Masters Degrees (Acquired Brain Injury)

This Masters programme in Applied Neuropsychology is designed for those who have qualified in clinical psychology overseas, and wish to continue studying mental health.

Why this programme

• The MSc in Applied Neuropsychology has been developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland and offers specialist knowledge for clinical psychologists working in the area of clinical neuropsychology.
• The University has a strong tradition of research in clinical neuroscience and neuropsychology, making it the perfect place to study Applied Neuropsychology.

Programme structure

The majority of students on this programme come to Glasgow for a full year of study. This will provide you with the opportunity to carry out a research project which will usually be based in one of our research groups.

All our lectures are given by subject specialists, including clinical academics at the University as well as many other specialists from around the UK and occasionally internationally.

You will take a total of eight courses, arranged into blocks of teaching. Each teaching block lasts two weeks and covers two courses.

Courses

• Context and Perspectives in Clinical Neuropsychology
• Professional Issues and Research Methods 
• Neuroscience
• Epilepsy, Seizure and Sleep Disorders
• Acquired Brain Injury and Disorders of Memory, Attention and Executive Functioning
• Degenerative Conditions
• Stroke and Disorders of Perception, Language, Praxis and Calculation
• Paediatric Neurology and Neuropsychology.

There will also be a research project for MSc students.

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This Masters programme in Clinical Neuropsychology is designed for those who are eligible for registration in the UK's Health Professions Council as a clinical psychologist.

Why this programme

• The Clinical Neuropsychology programme has been developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland and offers specialist knowledge for clinical psychologists and other healthcare professionals working in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
• Why study Neuropsychology at the University of Glasgow? The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society Division of Neuropsychology and provides the underpinning knowledge component of the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN).
• The University has a strong tradition of research in clinical neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology.

Programme structure

The majority of students on this programme are clinical psychologists working in the NHS and most complete their programme working part-time over two years, although a small number complete all the teaching blocks in one year.

All our lectures are given by subject specialists, including clinical academics at the University as well as many other specialists from around the UK and occasionally internationally.

You will take a total of eight courses, arranged into blocks of teaching. Each teaching block lasts two weeks and covers two courses.

Courses

• Context and perspectives in clinical neuropsychology
• Professional issues and research methods
• Neuroscience
• Epilepsy, seizure and sleep disorders
• Acquired brain injury and disorders of memory, attention and executive functioning
• Degenerative conditions
• Stroke and disorders of perception, language, praxis and calculation
• Paediatric neurology and neuropsychology.

Plus a research project for MSc students.

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About the course

This course is for speech and language therapists/pathologists, linguists, psychologists or others with a relevant background who have an interest in acquired communication disorders such as aphasia, dysarthria and the communication difficulties secondary to dementia or traumatic brain injury.

The MSc will provide you with an up-to-date understanding of the main theoretical and clinical issues and approaches in this field and the implications of these findings for clinical intervention.

Your career

Your masters will give you the skills and knowledge to make a difference. Our MMedSci course provides the necessary training to meet the requirements of the UK Health and Care Professions Council which is the accreditation body for UK speech and language therapy. Our other courses provide professional development training. They can also lead to careers in university teaching and research.

How we teach

We have a reputation for high quality research in the field of human communication and its disorders. That research informs our teaching. We offer professional training for students who are considering speech and language therapy as a career. If you’re interested in a research career, we can prepare you for a PhD.

We also run professional development courses for students already working in the field, so you can study alongside your current job. We have links with the NHS, special schools and specialist charities to ensure that what we teach you is in line with current developments in the field.

We work with other departments across the University including the School of Education, the Department of Psychology, the Department of Computer Science and the School of English Language and Linguistics.

Core modules

PGCert

• Acquired Language Disorders
• Acquired Speech Disorders
• Methods in Clinical Linguistics
• Developing an Evidence Base for Practice

PGDip

• Research Methods A
• Research Methods B or an optional module if not continuing to the MSc

MSc

• Research Methods A
• Research Methods B
• Two optional modules
• Dissertation/ Evaluation of Clinical Practice.

