Masters Degrees (Neurodevelopmental)

The overall aim of our Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences course is to provide you with a holistic understanding of the aetiology and clinical management of neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on the adult population.

Key benefits

• Located at the heart of Europe’s largest institute for psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience.
• Compulsory clinical observation placement developing insight into clinical services.
• Access to large sets of clinical data from the world renowned Maudsley Hospital and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).
• Partnered with the Sackler Institute who offer students an unrivalled opportunity totake classroom learning directly into a clinical setting.
• Learn from world-leading scientists at King’s College London.

Description

Our Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences course includes a clinical observation placement so that you can gain understanding in a clinical environment as well as via teaching and research. Upon completion, you will acquire a systematic understanding of theory, research and practice in neurodevelopmental disorders, develop a critical awareness of contemporary debates and current problems in the field, develop skills of independent learning, critical appraisal and research, apply these systematically in evaluating different forms of evidence and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained to current and/or future specialist areas.

Course format and assessment

You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.

Year 1

Examination (50%) | Coursework (30%) | Practical (20%)

Extra information

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England

Career prospects

Our graduates often choose to further their academic career (e.g. apply for a PhD) or enter a career in areas such as clinical psychology, social work, occupational therapy or nursing with expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders.

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This degree programme explores the main theories, methods and research findings relating to infants and young children - five years and under - from a variety of perspectives, including psychology, education, and health, and also includes approaches to assessment and intervention.

Degree information

Students will learn about the development of infants and children from in utero life to five years of age from psychology, education, medical, and health and social-related perspectives. This will include coverage of typical and atypical development, maternal/primary caregiver and broader environmental factors and settings including nurseries and other informal learning settings, the importance of early social skills and specific childhood disorders and medical conditions. Students will be exposed to age-specific tools for evaluating typical and atypical development, and to intervention methods appropriate for certain neurodevelopmental disorders. There will be optional modules to allow specialisation within the areas of psychology, education and health, and students will undertake a research project under supervision.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits

The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), two to four optional modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). The optional modules are chosen from a set of approved modules. A Postgraduate Diploma, four core modules (60 credits), two to four optional modules (60 credits), full-time one year or flexible study up to five years, is offered. A Postgraduate Certificate, four core modules (60 credits), part-time one year or flexible study over a period of up to two years, is offered.

Core modules - all core modules from the following list must be taken.
-Research Skills
-Prenatal and Newborn Development
-Infant Development
-Preschool Years

Optional modules - 60 credits of optional modules drawn from the following list (all modules are worth 15 credits unless stated otherwise):
-Infant and Neurodevelopmental Assessment
-Nutrition, Growth and Physical Activity
-Safeguarding and Children in Society
-The Health Child Programme 0-18
-Contemporary Issues in Infancy and Early Childhood Development
-Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education (30 credits)
-Early Childhood Education (30 credits)

Dissertation/research project
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme will be delivered via lectures, seminars and web-based materials (e.g. reading, videos); students will be evaluated by written work (essays, leaflets, commentaries, research thesis) and presentations.

Careers

This degree prepares students for progression to higher research degrees, and will enhance knowledge and awareness of the many variables relevant to early childhood development researchers or medical/educational professionals working with infants and young children.

Employability
Within this programme, students will acquire a solid knowledge and theoretical base of child development, environmental influences, medical and educational aspects within the prenatal to five-year period. They will meet and have opportunity to network with professionals from diverse fields including paediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, health visitors, play specialists and early years educators. Students will be exposed to a range of evaluation and treatment/intervention approaches and acquire research method, analysis and communication skills as well as communication skills for the lay public.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health is a world leader in the delivery of paediatric healthcare, research and education, and this programme will also take advantage of collaboration with other expert departments of UCL, thereby providing unique opportunities to interface across disciplines. This programme aims to integrate psychological development, education, medical aspects and health and social-related factors. Exposure to these topics will raise awareness of the many variables relevant to early childhood development.

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The programme provides you with understanding and experience of the research methods and techniques appropriate for applied settings.

There is a taught component with a focus on the specialist skills and methods required to conduct and evaluate psychological research in clinical settings. There are also two research placements and a final research project which are all supervised by staff affiliated to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme or working in clinical areas.

Successful students should graduate with skills and experience to strengthen their applications for PhD research, DClinPsy training, clinical research and/or Assistant Psychologist posts.

This programme will equip you with research skills that will be helpful when working towards a career in clinical or other applied psychology fields, or in clinical research.

Programme content

The programme will consist of two research placements and a research project, supervised by staff affiliated to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme or working in clinical areas. Taught components cover issues such as:

- Practical, ethical and professional issues in applied research
- Audit, evaluation, and research for service-planning
- Questionnaire design and survey research
- Qualitative research
- Outcome research
- Single case and small n designs
- Writing a literature review
- Interview skills

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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This MSc is designed to train home students or overseas professionals in various aspects of science underpinning clinical paediatric neuropsychology practice, and is suitable for outstanding psychology postgraduates who are not yet qualified clinical or educational psychologists but are motivated to study paediatric neuropsychology at this stage of their career.

