Masters Degrees (Brain Injury)

This exciting MSc reflects the broad-ranging and strong neuroscience research profile of our Department, equipping you with a rigorous grounding in the theory and applications of cognitive, clinical, and developmental neuroscience- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/msc-cognitive-clinical-neuroscience/

We offer two pathways on this Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (CCN) MSc:

Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway

The Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway has been developed in partnership with the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Neurodisability Service. The emphasis of this pathway will be on research and clinical aspects of cognitive neuroscience.

You'll take six modules, including a research dissertation:

Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology
Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology
Biological Aspects of Brain Functions
Methods and Techniques in Neuroscience
Statistics
Research Project

Methods and Techniques pathway

The emphasis of the Methods and Techniques pathway will be on practical hands-on training in methods and techniques used in cognitive neuroscience research.

You'll take six modules, including a research dissertation:

Advanced Methods and Techniques
Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology
Biological Aspects of Brain Functions
Methods and Techniques in Neuroscience
Statistics
Research Project

"It has been great to see so many of my fellow peers get onto doctoral training – I think this really highlights the strength and quality of the Goldsmiths CCN course. I am very honoured to have been offered the opportunity to complete it."
Romena, former student

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Val West.

Structure

Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway

This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines, who want to pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in experimental psychology or neuroscience; to teach in higher education; or to develop further knowledge for clinical careers involving work with brain-damaged patients or people suffering from developmental cognitive disorders.

During the course of the MSc, there are opportunities for some students to gain highly relevant clinical experience through case demonstrations and voluntary/paid work at the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Neurodisability Service or in one of the several clinical sites we collaborate with. In some cases, there may also be the possibility of carrying out research for your dissertation in these clinical settings.

Assessment:
The programme is assessed by written examinations, coursework, an oral presentation, journal club and a research dissertation.

Methods and Techniques pathway

This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines, who want to pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in neuroscience and to teach in higher education. During the MSc, students will receive highly relevant hands-on training in essential methods and techniques used in contemporary cognitive neuroscience research.

Research Project (60 credits)
The project requires you to carry out an empirically or theoretically based psychological project, which can be in any area of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Development Cognitive Neuropsychology, Brain stimulation or Neuroimaging (EEG). You will give an oral presentation of your project in addition to providing a full written report.

Assessment:
The programme is assessed by written examinations, coursework, an oral presentation, journal club and a research dissertation.

Skills

The programme will provide you with knowledge of theory and practical issues relevant to neuroscience and clinical psychology in the UK health services and research centres. The two pathways allow students to shape their study plan according to their interests and career objectives. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research project under the supervision of a member of staff and relevant external clinical/research sector staff.

Careers

This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines.

The Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway is aimed at students who want to develop further knowledge in clinical cognitive disordersto apply to UK clinical doctorate programs or to students who want to pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in experimental psychology or neuroscience.

The Methods and Techniques pathway is mainly addressed to students who want to apply for a research doctorate (MPhil/PhD) in cognitive neuroscience and related disciplines.

During the course of the MSc there are opportunities for some students (Cognitive Neuropsychology pathway) to gain highly relevant clinical experience through case demonstrations and undertaking clinical activity at the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Neurodisability Service or in one of the several clinical sites we collaborate with. In some cases, there may also be the possibility of carrying out research for your dissertation in these clinical settings. Students on the Methods and Techniques pathway will be able to acquire valuable “hands-on” experience and build a research portfolio by means of ad-hoc tutorials, research projects and workshops on some of the most recent cognitive neuroscience techniques (mainly TMS, tDCS, EEG).

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

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This interdisciplinary programme is for experienced professionals working with people with neuropsychiatric disorders associated with neurodegeneration, brain injury, and other neurological illness.

Also open to psychology and other neuroscience graduates who want to develop their academic and clinical skills, it provides you with:

- the ability to investigate and treat neuropsychiatric disorders
- the ability to critically appraise research in neuropsychiatry
- knowledge of philosophical, legal, ethical and policy related issues in neuropsychiatry

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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Take advantage of one of our 100 Master’s Scholarships to study Research Methods in Psychology at Swansea University, the Times Good University Guide’s Welsh University of the Year 2017. Postgraduate loans are also available to English and Welsh domiciled students. For more information on fees and funding please visit our website.

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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This Masters programme in Applied Neuropsychology is designed for those who have qualified in clinical psychology overseas.

Why this programme

◾The programme 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.

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.

Plus a research project for MSc students.

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This specialised interdisciplinary Master’s course is an exciting, innovative and forward thinking course which will help you challenge your current working practice in rehabilitation. The course offers you the opportunity to enhance the skills of critical enquiry and gain an appreciation of the underlying theory, research and policy guiding current rehabilitation practice.

Suitable for all practitioners working in health and social care like nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and speech and language therapists. Previous cohorts have included an interdisciplinary mix of practitioners working in both general and specialist areas of rehabilitation in the community, intermediate care, acute, independent sector and local authorities, both in the UK and overseas.

Students can study the full MSc or can opt to study individual modules.

Highlights

>Shared campus with one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK
>Led by a team of senior academics and advanced practitioners in rehabilitation
>Interprofessional education: Shared learning alongside all other MSc postgraduate courses and both pre and post registration students
>You will undertake and present a research project based on your chosen specialism
>Careers advice embedded into our teaching.

[[Modules]

The minimum period of study for the part-time programme route is 24 months; maximum period of study is 60 months.

The minimum period of study for the full-time route is 12 months; maximum period of study is 36 months.

It is possible to study modules on a standalone basis leading to an MSc, PgDip or PgCert over five years.

Core modules:

Policy and practice in health care
Evaluation of reflection in rehabilitation
Critical thinking in practice
Data analysis
Research methods
Research project

Optional modules:

Cognitive behavioural approaches in health
Psychology for exercise
Exercise intervention for obesity and diabetes
Cardiac rehabilitation
Managing fatigue: implications for exercise
Pulmonary rehabilitation
Quality and innovation in rehabilitation
Pain management
Self-management in long term and neurological conditions
Work based learning
Professional development in rehabilitation
Life after stroke

Studying

Members of the planning and teaching team come from multidisciplinary backgrounds and have considerable experience of implementing and teaching on Master's level courses. The team also has a range and depth of experience in both service delivery and research in rehabilitation.

We have considerable experience in neurological and elderly rehabilitation and have contributed or been responsible for service delivery in both acute and community healthcare, as well as the voluntary and independent sector.

There is also specific expertise in the rehabilitation of individuals with stroke, dementia, acute brain injury, pain management, cardiac and chronic pulmonary disease, falls, progressive neurological disease and palliative care.

Careers

In addition to developing your understanding of your specialist area, this course will enable you to:

>Develop a critical understanding of the key policy drivers in rehabilitation and critically evaluate the implications on your own practice.
>Develop a critical awareness and systematic understanding of research methods used in rehabilitation research.
>Critically evaluate your effectiveness in relation to the delivery of person-centred rehabilitation.
>Develop leadership skills and advanced practice to promote effective inter-professional working and service delivery in rehabilitation.
>Critically evaluate and advance the most current evidence- based programmes of care in relation to the complex and changing needs of individuals.

You will also gain an understanding of the complex areas of government policy in relation to rehabilitation and will look at models of disability and rehabilitation and their influence on practice from the perspective of both the practitioner and the patient/client.

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Recent years have been characterised by a rapid development of functional imaging technology, with increasing availability worldwide of high-resolution scanners for research and clinical applications. Functional brain imaging requires an understanding of current concepts in cognitive neuroscience and psychology, as well as a basic appreciation of neuroimaging techniques and of the mathematical and statistical foundations for data analysis.

The rapid development of functional imaging technology and research has contributed to the call for improved education and training in functional imaging. Within this context the aim of the programme is to provide a strong theoretical and practical introduction to the world of neuroimaging research. It will equip students with a range of practical research skills to enable them to successfully complete research of this kind, either as part of a research team or as an individual.

The course will also provide the necessary training in safety and in the rules of scanner operation. This will allow students to conduct a neuroimaging research project under the supervision of an Authorised User on Brunel’s 3T scanner, or else to conduct a project in one of its related ERP imaging or psychological laboratory facilities.

Who is this degree for?
If you want to know how to use an MRI scanner and learn what neuroimaging has already taught us, this MSc is for you. Whether you want to pursue neuroimaging research, or simply become an expert in this important field of science, the Functional Neuroimaging MSc provides the relevant skills and knowledge. The course is a good preparation for a PhD in functional brain imaging, or for working as part of a neuroimaging team with fMRI and/or other imaging modalities.

Course Content
Modules are subject to variation and students are advised to check with the School whether a particular module of interest will be running in their year of entry. At the time of printing modules (all core) are likely to be drawn from the following areas:
Principles of Neuroimaging; Practical Neuroimaging; Cognitive Neuroscience; Visual Neuroscience. Check the web for the latest updates.

Assessment
Assessment is by coursework, one multiple choice exam and a final research project. Under the supervision of one of the Centre for Cognition and Neuroimaging’s research team, students will conduct a functional imaging experiment. This may involve use of the in-house EEG or fMRI facilities.

Careers
The MSc in Functional Neuroimaging is an invaluable companion or prelude to a research degree or research position in functional neuroimaging, one of the most rapidly growing fields of scientific research. Academic or research positions include:
MPhil/PhD in neuroimaging or related subjects; Research Assistant on a neuroscience project, or a related project in psychology or biology. Imaging now has applications from the physical sciences to projects in economics and the social sciences; Technical Assistant in functional neuroimaging. Non-academic positions include: any occupation that requires a higher level of analytical, technical and presentation skills than can be offered by a graduate in social sciences.

Here is what a few of our past students have to say:
Anna: “After completing an MSc degree in Educational Psychology in Poland I moved to the UK where I worked clinically with people suffering from epilepsy. During that placement, inspired by the state-of-the-art research conducted there, I developed a strong interest in neuropsychology. As a result I took up an MSc in Functional Neuroimaging at Brunel. The course appealed to me not only because it was an excellent introduction to this method, but also because it provided invaluable hands-on experience. The course was delivered by very competent and knowledgeable staff, who were enthusiastic about their subject. Their approachability and enthusiasm helped in managing course workload, as well as in developing my passion for research. Functional neuroimaging, being primarily used as a research tool in cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and social neuroscience, was taught in a very uncomplicated yet comprehensive manner. The course opened up research opportunities at many well-established research centres in the country and proved to be a key skill when applying for jobs after graduation. I now work partly at the University of Cambridge, and partly at the neuropsychological centre providing rehabilitation for people who have sustained brain injury. This is a fabulous chance to combine research and clinical experience, and knowledge and skills gained during the MSc prove extremely helpful in my work. I will always be very grateful to all Brunel’s staff for the support and help that they provided, even after graduation!”

Priya used her MSc as a transition to research work : “My year in Brunel’s MSc program in Functional Neuroimaging provided a crucial bridge for me between my undergraduate and doctoral studies. As an undergraduate I studied Cognitive Science and was interested in neuroimaging, but had few opportunities to work with a scanner. One of the aspects that drew me to the program at Brunel was the chance to design and carry out my own fMRI study; in addition to submitting the results as part of my degree requirements, I was able to present them as a poster at a scientific conference. The substantive coursework was also helpful for me in transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate studies in neuroscience. Going into my MSc year at Brunel, I was not sure whether I was ready for or interested in a career in neuroscience research. Today I enjoy my doctoral studies and do research in an fMRI laboratory.”

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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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Take advantage of one of our 100 Master’s Scholarships to study Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at Swansea University, the Times Good University Guide’s Welsh University of the Year 2017. Postgraduate loans are also available to English and Welsh domiciled students. For more information on fees and funding please visit our website.

This Master's degree in Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience aims to equip students with the skills necessary for research careers across a range of scientific areas.

Key Features of Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience

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)
- The MSc Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience is unique and novel in the range of modules and techniques the programme offers

Teaching and Employability:

- Teaching is carried out by highly-respected, research active, professionals conducting research across a range of cognitive neuroscience research areas and publishing in top international journals
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art technology with over twenty general purpose research rooms and numerous specialised testing facilities
- Ability to offer international students mentoring throughout the course

Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience is at the intersection of cognitive science, brain imaging, and clinical neuroscience.

It is considered one of the most significant areas of contemporary science and it is beginning to transform the understanding of both normal and damaged brain function.

The importance of cognitive neuroscience has been recognised by the Welsh Government which created the multi-centre Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, drawing together the psychology departments at Swansea, Cardiff and Bangor Universities.

A core aspect of the provision for MSc Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience will also be collaboration with the College of Medicine at Swansea University.

Modules

Modules on the Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience may include:

Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience
Practical Applications in Cognitive Neuroscience
Statistical Methods
Computing skills
Generic Research Skills
Special Research Skills
Neuropsychology
Introduction to Research Programming
Psychology of Ageing

Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Course Structure

The full-time master's degree for Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience is studied over one year and involves attending University for two full days a week (Monday and Tuesday).

The part-time degree in Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, which is studied over two years, normally involves attending the University for one full day a week.

Taught modules are provided in the first two semesters, with a final high credit-bearing empirical research project with a strong cognitive neuroscience component typically undertaken over the summer.

Sessions may be arranged occasionally on other days of the week (e.g. visiting clinician talks/workshops and employability sessions).

Who should apply?

The Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience course is suitable for:

- anyone looking for a valuable academic foundation for future doctoral training
- anyone looking to demonstrate their employability across a range of disciplines within cognitive neuroscience and related fields, including psychology, computing, neuroscience, medicine and computer science
- UK and international psychology graduates seeking positions as researchers in psychology, cognitive neuroscience or related fields.
- psychology graduates aiming to secure a PhD by research in a psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related discipline
- graduates from other disciplines such as Biology, Neuroscience, and Medicine who wish to develop further skills related to psychology and cognitive neuroscience

Career Prospects

Students have successfully used the Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience qualification to gain positions on PhD research programmes. Others have successfully gained employment as Research Associates/ Officers, as well as working in Teaching positions, the Business Sector and in Administration.

On completion of the Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience course students should also be able to demonstrate their employability across a range of disciplines within cognitive neuroscience and related fields, including psychology, computing, neuroscience, medicine and computer science.

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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Research profile

The PhD and MSc by Research in Clinical Psychology offer the chance to work with, and be supervised by, a range of clinical academics across many areas of psychology.

Candidates should note that these programmes do not lead to Chartered Clinical Psychologist status.

Our research involves national and international collaborations, with many projects involving NHS partnerships.

We have specific research strengths in the areas of children and adolescents; developmental psychopathology of mental health; ageing and older adulthood; adult psychological problems; brain injury; chronic health conditions; psychological therapies research, including cognitive behavioural interventions; emotions and emotion regulation; sex offenders; learning disability; neuropsychology; quality of life; severe and enduring mental health problems; and the development and validation of measures.

Specific areas of interest include cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, psychosis, health psychology, and qualitative approaches.

Recent successful PhD topics have included eating disorders and emotion; chronic pain; quality of life and intellectual disabilities; developmental factors in adolescent mental health, and intervention for bipolar disorder.

We have an active research group in the area of applied developmental psychology and psychological therapies research for severe mental health issues. We coordinate the Edinburgh Child and Adolescent Psychology Network. The group’s research areas include child and adolescent health and mental health; cognition, language and learning; social development and relationships; and atypical development.

For more detailed information about potential PhD supervisors in this area, their research interests and publications, please visit our website.

Our research interests include:

onset and recovery from severe and enduring psychological disorder
mindfulness and third wave approaches
medically unexplained symptoms
child and adolescent mental health
eating behaviours and disorders
attachment and emotion regulation and sex offenders.

Training and support

The PhD and MSc by Research programmes allow you to conduct an independent research project that makes a significant contribution to your chosen field of study and to further develop your research skills. We provide expertise in a variety of research methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches.

You will be assigned two supervisors (usually one for MSc by Research) and you will meet with your supervisors regularly. Workshops, seminars and courses in research methods are available to postgraduate students undertaking a higher degree by research.

We work in close collaboration with the Graduate School of Social & Political Science, enabling School of Health in Social Science research students to benefit from the extensive suite of social science research courses offered by both Schools.

With close ties with other humanities disciplines and with colleagues in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, we offer PhD students excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary supervision and research project development.

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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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This MSc in Principles of Applied Neuropsychology examines the uses of neuropsychology in the clinical world. Neuropsychology is central to the debate about the spark of individuality each human shows. This course looks at brain functions as an individual and in group settings, as well as studying the neuropsychology of mental health problems.

The course is an employability-centred extension to an undergraduate psychology degree. It is focused on neuropsychology, but is suitable for any student interested in preparing for an eventual career as a professional psychologist.

COURSE STRUCTURE

You’ll learn about the recent theories explaining how the brain allows us to cope in a busy world. You’ll learn about key concepts, such as self and how damage to these processes can give rise to mental health problems. You’ll also study how to be an applied psychologist, focusing on the core skills expected of a practitioner of applied psychology.

MODULES

Issues in Professional Practice introduces students to the principles of applied psychology and the processes of recovery and rehabilitation. It focuses on the core skills expected of a practitioner of applied psychology: assessment; formulation; intervention; evaluation; communication skills; and self- management skills. The embedded research skills in this module relate to the evaluation of clinical practice.

Social Neuropsychology of Mental Health includes a neuropsychological perspective on mental health problems. It features a series of lectures on psychosis, affective disorders, fear disorders, principles of cognitive behavioural therapy, and basic pharmacology. We also look at the relationship between psychopathology and criminality.

Advanced Neuropsychology provides a clinical approach to degenerative disorders, ageing, communication disorders visual disorders, and childhood developmental disorders.

Neuropsychological Rehabilitation exists to enable people to regain their footing in social and occupational spheres after brain injury. It does this in many ways, such as emotionally, functionally and cognitively. This module offers a broad theoretical perspective of the different methods of rehabilitation available for a range of disorders. We aim to provide not just theory but also guidance as to how you communicate that theory to patients, clients and other professionals.

The Dissertation module is the opportunity to investigate an area of neuropsychology of individual interest. As part of this module you are required to submit a 4,000–6,000 word paper, ready for publication in a specified journal, based on your research. You also have to demonstrate the ability to keep a detailed research log. The research undertaken by students must have a neuropsychological focus.

For more information on course structure and modules, please visit our website: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-principles-of-applied-neuropsychology/

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching includes lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, small and large group work, and neuropsychological testing experience. There will be guest speakers from relevant employers as well as research talks from existing practitioners.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

We have a variety of assessment that you’ll use during your doctoral training; a systematic literature review, writing a case formulation, a reflective diary as well as traditional essays.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Current alumni pathways include:

• The successful completion of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
• NHS Research Assistant
• PhD studentship

For more information on careers, please refer to the course handbook available on our website: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/pg-principles-of-applied-neuropsychology/

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Using the process of scientific reasoning as its framework, the programme will integrate the key issues central to the theoretical aspects in these specialist areas with communication skills, management approaches, timely and reasoned decision making, identification of treatment options, best practice etc.

You will have the opportunity to tailor your learning experiences and backgrounds to meet your own personal and professional needs. You will also have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills within a multidisciplinary setting that cares for trauma-afflicted patients. Enquiry-, evidence-based learning will be a key feature of the programme through problem based learning and journal clubs. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in a substantive research project, allowing you to develop research skills, project management, oral/poster presentation and writing a research dissertation. Research projects may be undertaken in an academic laboratory or can be in a clinical setting.

The rise of trauma:

The incidence of trauma continues to rise. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2020 trauma will become the leading cause of death worldwide due to ageing in Western populations, increasing road use in developing countries and conflict. In England alone there are at least 20,000 cases of major trauma each year resulting in 5,400 deaths and many others resulting in permanent disabilities requiring long-term care. There are around a further 28,000 cases which, although not meeting the precise definition of major trauma, would be cared for in the same way.

Major trauma costs the NHS between £0.3 and £0.4 billion a year in immediate treatment, but when considering the costs of subsequent hospital treatments, rehabilitation, home care support, informal carer costs and the annual lost economic output as a result of major trauma is estimated to be between £3.3 and £3.7 billion (National Audit Office, Major Trauma Care in England, 2010).

Neurotrauma alone - including mild traumatic brain injury, which does not fit into the definition of major trauma - is the leading cause of death and disability in the first 4 decades of life and is estimated to cost the UK economy £8 billion a year (more than stroke). Many countries around the world now recognise the importance of trauma research to their health care systems and are developing specialist research programmes of to meet the growing needs of their population. This expansion in specialist clinical provision is generating demand for professionals with a recognised background of trauma sciences training.

About the College of Medical and Dental Sciences

The College of Medical and Dental Sciences is a major international centre for research and education, make huge strides in finding solutions to major health problems including ageing, cancer, cardiovascular, dental, endocrine, inflammatory diseases, infection (including antibiotic resistance), rare diseases and trauma.
We tackle global healthcare problems through excellence in basic and clinical science, and improve human health by delivering tangible real-life benefits in the fight against acute and chronic disease.
Situated in the largest healthcare region in the country, with access to one of the largest and most diverse populations in Europe, we are positioned to address major global issues and diseases affecting today’s society through our eight specialist research institutes.
With over 1,000 academic staff and around £60 million of new research funding per year, the College of Medical and Dental Sciences is dedicated to performing world-leading research.
We care about our research and teaching and are committed to developing outstanding scientists and healthcare professionals of the future. We offer our postgraduate community a unique learning experience taught by academics who lead the way in research in their field.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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The MPhil Psychology course is aimed at psychology graduates, without a masters degree or equivalent postgraduate experience, who are seeking to develop their knowledge and produce research in a specific area of psychology to a high level of academic achievement.

Initially, you will be registered for an MPhil and will carry out research towards this end. Assuming satisfactory progress, as indicated by a transfer report, you will have the option to request a transfer to the award of PhD. Alternatively you have option of writing-up for an MPhil only if you so wish. Either qualification is awarded subsequent to the production of a thesis and oral examination.

Research topics

Applications are considered in the following areas (these will vary from time to time as notified on our website):

Decision research and economic psychology: particularly, personal and household financial decision making; decision, risk and uncertainty; adaptation to new and unfamiliar currencies; perceptions of price changes and inflation.

Computer-related and internet psychology, including individual differences in computer-related behaviour and attitudes, computer-mediated communication, aspects of cyberpsychology and technology-enhanced learning.

Cognitive and neuropsychology: particularly, memory and rehabilitation after brain injury; object and word recognition; cognition in the neurologically impaired; cerebral asymmetry, motor programming and hand preference.

Theoretical and critical psychology: particularly, psychoanalysis and gender.

Applied psychology, focusing on: aspects of mental and physical health and disability; forensic psychology, including risk assessment, offence-related distress, and working with offenders who minimize offence-responsibility.

Developmental psychology, especially children’s cognitive and social development and social decision making.

Available projects

Projects are available in the areas detailed in the 'research topics' section. Before submitting a formal application you should contact the postgraduate research degree admissions tutor in psychology to discuss the area in which you wish to work. A more detailed proposal of a research topic will then be agreed between you and your supervisor(s) as part of the formal application process.

For more information please visit http://www.bolton.ac.uk/postgrad

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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; Two optional modules.

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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This programme combines the academic excellence of the School of Experimental Psychology with the clinical experience, knowledge and skill of a large and well-established clinical neuropsychology department within North Bristol NHS Trust, a regional neurosciences hospital that has an international reputation for excellence in neuroscience.

The programme places a strong focus on patient care, diagnosis and management of a range of neurological conditions, and is delivered by academics and experienced clinicians. The Clinical Neuropsychology Department offers neuropsychology services to a broad range of patient groups: both paediatric and adult, acute inpatient and outpatient, as well as patients seen primarily for diagnostic assessment and patients seen for rehabilitation.

Services are offered to patients being referred from neurosurgery, neurology, neuropsychiatry, and rehabilitation medicine, as well as from physicians within the stroke services. Clinical services are also offered to specialist programmes of interventional neurosurgery, principally for epilepsy and movement disorders but also more recently for mood disorders. Along with working within the acute hospital trust, the department provides input to specialist inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for people with acquired brain injury.

All lectures are broadcast live online using Adobe Connect and can be viewed at a later date. Some units are provided in a block format of teaching (ie one unit over a single week). The others are presented as lectures on a weekly basis.

Programme structure

Core units
-Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology (30 credits)
Part A: Issues in Neuropsychology
Part B: Functional Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience Methods

-Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Assessment (30 credits)
Part A: Assessment in Clinical Neuropsychology
Part B: Applied Neuropsychology

-Development, Rehabilitation and Evidence-based Neuropsychology and Principles of Clinical Statistics (30 credits)
Part A: Development and Rehabilitation
Part B: Evidence-Based Neuropsychology

-Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology (30 credits)
Part A: Clinical Neuropsychology in Practice
Part B: Theoretical Neuropsychology

-Dissertation (60 credits)

Careers

This degree provides professional training in clinical neuropsychology and meets the British Psychological Society requirements for the knowledge dimension of the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN). It also provides continuing professional development to anyone already working in a clinical setting who is seeking specialist training to work with patients with neuropsychological defects.

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