Examples of optional modules

Students on the PGDip and MSc also take optional modules, from a range offered both within the department and across other departments in the University.

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Clinical neuropsychology is a specialty discipline within psychology which is focused on the associations between the brain and neuropsychological functions, including cognition, emotion and behaviour. Clinical neuropsychology is particularly interested in the effects of brain disorders and other clinical conditions affecting the brain on these functions.

Disorders and conditions comprise acquired or congenital neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions in children, adolescents and adults, such as ADHD, autism, stroke, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, drug abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, etc.

Clinical neuropsychologists can be involved in both the assessment and treatment of people with brain disorders in various applied and often clinical settings, but also in patient related research. Methods used in the field of clinical neuropsychology are neuropsychological tests, neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques.

With the aging population, the number of people with neuropsychological disorders increases and with this also the demand for well trained clinical neuropsychologists.

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Occupational therapy practice is concerned with enhancing the daily lives of individuals with a very broad range of physical, mental health or social needs. As an occupational therapist you will work with clients to improve function and enable them to fulfil the demands of their daily lives with greater satisfaction. You will work with people of all ages from all walks of life, in hospital, in the community, in their place of employment or in their home, and have the opportunity to work in a very wide variety of professional practice areas.

The fundamental aim of the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme is to enable you to graduate with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. The Degree does not provide eligibility to practice in any other country although the degree is WFOT recognised.

HCPC approved and COT/WFOT accredited

See the website http://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/occupational-therapy-pre-registration/

Why choose this course?

- Graduates from this programme will be fit for purpose, practice, and award in the UK. We enable you to develop a profound understanding of the potential for occupational therapy to promote the health and wellbeing of the population. Skills acquired will be evidenced based, innovative and give you the capacity to make a significant contribution to the profession, specifically contribute to excellence in client care and the professional knowledge base. On successful completion of the degree and 1000 hours of clinical practice education you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a registered Occupational Therapist in the UK.

- Many of our graduates go on to further educational development at PhD/DPhil and professional doctorate level. We are mindful of the anticipated transformation of practice over the next 20 years as well as the changes to demographics and the political innovation resulting in the widening participation agenda. We therefore aim to attract graduate students, who are academically able, demonstrate appropriate values of self-determination, motivation and critical awareness of learning needs and show potential for leading leadership, innovation and research.

- Based in Oxford, the environment for learning is rich with diversity, culture, specialist health and social care resources, academic resources as well as close commuting links to London.

- Our programme is staffed by occupational therapists expert in diverse clinical specialities, and supported by occupational therapy practice educators from all areas of mainstream and specialist practice. Our lecturers are experienced in their specialist practice areas and have reputations for excellence with established links with colleagues, organisations and institutions at national and international level.

- This course benefits from shared and inter-professional education opportunities, in addition to profession specific ones, to develop the professional qualities and attributes for current and future health and social care practice.

- Our ongoing investment in a new technology infrastructure is enabling the teaching team to exploit successful technology-enriched learning throughout the programme. We have a large and dedicated building in Oxford (Marston Road) equipped with state-of-the-art classroom and clinical skills and communication suites and resources. We run a weekly Hand Therapy clinic and a monthly Community Occupational Therapy Assessment Clinic for the public. Students are invited to observe other qualified OT's working in these clinics.

- We have a strong research profile, with experienced researchers working in established areas of cancer care, children and families, drug and alcohol, physical rehabilitation and enablement, inter-professional education and collaborative practice.

- Established in 1938, we are the oldest School of Occupational Therapy in England, and have one of the best occupational therapy library collections in the country.

- We have an excellent track record of high levels of student satisfaction, low student attrition rates and high employability.

Teaching and learning

MSc in Occupational Therapy is taught alongside the well-established and highly-regarded BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.

