Data capture and analysis techniques to understand brain-behaviour relationships are continually emerging, creating a need for in-depth knowledge of neuroscience methods and their applications to understand brain function when healthy through cognitive neuroscience, and when disease strikes through clinical neuroscience.

The development of new strategies combined with the availability of large cognitve, neuroimaging and genetic data sets from healthy and clinical populations from different parts of the world have created a need for trained individuals to use these resources for scientific advancement and to improve human health. The Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience MSc has been designed to address this need.

On this course, you will develop a detailed understanding of the historical and contemporary concepts and theories underpinning our current understanding of human brain-behaviour, innovative neuroscience methods and their application to understand brain function, and the core cognitive and affective processes and associated neurology. You will also be equipped with specialised analytical skills that will allow you to assess and interpret neuropsychological function in healthy and clinical populations, and will be able to report research evidence as a result.

Entry Requirements

Are you eligible to apply?

Course Content

The Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience MSc consists of a variety of optional modules alongside a compulsory dissertation. This course has been designed to give the most up-to-date knowledge in neuroscience methods and their applications in the understanding of brain function in health and disease.

Teaching and Learning

The Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience MSc is taught by a team of interdisciplinary academics including psychologists, psychophysiologists, neuroimaging researchers and clinical scientists, all of which are heavily involved in research. This research feeds into their teaching, and they will be on-hand to offer pastoral support during your studies.

Teaching is carried out through a series of lectures, seminars, group discussions, practical workshops and lab classes, as well as guided independent study. Research skills will be developed through one-to-one supervised work on a dissertation project.

Additional practical skills in the use of neuroscience modalities and research will be developed through lab classes, web-based materials, and self-directed learning.

Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience: Core Topics

This module aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the core cognitive and affective processes and the neural networks implicated in these processes, to provide a sound understanding of specific cognitive and brain dysfunctions in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism or schizophrenia, and to provide an insight into the role of genetics and individual differences in cognitive and brain functions and the continuum theories of psychopathology.

Cognitive Psychopharmacology and Addiction

This module will provide students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of major neurotransmitter systems in the human brain, an insight into cognitive enhancement using pharmacological agents, and a critical review of the theories of addiction and the bio-behavioural effects of chronic drug abuse.

Cognitive Rehabilitation and Plasticity

This module will provide students with a comprehensive insight into cognitive enhancement in normal and atypical populations using psychological interventions, a thorough account of environmental and lifestyle factors that may promote, or have adverse effects on, brain functions, and a critical review and discussion of evidence on current/potential psychological interventions to promote neuroplasticity in health and disease.

Historical and Contemporary Issues in Psychology

This module provides an overview of the historical and contemporary issues across the psychological science landscape. Specific topics include biological, cognitive, developmental, personality and social psychology.

Neuroscience Methods: Theory and Practice

This module provides students with a detailed insight into the principles, current possible uses, advantages and disadvantages of the classic, contemporary and new neuroscience techniques. Students will use a range of neuroscience techniques to assess brain structures and functions.

Preparation for Research

This module teaches students to review, synthesis and appraise scientific literature, to critically evaluate research studies and to effectively communicate research findings.

Research Methods and Academic Skills - Psychology

This module aims to teach students the fundamentals of scientific methods and research, alongside the principles of conducting ethical research and experimental design. Students will discover the principles and techniques for selecting and applying the most appropriate statistical tests for the research data that they wish to analyse. Students will also learn SPSS knowledge and technical skills and how to present their scientific findings in writing.

Dissertation in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate conceptual, theoretical and practical issues within their chosen subject. It allows students to undertake an in-depth research study in an area relevant to the degree.

Careers

After graduating with a Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences MSc you may wish to undertake further postgraduate research at PhD level or pursue a professional doctoral clinical psychology training course or postgraduate qualification in psychiatry, nursing or allied disciplines.

Your skills will equip you for careers in the: