Masters Degrees (Cognitive Neuroscience)

Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Research Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience 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 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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The Cognitive Neuroscience MSc at UCL is a research-led, state-of-the-art degree programme on mental processes in the human brain. The programme brings together some of the world's leading researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology.

Degree information

Students learn about the relationship between the mind and the brain in patients and healthy individuals, alongside the ideas, methodology, and current state of knowledge in cognitive neuroscience. They receive case demonstrations of brain-damaged patients, insights into transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation, and gain experience with functional neuroimaging techniques.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits). There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Communication Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Fundamental Processes
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Elaborative and Adaptive Processes
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience III: Translational Research
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Lesion Approaches
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Neuroimaging
-Research Methods (Statistics)
-Structure and Function of the Brain

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an empirical research project in the area of cognitive neuroscience, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory classes and student presentations. Depending on the chosen taught modules, it includes case demonstrations of neuropsychological patients, hands-on experience with the analysis of neuroimaging data, critical analyses of published scientific papers, and discussion seminars. Assessment is through examinations, essays, practical exercises, reports and the research dissertation.

Careers

The MRes is a very selective programme that develops key research skills in the field of cognitive neuroscience and serves as a basis for PhD study in an academic setting or a research career in industry or business. The MRes also promotes key skills that prepare students for more general careers in clinical psychology, marketing, teaching, and consultancy.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Analyst, Chinese University of Hong Kong
-Research Assistant, UCL
-Research Worker, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry
-Assistant Psychologist, NHS Great Ormond Street Hospital
-Honorary Assistant Psychologist, The Tavistock and Portman

Employability
Students will have the opportunity to study and conduct cutting-edge research alongside some of the leading researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Students will be immersed in this research environment and will learn directly from experts in the field rather than just text-books.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL is among the principal research centres in the world in this area and offers an ideal environment to study cognitive neuroscience.

Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources such as a behavioural neuroscience laboratory, a centre for brain imaging, and extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.

Opportunities for graduate students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

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There is increasing international demand for high-quality research training on mental processes in the healthy and diseased human brain. This MRes brings together some of the world's leading researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology, offering students an ideal environment to prepare for independent research careers in this fast-developing field.

Degree information

Students learn about the relationship between the mind and the brain in patients and healthy individuals, alongside the ideas, methodology, and current state of knowledge in cognitive neuroscience. In addition to specialised, research-oriented training, the programme develops key transferable skills. These include project management, logical thinking, oral and written communication, and independent learning. The MRes has a greater emphasis on the research project than the Cognitive Neuroscience MSc.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two key skills modules (30 credits), two optional modules (one from Group One and one from Group Two to a total value of 30 credits) and a substantial research project (120 credits).

Core modules
-Key Skills Module: Generic Research Skills – Statistics
-Key Skills Module: Communication Skills in Cognitive Neuroscience

Optional modules - students choose one optional module from group one* and one module from group two**
-Structure and Function of the Brain*
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Lesion Approaches*
-Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Neuroimaging – Designing and Analysing fMRI Experiments*
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience I: Fundamental Processes**
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience II: Elaborative and Adaptive Processes**
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience III: Translational Research**

Dissertation/report
All students undertake an empirical research project in the area of cognitive neuroscience, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000–17,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory classes and student presentations. Depending on the chosen optional modules, it includes case demonstrations of neuropsychological patients, hands-on experience with the analysis of neuroimaging data, critical analyses of published scientific papers, and discussion seminars. Assessment is through examinations, essays, practical exercises, reports and the research dissertation.

Careers

The MRes is a very selective programme that develops key research skills in the field of cognitive neuroscience and serves as a basis for PhD study in an academic setting or a research career in industry or business. The MRes also promotes key skills that prepare students for more general careers in clinical psychology, marketing, teaching, and consultancy.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Proofreader, Akademie věd České republiky (The Czech Academy of Sciences)
-DPhil in Psychiatry, University of Oxford
-PhD in Psychology, Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
-PhD in Psychology, University of Cambridge

Employability
Students have the opportunity to study and conduct cutting-edge research alongside some of the leading researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience. Students will be immersed in this research environment and will learn directly from experts in the field rather than just text-books.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience (ICN) is among the principal research centres in the world in this area and offers an ideal environment to study the subject.

Our work attracts staff and students from around the world. Together they create an outstanding and vibrant environment, taking advantage of cutting-edge resources such as a behavioural neuroscience laboratory, a centre for brain imaging, and extensive laboratories for research in speech and language, perception, and cognition.

Opportunities for graduate students to work with world-renowned researchers exist in all areas of investigation. The division offers a supportive environment including numerous specialist seminars, workshops, and guest lectures.

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The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience is aimed at home and international students who are seeking to build on their undergraduate qualifications to develop their project management skills and theoretical knowledge for a career in research or related disciplines. In addition, the programme is aimed at those from closely related science backgrounds to build up a knowledge and practical experience of cognitive neuroscience and psychology before embarking on a psychology related career. As the theoretical background to, and techniques of, cognitive neuroscience are rarely available to students at undergraduate level, the main objective of this MSc is to provide students with detailed historical, philosophical, theoretical and practical knowledge of a broad range of cognitive neuroscience techniques. This wide-ranging knowledge will make students extremely strong candidates for future research positions, and provide them with an ability to develop broad research programmes, utilising a range of techniques, as independent researchers.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and practicals per week. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of formative and summative assessments.

The summative assessment counts towards the final degree. For the programme as a whole, this assessment is divided (with small variations across programmes) in equal proportions between examinations (33.3%), written assignments (33.3%) and dissertation (33.3%).

Core Modules:
-Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
-Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
-Research Practice (15 credits)
-Critical Analysis (15 credits)
-Applied Statistics (30 credits)
-Dissertation (60 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The MSc Cognitive Neuroscience is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, workshops and lab placements. Lectures provide key theoretical information on general topics such as cognition, emotion and neuropsychology and in depth knowledge of a range of techniques used in cognitive neuroscience research (focusing on their strengths and weaknesses). This core knowledge is then enriched by seminars, workshop, practical sessions and lab placements.

While seminars and workshops allow student-led discussions with the aim of developing their critical thinking, their oral communications and their writing skills, practical sessions provide students with in-depth and hands-on knowledge of selected research techniques as well as programming skills (i.e. Matlab included in the Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience module) - most wanted key abilities in cognitive neuroscience research. Importantly, practicals also include the application of a range of widely-used statistical tests and a critical understanding of research design, project management and data presentation. All skills that are easily transferable to any future career the students might decide to pursue.

Lab placements are a crowning point of the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience. They allow students to experience directly the “laboratory life” by observing and helping members of staff calibrating lab equipment, recruiting participants and collecting/analysing data. This is a unique opportunity for the students to witness leading experts at work in their own laboratory.

Finally, the dissertation module will give students the opportunity to apply the knowledge of theoretical principles, research skills and statistical techniques during the complete life cycle of a research project, by undertaking a detailed study of a particular area resulting in a significant piece of independent research. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge.

Altogether, the program is focused on supplying students with broad theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience on cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience and psychology before embarking on a psychology related career.

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This programme is aimed at students who are seeking to build on their undergraduate qualifications to develop a career in research or related disciplines while building their project management skills and knowledge of developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. In addition, the programme is aimed at those from closely related science backgrounds to build up a knowledge and practical experience of developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience before embarking on a psychology related career. Students on this course typically go on to pursue careers in research or in clinical psychology.

The programme is aimed at providing advanced research training for students interested in pursuing careers in the fields of research, child development and child health, brain function and cognitive neuroscience methodologies. The Department of Psychology at Durham University has particular strengths in these areas, with teaching reflecting the breadth of knowledge within the department.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and practicals per week. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of one formative assignment and one summative assessment. The summative assessment counts towards the final degree. For the programme as a whole, this assessment is divided (with small variations across programmes) in equal proportions between examinations (33.3%), written assignments (33.3%) and dissertation (33.3%).

Core Modules

Research Practice (15 credits)
Critical Analysis (15 credits)
Applied Statistics (30 credits)
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits)
Choose one module from:
Current Issues in Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology (30 credits)
Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience(30 credits)
Choose additional modules to the value of 30 credits.

Learning and Teaching

The programme is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical classes. Lectures provide key information on a particular topic, such as developmental cognitive neuroscience. Seminars are held in order that small group teaching can take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical classes allow students to gain direct experience, particularly in Applied Statistics and in how to use statistical tools.

The balance of these types of activities varies as a function of the module. This is a year long course, with students also having a summer term during which time work is typically carried out on dissertation related activities. Students typically attend 12 hours a week comprising lectures, tutorials and seminars. Outside timetabled contact hours, students are also expected to undertake their own independent study to prepare for their classes and broaden their subject knowledge. Independent study is a key element to the course, with complex factors raised in lectures that do assume some prior knowledge of the topic area.

The programme is divided into three parts. One third, comprising four modules, is of subject specific topics related to developmental psychology, psychopathology and cognitive neuroscience. Students may select one of the two modules (Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience or Current issues in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology) to suit their areas of interest. Each module is delivered via a two to three hours lecture during one term or via seminars. A further three modules focus on research skills such as critical abilities, and statistical knowledge that are necessary to understand developmental psychology and psychopathology and cognitive neuroscience. The final third of the programme is the dissertation module, which reflects the culmination of learning and practical endeavours from throughout the course via the production of an independent and original body of research material. This is performed under one to one supervision with a member of staff, with meetings varying in duration and frequency throughout the year as a function of the needs of the research project.

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Overview

Studying the cognitive and neural basis for diverse brain functions such as perception, action, language, attention and memory.

Thanks to advanced brain-imaging techniques, scientists are now able to observe the human brain in action. Cognitive neuroscientists therefore no longer have to rely solely on patients with brain damage to ascertain which parts of the brains are involved in which tasks and functions. They can now conduct targeted experiments on healthy persons. As a result, the discipline has gained tremendous momentum over the past twenty years.

This research Master’s programme is open to students with Bachelor’s degrees in Linguistics, Physics, Biology, Medicine, Mathematics, Behavioural Sciences, Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline. It offers an in-depth theoretical background by internationally renowned scientists in the first year. The second year is dedicated to elaborate practical training in setting up, conducting and reporting research in cognitive neuroscience. A large majority of our graduates gain a PhD position, while other graduates find jobs in the commercial sector or at research institutes.

Why study Cognitive Neuroscience at Radboud University?

- This Master’s programme is located within the world-renowned Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, located on the campus of the Radboud University, with a research staff of over 500 scientists.

- Nijmegen is one of the foremost centres of cognitive neuroscience in the world. Hundreds of scientists from various faculties and top institutes have joined forces on the Radboud University campus. Besides the Donders Institute there is the Radboud university medical centre and the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics. Their researchers work together very closely, exchange expertise and share state-of-the-art research equipment to unravel the workings of the human brain.

- This competitive programme provides a sound balance of theory and practice. Our selective approach guarantees excellence, especially during the research training period.

- The Radboud University campus holds a large array of state-of-the-art equipment, like labs with fMRI, MEG, EEG and eye-tracking equipment. Master’s students are free to use these, enabling you to do any type of research in this field you’d want to.

- The programme has its own, student-driven, scientific journal; based on the Stanford Exchange: Proceeding of the Master’s Programme Cognitive Neuroscience.

Specialisations

The research Master’s programme offers four specialisations that coincide with the research themes of the Donders Institute:
- Language and Communication
Studies the acquisition, understanding and production of language, and their biological underpinning.

- Perception, Action and Control
Studies basic sensorimotor aspects as well as the cognitive, contextual and social components of perception-action coupling.

- Plasticity and Memory
Studies the mechanistic underpinnings and behavioural consequences of long-term changes in neural structure and function.

- Brain Networks and Neuronal Communication
Studies the interaction between and within groups of neurons, and with the outside world

Quality label

This programme was recently rated number one in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids Masters 2015 (Guide to Master's programmes).

Our approach to this field

We have deliberately created a high admission threshold to ensure that all our students are highly motivated and have the ability to work at an advanced level. All applications are screened individually to make sure the new students meet our stringent entry criteria and help maintain the current standards of excellence.

- Multidisciplinary
Once admitted to the programme, you can expect to be trained as a multidisciplinary scientist. We offer a multi-disciplinary programme that closely involves scientists from various faculties and research institutes on campus, who come from all over the world. Their research has gained national and international recognition for its high quality. In the Master’s programme you’ll attend lectures by these top scientists. They will also supervise your practical training and the writing of a Master’s thesis in the second year.