Degree information

Students develop an understanding of the techniques, methods and contemporary findings of developmental cognitive neuroscience and are trained to interpret clinical case presentations within the context of the latest scientific findings of developmental brain-behaviour relationships. They gain knowledge of professional, ethical and service delivery issues in assessment and rehabilitative work.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma consists of eight core modules (120 credits), full-time nine months is also offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules:
-Introduction to Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Professional Issues for Paediatric Neuropsychologists
-Development of Sensory, Motor and Cognitive Neural Systems
-Developmental Disorders and Neuropsychological Profiles
-Infant and Neurodevelopmental Assessment
-Assessment of Neuropsychological Disorders and Functional Implications
-Advanced Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Developing Clinical Formulations and Interventions

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a substantial report and an oral presentation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, group seminars, video demonstrations and directed self-study time (reading, essay, seminar preparations). Assessment is by two essay journal papers (up to 3,000 words each), two commentary papers (up to 1,500 words each) and four 90-minute unseen examinations, and the dissertation examined by viva voce.

Careers

This programme aims to equip students with the skills needed for positions such as research assistants and assistant psychologists and prepares students for PhDs and DClin Psych qualifications, which in turn lead to clinical psychologist or neuropsychologist positions.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Assistant, University of Hong Kong
-Teaching Assistant, Springfield University Hospital (NHS)
-PhD Neuropsychology, University College London (UCL)
-Student Support Assistant, Barnet Southgate College
-Research Assistant, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (NHS)

Employability
Students can gain experience of administering and interpreting neuropsychological assessments, testing clinical groups, qualitative and quantitative data analysis (including neuroimaging and electrophysiology) and report writing. It gives students an excellent grounding to pursue PhD clinical psychology doctorate or research assistant positions.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme covers all key areas of the syllabus recommended by the BPS Division of Neuropsychology and draws on the wealth of specialist expertise in neuropsychology within Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, the UCL Institute of Child Health and other related neuroscience and psychology departments within UCL. We also invite many external speakers who are international experts within their area of specialism.

The UCL Institute of Child Health has a very close relationship with the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and much of its research and teaching is carried out on a joint basis.

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The Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology MSc is currently the only paediatric programme in the UK that is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and students who successfully complete the programme are deemed to have completed the academic components of the BPS professional Qualification in Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology (QiCN).

Degree information

Students of clinical paediatric neuropsychology develop an understanding of the techniques, methods and contemporary findings in the field. They are trained to interpret clinical case presentations within the context of current scientific findings of developmental brain-behaviour relationships and gain knowledge of the major professional, ethical and service delivery issues in assessment and rehabilitative work.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full time nine months and part-time two years) is offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Introduction to Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Professional Issues for Paediatric Neuropsychologists
-Development of Sensory, Motor and Cognitive Neural Systems
-Developmental Disorders and Neuropsychological Profiles
-Infant and Neurodevelopmental Assessment
-Assessment of Neuropsychological Disorders and Functional Implications
-Advanced Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Developing Clinical Formulations and Interventions

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a substantial report and an oral presentation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, group seminars, video demonstrations and directed self-study time (reading, essay writing, seminar preparations). Assessment is by two essay journal papers of up to 3,000 words each, two commentary papers of up to 1,500 words each and four 90-minute unseen examinations, and the dissertation examined by viva-voce.

Careers

The British Psychological Society (BPS) views the QiCN as the 'gold standard' for practitioners in clinical neuropsychology.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Psychologist, NHS University College London Hospital
-Consultant Clinical Psychologist, The Children's Trust (NHS)
-Educational Psychologist, Camden Local Education Authority

Employability
The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society and provides graduates with the knowledge and research components required to work as clinical paediatric neuropsychologists in the UK. The third dimension, practice, is examined by the BPS. Universities do not currently offer organisation or supervision of the practice dimension in neuropsychology.

Why study this degree at UCL?

This programme covers all key areas of the syllabus recommended by the BPS Division of Neuropsychology and draws on the wealth of specialist expertise in neuropsychology within Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, the UCL Institute of Child Health and other related neuroscience and psychology departments within UCL. We also invite many external speakers who are international experts within their area of specialism.

The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health has a very close relationship with the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and much of its research and teaching is carried out on a joint basis.

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This course focuses on the normal and abnormal changes that occur in the human brain from childhood through to adulthood through to old age. Key topics include rare cognitive neuropsychological disorders and relatively common clinical and neurodegenerative disorders. The course is taught by staff members who conduct cutting-edge research in these fields and by professionals in educational psychology, clinical psychology and neuropsychology. 

You'll have the opportunity to apply for a placement working with older adults suffering the effects of traumatic brain damage or neurological disease, or with children or young people with neurodevelopmental conditions. These placements, which take place in either specialist education or neurological care and rehabilitation facilites, give you the opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience and learn from professionals working in these fields. If you're more interested in research, internal placements working with a member of staff in the Psychology Research Group will be offered as part of the course.