Pre-registration Masters students will be taught alongside the undergraduate students in all occupational therapy specific modules. These will be identified with different module numbers and names to those of the undergraduate programme. This dual level teaching in classroom will provide you with the opportunity to learn the core skills and specific attributes of occupational therapy alongside the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy students.

However, the pre-registration Masters students are provided with an enhanced level 7 learning experience with module specific tutorials to explore a more critical and evidence based approach to the subject matter and thus develop professional competence in academic, research and digital literacy, critical thinking and personal self-awareness.

Our approach will require you to actively engage in these Masters level tutorials and become self-directed, innovative, creative and critical learners. Teaching will assist you to construct knowledge through the analysis, synthesis and conceptualisation of your learning experiences, thus developing a lifelong approach to learning. This supports employability in a marketplace that demands adaptability, continuous development and leadership.

You will have the opportunity for face-to-face and virtual learning activities. Our inter-professional module is taken alongside other health and social care pre-registration master's level students, enabling you to prepare for the interdisciplinary work you will encounter in the health and social care environment.

Working at master’s level, you will focus on developing your knowledge in occupational therapy, which is evidence-based and strongly underpinned by research.

This master's degree will:
- Enable you to be a reflective, proactive, innovative and adaptable occupational therapy practitioner, with the ability to critique research and evaluate the effectiveness of evidence in a wide variety of practice settings.

- Develop a critical understanding of the theory of occupation and teach you to challenge existing models and approaches used in occupational therapy from an informed perspective.

- Provide opportunities to develop your ability to work both independently and as part of a team in the context of social, technological, administrative and policy changes.

How this course helps you develop

This course is mapped against the University's postgraduate attributes so that all occupational therapy graduates are equipped with the skills of academic literacy, digital and information literacy, global citizenship, research literacy, critical self awareness and personal literacy. These attributes are in addition to the NHS core values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, and aspiring to improve the lives of others where everyone counts and we work together for patients.

Careers

The majority of graduates from the occupational therapy degrees work as qualified and registered occupational therapists, but there are increasing opportunities to work in non-specified professional roles in mental health and community settings. There are also increasing numbers of employment roles that are not explicitly described or advertised as an ‘occupational therapist’ but match the skills specification of an occupational therapist. This is due to the changing nature of health and social care practice and the new and emerging roles and opportunities for occupational therapy.

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.

Research highlights

The Centre for Rehabilitation within the Department of Sport and Health Sciences has strong leadership in the director, Professor Helen Dawes. The Centre brings together research, education and care. It is underpinned by a strong, well-published research group, the Movement Science Group, along with clinical expertise, rehabilitation, knowledge and care of adults and children with neurological conditions. Within the Centre, staff, students and alumni across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences are engaged in a number of research projects.

Examples of ongoing research projects within the faculty:
- Driving rehabilitation - cognitive mechanisms of driving and performance implications for clinical populations

- Fatigue management – Central and peripheral fatigue and mechanisms in clinical populations

- Dual task control in Stroke - influence on community mobility

- Efficacy of Intensive motor learning programmes – Themed (Magic) camps for children with hemiplegia

- Arts in Health Research – collaboration with Breathe Arts Health Research with research opportunities across many arts related activities

- Virtual Reality (VR) technologies – development and implementation of VR technologies in rehabilitation

- Early identification of motor and sensory processing impairments in children

- Sensory processing disorders and impact on function and behaviour in children with autism

- Measurement and monitoring of rehabilitation participation- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Systematic Review of Vocational Rehabilitation for people with TBI

- Therapy for hand writing in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD)

- Monitoring movement in people with neurological conditions – mechanisms and impact e.g. head drop in Parkinson Disorder

- Physical activity impact on sleep, behaviour cognition, health and wellbeing in children with neurodisability

- Falls in people with learning disabilities – an understanding of the impact of anxiety

- A Functional Electrical Stimulation Plantar flexion System for Bone Health Maintenance in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

- Professional development Perspectives of Occupational Therapists working in the NHS and concepts of Occupational Balance, Cultural perspectives and attitude change in professional identity acquisition.

