graduate study at UCL.
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