The research you’ll become a part of addresses cross-disciplinary challenges. Besides studying the basic topics of your specialisation, you may also choose to help improve brain-computer interfaces, a hot topic with applications in medicine and information technology. Apart from being very exciting, it’s also logical that various disciplines are merging.

Our research in this field

A unique multi-disciplinary Master’s programme
Are you interested in the human brain? Would you like to conduct research into the workings of the brain and join an enthusiastic, international group of top researchers? Radboud University offers a multi-faculty Master’s programme in Cognitive Neuroscience. The programme takes two years and is of course of a scientific orientation. There is a strong emphasis on experimental research. After all, what counts is hands-on research experience. This Master’s programme is unique in Europe.

The Master’s programme in Cognitive Neuroscience is primarily focussed on training you as a researcher and if possible, a top researcher, because research institutes and businesses around the world desperately need highly qualified and motivated young researchers. Moreover, since cognitive neuroscience is a rather young discipline, much in this field has not yet been explored. There are many challenging questions that need to be answered. So there is plenty of room for new discoveries!

This competitive programme provides a sound balance of theory and practice. We enrol about 50 students per year. Our selective approach guarantees excellence, especially during the research training period.

Career prospects

This Master's programme will give you the qualifications you need to go on to get a PhD position. About 80-90% of our graduates take on a PhD project in Nijmegen or in other parts of the world. Others find jobs in the commercial sector or in research institutes.

Each year there are, on average, about 12 PhD positions available at the graduate schools Donders Graduate School for Cognitive Neuroscience (DGCN) and the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS).

See the website http://www.ru.nl/masters/cns

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This degree programme is unique through its dual emphasis on specialist training in the area Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as on generic, transferable research skills for career and professional development.

The course is based on a core curriculum of six taught modules and a research dissertation. The taught modules provide a detailed and critical understanding of contemporary research and analysis methods used in Cognitive Neuroscience, as well as generic professional development and research-related communication skills.

Students will acquire comprehensive research experience from working with researchers of international standing. The programme is especially recommended to graduates who want to:
-Specialise in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience
-Continue to do a PhD, or get a feel for research before embarking on a PhD
-Enhance their CV by a research-related Masters qualification

Modules and content:
-Introduction into Cognitive Neuroscience
-Mini-project in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Advanced Statistical Analysis
-Advanced Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Advanced EEG and MEG Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Communication skills in Research / Professional Development

In addition, students will complete a
-Research Dissertation

Learning, teaching & assessment

The course is delivered mainly through lectures, which are often followed up by laboratory-based practical sessions. The course is assessed by a combination of coursework, examinations, practical work, oral and written presentations, and the dissertation project.

Career prospects & Personal Development

This programme is designed to provide postgraduate-level education and training for graduates who want to specialise in the area of Cognitive Neuroscience, continue to do a PhD, or enhance their CV by a research-related Masters qualification.

Previous students on this programme have moved on to:
-PhD studies: destinations of recently successful PhD applicants include Aston, Cardiff, Derby, Liverpool, Sussex and Warwick
-Research-related roles: e.g. Research Assistant, Data Analyst (for example for the NHS)
-Education: e.g. Science Teacher, Educational Consultant

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The MSc in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience is particularly suited to students interested in the relationship between the development of the mind and the brain. It combines theoretical and empirical grounding in the cognitive and biological mechanisms of developmental change with training of the analytical and practical skills required for undertaking research into cognitive development and its neural bases. The course provides perspectives from developmental cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology as well as hands-on training in imaging methods. Topical issues in developmental cognitive neuroscience will be covered, including the neural bases of perceiving and acting in the physical and social world and Neuroeducation.

This programme is particularly suitable for students from Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience or related disciplines who:
-Are keen to combine and integrate their interest in cognitive development and in brain development
-Wish to receive hands-on training in neuroimaging methods relevant for developmental research
-Want to conduct research into cognitive development and/or cognitive neuroscience
-Would like to get experience of working with children

Course content

The programme combines specifically focused modules relevant for Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience with courses teaching general principles of psychological research design, statistics and key transferable skills.
-Advanced Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Basic Principles in Neuroimaging
-Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Research Design and Analysis in Neuroimaging
-Current Questions in Developmental Research

Empirical Projects
As part of this programme, you will be given the opportunity to undertake a novel piece of empirical work, on a topic at the cutting-edge of research in developmental psychology and/or cognitive neuroscience. You will be supervised by faculty with relevant expertise in fields including language and literacy development, numerical cognition, perception, learning and memory.

Assessment
Modules are assessed through a variety of different assignments and exams including essays, critical analysis of published papers, presentations, short notes on a range of topics, practical reports, and a dissertation and poster presentation based on the Empirical Project.

Careers

This MSc course prepares students to go on to PhDs in developmental neuroscience, neuroimaging and developmental psychology. Most others opt for research and clinical assistantships to gain further experience before undertaking a PhD or training in Clinical or Educational Psychology. In both cases, the distinctive skills they gain through the MSc are highly sought after.

Other career options include business, industry, academia and administration.

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This MSc is provided jointly by the Department of Psychology and the York Neuroimaging Centre (YNiC), and recruits contributing faculty from other university departments such as The Hull-York Medical School. The overarching aim of the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at York is to provide a bridge between undergraduate study and PhD research in cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology and imaging methods.

The course has been developed around training and research using neuroimaging techniques, and the experimental and analytical methods on which they depend. Through our specialist modules students are introduced the principles of neuroimaging, gaining hands on experience in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), eletroencephalography (EEG) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), learning how to design, analyze and evaluate neuroimaging experiments, and how such experiments are contributing to our understanding of the brain mechanisms underpining cognition and behaviour. Along the way, students also receive training on generic statistical, writing and research skills, and are exposed to main research topics in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Finally, students complete an extended empirical project, typically using a neuroimaging technique of their choice. The empirical project is supported by the state-of-the-art facilities at YNiC.

Content

Specialist modules place neuroimaging in the wider context of cognitive neuroscientific research and introduce students to the principles of neuroimaging the design of neuroimaging experiments and specialist methods required for the analysis of neuroimaging data. These include:
-Basic principles in neuroimaging
-Research Design and Analysis in Neuroimaging
-Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience
-Programming in Neuroimaging

Empirical project
Project enables students to participate in the design and implementation of a theoretically-motivated piece of pure or applied research in cognitive neuroscience providing hands-on training in advanced brain imaging methods, some of which are being developed at York. Topics are chosen so as to be timely and practicable within the relevant resource and time constraints. We regard it as important that the topic not only engages the interest and enthusiasm of the student, but is also a good match to the specialist expertise and knowledge of the supervisor.

Many of our students' projects are published. Each year we offer projects on a wide variety of topics linked to faculty research interests. For example students have used fMRI to investigate the processing of emotional and social cues, representation of semantic knowledge in the brain, disruption of visual cortex in patients with macular degeneration and brain mechanisms underpinning language understanding, face processing, number processing or anxiety and risky behaviour. Students have also used MEG and TMS to investigate brain mechanisms of memory for words and pictures, connectivity patterns between brain regions and auditory perception. Some of these projects are methodological in nature in that they aim to study the analytical strategies to apply in brain research, or they aim to develop the use of new imaging methods.

General research modules
These provide a solid grounding in contemporary issues in psychology and neuroscience, psychological research methods, professional and generic skills.

Assessment
Modules are assessed through a variety of different assignments and exams including practical reports, essays, multiple choice questions, critical analysis of published papers, short notes on a range of topics, dissertation on the Empirical Project, poster presentation.

Backgrounds

This challenging but rewarding course will best suit applicants who are:
-Interested in the brain and its workings (see What is cognitive neuroscience? in the overview)
-Interested in Psychology as a biological science
-Considering a career in research, especially in psychology, cognitive Neuroscience or imaging methods (many other career choices would be compatible with the general scientific, academic and professional training you will receive as part of the course)
-Comfortable with computers and statistics

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Learn how different brain functions contribute to cognition, mediate social interaction, and determine mental health, well-being and psychiatric illness.

Who is it for?

This Masters is ideal for those who have an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline and would like to build more knowledge and skills highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. Students will also be well-equipped should they wish to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.

Objectives

This Masters degree bridges three research and clinical disciplines:
-Cognitive neuroscience (the study of human brain functions such as memory, perception and language).
-Clinical neuroscience (the understanding of neurological, psychological or psychiatric illness via their neural and cognitive antecedents).
-Social neuroscience (the investigation of brain processes that help us communicate, feel, learn and interact with others).

The major aim of this programme is to provide you with a thorough grounding in the neuroscience that underpins human cognitive brain function, clinical, social and affective interaction, and neuropathology.

Teaching will comprise of seminars, lectures, computing and statistics classes, and supervision of an individual research project. Your learning experience during the programme will be enhanced by an invited speaker’s programme of external experts who work in clinical, social or cognitive neuroscience.

Academic facilities

You will have access to all the facilities and laboratories in the Psychology Department. Our members have experience with a wide range of neuroscientific techniques, including neuropsychological testing, psychophysics and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

We have particular strengths in the use of Electroencephalography (EEG), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Electric Stimulation (a weak current applied to the scalp), in addition to measures of human behaviour (e.g. response times, response errors, and eye movements) and physiological measures (e.g. galvanic skin response and heart rate).

We test neurologically normal individuals, special populations (e.g. people with synesthesia) and people with expertise or acquired skills (e.g. dancers, musicians, athletes), as well as people with brain damage (e.g. neglect or split-brain patients), psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. schizophrenia), sensory deficits (e.g. visual and hearing impairments) and developmental disorders (e.g. dyslexia or autism).

Placements

We help facilitate Clinical placements and are able and offer Research placements within our department.

Clinical placements: Center for Psychological Wellbeing and Neuroscience (CPWN) in collaboration with City and Hackney Mind (CHM).

Teaching and learning

Teaching will be comprised of lectures, seminars, group work and discussions, workshops and tutorials, reports, computing and statistics classes and the individual research dissertation.

You will undertake independent study, supported by the teaching and learning team, and will receive detailed feedback on your coursework. You will be provided with assessment and grade-related criteria which will outline your intended learning outcomes, along with the skills, knowledge and attitudes you are expected to demonstrate in order for you to complete an assessment successfully. You will also be assigned a personal tutor as your primary contact, who will advise you on academic matters and monitor your progress through the programme.

You will find a supportive vibrant research environment in the Department. The course is taught by academics, who are internationally recognised experts in their field with different backgrounds in clinical, social and cognitive neuroscience.

Assessment

Your learning will be assessed through essays, examinations, oral presentations, research methods projects and interpretation of statistical analyses, formal research proposals and a dissertation.

Modules

The programme consists of eight taught modules worth 15 credits each with around 30-34 hours of face-to-face contact, supported by online resources and an empirical research project (worth 60 credits).

You will learn about the latest advances in clinical, social and cognitive neuroscience and develop an appreciation of the reciprocal nature of research and practice in these domains. For example how insights from functional neuroimaging inform our understanding of neurological disorders and how clinical observations inform neurocognitive modelling.

Course structure
-Principles of Neuroscience: Brain anatomy, techniques and paradigms
-Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Mental Health, Well-being and Neuroscience
-Fundamental Processes in Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology I
-Fundamental Processes in Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology II
-Social Cognition and the Social Brain
-Statistical models and Research Methods and Programming
-Research Dissertation
-Invited speakers programme

Career prospects

This course will provide you with knowledge and skills highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. You will also be well-equipped should you wish to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire in this programme are highly valuable, whether you choose to pursue further research or an applied occupation. They will enhance your employability prospects in a wide range of sectors including the pharmaceutical industry, neuromarketing, the computing industry, science and the media, science and the arts, business or education.

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As Psychology and Neuroscience reach out to tackle the big questions facing society today, skills and experience in new and emerging techniques in brain imaging as they relate to cognitive neuroscience are in demand.

The MSc in Brain Imaging and Cognitive Neuroscience is an exciting course that offers students the flexibility to develop specific interests, whilst at the same time an excellent opportunity to develop the technical and transferable skills needed to succeed in a wide range of research-related jobs.

The course uses a range of taught modules, a major research placement module and an independent research project leading to a dissertation.

Key features of the course are:

- One to one contact with research active staff
- An opportunity to specialize in Cognitive Neuroscience, gaining specific skills in neuroimaging and programming
- Find out what’s really hot or not in contemporary Cognitive Neuroscience
- Learn transferable skills that enhance employability

This course offers an excellent opportunity for advanced learning in Brain Imaging and Cognitive Neuroscience. For many students this course helps them to develop a more focused set of interests and skills within Cognitive neuroscience so that they can choose the next career step that is best for them. For others, who have already identified the sub-specialty that fires their career aspirations, the course allows them to delve more deeply into their subject and to gain more specific skills and knowledge needed to build their chosen career. An aim of the course is to give students a boost in securing an interesting and exciting job in the workplace or a place on a high quality PhD course after graduation.

About the School of Psychology

The School of Psychology is one of the strongest and most active psychology departments in the country. We are ranked among the top five psychology departments for research and have a reputation for excellent teaching.

With around 800 undergraduates, 250 postgraduates including 100 PhD students, and 140 research and teaching staff we are one of the largest psychology departments in the UK.

The School currently has a live research grant portfolio of £14.1m generating an annual income of around £3.8m. Of our 140 staff, 63% are core funded, and 37% are research funded.

The School hosts four specialist research centres:

- Centre for Human Brain Health
- Centre for Applied Psychology
- The Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics

Staff and students benefit from our extensive links with local hospitals and clinics, other universities, schools and nurseries, industrial companies and local and national government departments.

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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Gain both theoretical and applied knowledge of clinical cognitive neuroscience. Cognitive neuroscience combines techniques and skills including psychometric testing, electroencephalography (EEG), eye tracking and imaging techniques – for application to neuropathological and healthy groups in clinical, academic or biomedical settings. Various neurobiological mechanisms of cognitive and perceptual functions with demonstration of practical recordings, as well as psychology experimental software are taught on the course.

This course is ideal if you

• are a graduate with an applied or pure science degree including psychology, biosciences and nursing, and want to pursue a research, clinical or biomedical career in neuroscience
• work in a related area and wish to formalise and develop your skills, knowledge and expertise as part of continuing professional development
• want to open alternative career pathways
• are an EU or international student with the appropriate background and qualifications.

The course gives you the knowledge and skills to evaluate cognitive and brain function and dysfunction in healthy and neuropathological groups. You learn to understand the important ethical issues involved in neuroscientific research targeted at various age groups and people with range of cognitive abilities, as well as developmental disorders.

You have an opportunity to learn psychophysiological recording techniques, including electrocardiogram (ECG), Skin Conductance (SC), performance speed and accuracy, as well as perceptual mechanisms using Eprime, Martlab and other specialist software.

We also build your research skills enabling you to work as an independent researcher in this area. You have the opportunity to attend workshops run by experts from relevant professions and fields of work. Examples include private clinical consultants, NHS neuropsychologist, teaching staff from the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course at the University of Sheffield and alumni from our course working in academia and the private sector.

Our specialist learning resources include psychometric measures for assessing cognitive function and 3D model brains for understanding neuroanatomy. You learn to use specialist equipment including • EEG • transcranial magnetic stimulation • analysis of Biopack • structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data • visuo-psychophysics equipment.

Some lectures are taught by guest tutors including clinical psychologists and neuroimaging experts.

You are automatically affiliated with our Brain, Behaviour and Cognition Research Group, which

• delivers targeted neuroscience workshops
• organises subject specific presentations
• has regular research meetings
• has strong collaborative links with other institutions.

International students are most welcome on this course. At Sheffield Hallam University we provide international students with a wealth of support, from pre-arrival right up to, and including, study support while you are studying here. Please see the International Experience Team webpage for more information.

Course structure

Full-time – one year

Part-time – typically one day per week for two years

Core modules

• Neursopsychopharmacology
• Neuron to neuropathology
• Cognitive neuroscience methods
• Electrophysiology
• Perception and cognition across the lifespan
• Research dissertation

Assessment

• coursework
• seminar activities
• examinations
• dissertation

Employability

This course gives you the skills to work in both academic and clinical settings with healthy population and diverse neuropathological groups.

Graduates have the skills and knowledge to work in roles involved in assessing and evaluating cognitive function and dysfunction in healthy ageing across the lifespan and patient groups including people with Parkinson’s disease, head injury, dementia, and other neuropathological conditions.

During the course you benefit from employability sessions, where our alumni currently working in academia or industry, clinical psychologists and professionals from private research companies discuss possible career choices.

You may find roles in academic and clinical contexts using methods of neuroscience such as • functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) • structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) • electroencephalogram (EEG) • transcranial magnetic stimulation • eye tracking techniques • visual psychophysics.

You can also complete further cognitive neuroscience postgraduate academic work.

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This specialist Master's degree brings together some of the world's leading researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology from centres such as the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, the Brain and Behaviour Lab and the Birkbeck/UCL Centre for Neuroimaging.

You will examine how theories of cognitive function can be informed by evidence from converging neuroimaging methods, such as functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, electrophysiology and transcranial magnetic stimulation, as well as from neuropsychological, patient-based techniques.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Offers hands-on training in cutting-edge behavioural and imaging neuroscience techniques.
Combines a basic-science perspective with clinical case-study perspectives.
The Department of Psychological Sciences has an outstanding research tradition, with an outstanding international reputation in all aspects of cognitive neuroscience, and especially developmental cognitive neuroscience.
You will have the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology, and attend research seminars organised by the department and a number of other local research centres and institutes.
Psychological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 5th in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) and we achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to research of world-leading quality.
Psychological research at Birkbeck has ranked 5th in the world in a category of the Best Global Universities Rankings 2016, an important and influential index of research quality.

Our research

Birkbeck is one of the world’s leading research-intensive institutions. Our cutting-edge scholarship informs public policy, achieves scientific advances, supports the economy, promotes culture and the arts, and makes a positive difference to society.

Birkbeck’s research excellence was confirmed in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, which placed Birkbeck 30th in the UK for research, with 73% of our research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Psychological Sciences at Birkbeck were rated 5th in the UK in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) and we achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to research of world-leading quality.

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• Trains you for further research and study
• Receive training in neurobiological and psychological aspects of cognitive neuroscience
• Develop analytical skills
• Have the chance to get involved with research from the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics
• Use facilities including brain imaging systems, and eye-tracking, psychophysiology, nutritional testing, and VR and haptic laboratories

What will you study?

Sample modules:

• Topics in cognitive neuroscience
• Programming in behavioural and cognitive neuroscience
• Principles of neurobiology
• fMRI data analysis
• Methods in neuroscience

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

All of our MSc programmes are research intensive, providing essential training in analytical ability, methods awareness and critical thinking, among other fundamental transferable skills.

The MSc Cognitive Neuroscience is designed to train you for further research and study, ideally for a doctoral programme in psychology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, or a related field. Our students regularly move on to PhD positions, applied and clinical psychology posts in the NHS and private sector, as well as research-based positions in industry.

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Cognitive neuroscience is an exciting and rapidly developing field of research that combines the traditional disciplines of psychology and biology.

This course introduces you to modern theory and methods for investigating the biological basis of the mind. It is designed to prepare you for a successful career in cognitive neuroscience.

Course material reflects Sussex research expertise in the fields of consciousness, social neuroscience and addiction. Other exciting topics include:
-Perception
-Memory
-Attention
-Emotion
-Motivation
-Individual differences
-Linear models
-Research ethics

How will I study?
You take a series of taught modules. You’ll gain hands-on experience with modern methods of cognitive neuroscience through a dedicated fMRI module and a wide range of optional methods workshops that include training on TMS, EEG, psychophysics and others.

You’re actively encouraged to network and collaborate, and to discuss findings in self-directed journal clubs to develop the additional skills necessary for a successful career in research.

The taught modules are assessed by a variety of methods that include:
-Term papers
-Presentations
-Unseen examinations

The project is assessed by a dissertation and a research project mentored by a member of faculty.

Scholarships
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.

Chancellor's International Scholarship (2017)
-25 scholarships of a 50% tuition fee waiver
-Application deadline: 1 May 2017

ESRC 1+3 and +3 Scholarships (2017)
-A number of ESRC-funded standalone PhD and PhD with Masters scholarships across the social sciences.
-Application deadline: 30 January 2017

HESPAL Scholarship (Higher Education Scholarships Scheme for the Palestinian Territories) (2017)
-Two full fee waivers in conjuction with maintenance support from the British Council
-Application deadline: 1 January 2017

USA Friends Scholarships (2017)
-A scholarship of an amount equivalent to $10,000 for nationals or residents of the USA on a one year taught Masters degree course
-Application deadline: 3 April 2017

Careers
This MSc prepares you for a potential career in research and enhances your work-related skills such as critical insight and data analysis.

This course is also relevant if you are interested in clinical psychology or in work in the biomedical sector by providing, for example, an understanding of how brain damage affects cognition.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue PhDs and to careers in industry and medicine.

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