Research areas and clusters

Our staff are involved in research both independently and collaboratively.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Research Methods in Psychology at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

This master's degree in Research Methods in Psychology aims to provide an opportunity to research and learn about a wide range of topics in psychology; from basic learning and cognition, to neuropsychology, and to applied topics in clinical and educational psychology.

Key Features of Research Methods in Psychology

Performance:

- One of four Psychology departments to achieve a 100% 4* rating (maximum score possible) for the reach and significance of its work in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. Based on this measure Psychology at Swansea was ranked 14th (out of 82) in the UK

- Top third ranking for UK Psychology Departments (2016 Complete University Guide)

- Joint 12th UK ranking for Psychology (Graduate prospects)

Teaching and Employability:

- High-level training in advanced research methods and skills

- Exciting opportunities to conduct basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas.

- Unique mix of small-group teaching in seminars, workshops, and practical sessions, as well as a diverse range of assessment methods and access to staff and other one-to-one teaching support from demonstrators for technical subjects.

- International student mentor to all international/overseas fee-paying Psychology students

- Opportunity to gain funding for Ph.D. places, and to gain access to professional training courses in Clinical Psychology and Educational Psychology

This MSc in Research Methods in Psychology provides students with high-level training in advanced research methods and skills, and offers exciting opportunities to conduct basic and applied research projects in a wide range of areas.

Research Methods in Psychology students learn to use a range of research tools, such as databases, statistical software, and computer programmes.

By the end of this training, students on the Research Methods in Psychology course will have acquired a wide range of practical research skills to apply in any context where human behaviour is important. They will have gained practical knowledge of the nature and limitations of the scientific method and the main alternatives, and knowledge of the general historical, theoretical, and philosophical issues underlying psychological and behavioural science.

Modules

Modules on the Research Methods in Psychology MSc typically include:

Generic Research Skills

Computing Skills

Empirical Projects

Philosophy of Psychology

Special Research Skills

Statistical Methods

Qualitative Methods

Dissertation (MSc Research Methods)

Research Methods in Psychology Course Structure

The full-time Research Methods in Psychology course, which will last one year, will normally involve attending the University for two full days a week (Monday and Tuesday). The part-time course, which lasts two years, will normally involve attending the University one full day a week.

Who should apply?

The Research Methods in Psychology course is suitable for:

- Anybody with an interest in developing a career in research, either in psychology, or social and health sciences, or those wishing to apply research skills in the private sector.

- Students who wish to pursue further professional training in professional and applied areas of psychology have found the research training provided very helpful in developing this aspect of their skills portfolio.

Staff Expertise

Many of the College of Human and Health Sciences team are leaders in their specialist fields of research. They undertake novel and original research in a variety of areas, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Postgraduate Community

The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience.

In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.

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The Abnormal and Clinical Psychology course aims to provide a high level of understanding of the theory and practice of clinical psychology within healthcare settings and prepares students for professional clinical training.

Key Features of the Abnormal and Clinical Psychology

Performance:

• One of four Psychology departments to achieve a 100% 4* rating (maximum score possible) for the reach and significance of its work in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014. Based on this measure Psychology at Swansea was ranked 14th (out of 82) in the UK.
• Our Psychology department is ranked 5th in the UK for Graduate Prospects by The Times and Sunday Times University League Tables 2018.

Teaching and Employability:

• State-of-the-art technology, with over 20 general purpose research rooms and numerous specialised testing facilities
• Majority of teaching carried out by practicing and/or qualified Clinical Psychologists and related professionals
• Unique range of modules offered
• Proven track record of assisting students’ progression towards clinical psychology training as well as range of clinical mental health-related occupational roles
• Numerous NHS clinical based placements secured, providing valuable experience on the journey to becoming a Clinical Psychologist.

Clinical psychology focuses on the challenges faced by people with clinical, mental or physical (neuropsychological) health conditions. The role of the clinical psychologist is to work with these individuals and attempt to improve their quality of life.

The Abnormal and Clinical Psychology course will greatly enhance students’ suitability for professional clinical training, for example a three year DClin Clinical Psychology programme at a BPS accredited training centre.

Entry onto a clinical psychology doctorate training programme is extremely competitive, with candidates usually expected to have acquired training and experience beyond degree level. 

The MSc degree provides a valuable academic foundation for future doctoral training in clinical psychology, it is largely theory-based and is designed to address core topics in abnormal and clinical psychology.

Clinical training courses also look for evidence of clinical experience with relevant client groups.

Swansea University does not provide this directly, but work experience (paid and voluntary) may be available through the local NHS Psychology Services. Opportunities may also be available locally through independent and private sector organisations (e.g. Mind Cymru, Headway, private rehabilitation services, etc.). These opportunities are regularly advertised and students are supported in making the most of them. 

Please note this course does not lead to a clinical qualification recognised by the British Psychological Society. 

Modules

Modules on the MSc in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology may include:

• Eating Disorders
• Psychosis
• Personality and Sexual Disorders
• Neuropsychology
• Statistical and Research Methods
• Affective and Somatoform Disorders
• Applied Behaviour Analysis
• Introduction to Forensic Psychology
• Coping with Chronic Disease
• Psychotherapy
• Research Project

Abnormal and Clinical Psychology Course Structure

The one year, full-time degree for Abnormal and Clinical Psychology requires students to attend the University for two full days a week (normally Monday and Tuesday).

The two-year part-time degree requires students to attend the University for one full day a week.

In the first two semesters taught modules are provided with the research project typically undertaken during the summer months.

On occasion sessions are arranged on other days of the week (e.g. when visiting clinician talks/workshops or employability sessions). 

Teaching is done via group sessions with practical classes provided on research and design topics. These will be assessed via written course work and a written examination. 

Who Should Apply?

The MSc in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology is suitable for:

• UK and international psychology graduates seeking positions as Assistant Psychologists (both in the UK and abroad) as part of their journey towards becoming a BPS Chartered Clinical Psychologist
• Psychology graduates aiming to work in related fields of applied psychology and other areas of clinical mental health
• Healthcare and other clinical professionals looking to expand their understanding of particular areas of abnormal and clinical psychology
• Psychology graduates who have relevant work experience to apply for further clinical training, but who need to enhance their academic and research skills
• Psychology graduates looking to complete a PhD by Research in a clinically applied area

Staff Expertise

Many of the College of Human and Health Sciences team are leaders in their specialist fields of research. They undertake novel and original research in a variety of areas, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Find out more about the Psychology team at Swansea University.

Postgraduate Community

The College of Human and Health Sciences has a vibrant postgraduate community with students drawn from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. The College is known for its friendly, welcoming and supportive environment, which combined with its extensive facilities, state-of-the-art technology and superb beachside location, helps to ensure that students benefit from an exceptional student experience. In addition, students have access to a wide range of excellent facilities and equipment for realistic workplace experiences.

Student Testimonials

Here's what students had to say about the Abnormal and Clinical Psychology MSc:

“Completing the MSc has been very beneficial, as in addition to improving my academic knowledge and skills, as well as confidence, it has enabled me to quickly secure employment in this field”. Sam (MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, 2013-14)

“The level of expertise of the lecturers is second to none” Katie (MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, 2011-12)

“An outstanding and highly interesting MSc program” Vasilis (MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, 2009-10)

“Thanks to my masters, I am in such a good placement in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a multi-speciality hospital's Cardiology Unit” Phoram (MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, 2009-10)

“I'm now an Assistant Psychologist in Cardiff, and I do not think I would have had a chance of getting such a post if I didn't have the MSc. I'm really glad I did it!” - Bryn (MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, 2008-09)

“The MSc helped me to get my first assistant post and provided me with a good academic basis to pursue a career in clinical psychology. I am now undertaking the DClin Psych course in Oxford!” - Nicola (MSc Abnormal and Clinical Psychology, 2007-08)

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