Through the study of normal and abnormal patterns of development across the lifespan, this course provides a fascinating programme of study if you're wishing to become a researcher in this area and/or are seeking further professional development by gaining a unique and relevant qualification in an increasingly difficult job market.

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A dynamic blend of clinical and research expertise is reflected in the delivery of this multidisciplinary programme where high standards of clinical care are fostered and students are encouraged to apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to theory, policy and practice in child and adolescent mental health.

Degree information

The programme will develop your ability to identify and analyse principles of policy, planning and management in child and adolescent mental health. You will gain professional, academic and research skills and understand how their application can improve clinical practice. You will increase your understanding of the impact of culture and diversity upon clinical theory and practice, and experience enhanced personal and professional development.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, one year part-time, flexible two to five years) is offered. The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), and three optional modules (45 credits). A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, one year part-time, two years flexible) is offered. Three core modules (45 credits) and a choice of one of the two remaining core modules (15 credits).

Core modules
-Introduction to Child and Adolescent Mental Health
-Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child Mental Health
-Basic Research Methods in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
-Treatment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Pharmacological
-Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Psychological

Optional modules
-International Child Mental Health
-Adolescent Mental Health and Transition to Adult Services
-Professionalism and Ethics in Child Mental Health
-Investigating Research
-Research Methods and Statistics

Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, discussion, project work and independent and group study. Assessment includes written assignments, unseen written examinations, projects, oral presentations, group work, and the written dissertation.

Placement
We are able to offer a limited number of clinical placements in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in various NHS Trusts. Places are not guaranteed and are based on availability. The placements are a minimum of one day a week for a period of 8 weeks and will be supervised by medical and non-medical consultants within the service. Placements are observational only and will not be formally assessed but may offer opportunities to participate in research studies and other academic and teaching activities in the host Trust.

Careers

The programme provides career development training for doctors, psychologists and practitioners in social work and education who intend to focus and develop their careers in the areas of child mental health. This is a relatively new programme and specific career destinations data is not yet available. However, recent graduates have gone on to Clinical Doctorates in Psychology or had opportunities for progression in their current careers.

Employability
The programme attracts psychology graduates who wish to gain entry to a doctoral training programme in clinical psychology, and trainees in child psychiatry who wish to supplement their basic training with a higher degree; the MSc programme is closely aligned to the Royal College’s recommended curriculum. Students from social work, nursing and education will benefit from the acquisition of advanced skills in the theory and practice of working with young people with mental health difficulties. Clinical placements are available as an extra-curricular option for students who aim to develop their career in a profession related to clinical practice.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health pursues an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to enhance understanding, diagnosis, therapy and prevention of childhood diseases. Our research and our educational portfolio covers a broad range of paediatric issues, from molecular genetics to population health sciences.

Our close relationship with the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children means that much of our research and teaching is carried out on a joint basis. Students benefit from excellent facilities in both laboratory and non-laboratory subjects.

This programme blends academic theory and research with clinical knowledge to enable professionals to deliver a high standard of clinical care.

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As Psychology reaches out to tackle the big questions facing society today, skills and experience in psychological research are becoming more and more in demand.

The course is comprised of taught modules, a research placement in a research laboratory and a research project to produce a dissertation. The taught part covers, among other areas, experimental design and analysis, critical thinking and reading, computer use, oral presentation and scientific writing. During the research placement and project, students gain hands-on experience and knowledge in specific topics such as child development, memory, language, learning, motor control, motivation, visual perception or social psychology, appetite, abnormal development, mental health resilience and neuropsychology.

Our MSc in Psychology offers students an exciting course with 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.

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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This MSc in Development, Disorders and Clinical Practice combines theoretical grounding in development and its disorders, with practical experience in clinical assessment and diagnosis. This course embeds an understanding of cognitive neurodevelopmental disorders within the context of typical development, with a particular focus on dyslexia, specific language impairment, autism, ADHD, and dyscalculia. The course uniquely combines perspectives from cognitive psychology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, and applied clinical and educational practice. Topical issues in developmental disorders will be examined, including co-morbidity between disorders, and the implications of cognitive disorders for children’s mental health.

Research on developmental disorders has the potential in the long term to both inform research theoretically and to lead to substantial applications and practical implications.

This programme is therefore particularly suitable for students from Psychology or related disciplines who:
-Are seeking to build on their knowledge of developmental psychology and developmental disorders before embarking on PhD study. The acquisition of wide-ranging theoretical and practical knowledge of developmental psychology and disorders, as well as crucial research and project management skills will make students strong candidates for future positions in PhD programmes.
-Wish to boost their research skills and theoretical and practical knowledge of developmental disorders before progressing to careers in speech and language therapy, clinical psychology, educational psychology, teaching, or child health related disciplines.
-Have already qualified as clinical or educational professionals, behavioural therapists, care workers, speech and language therapists, but wish to supplement and enhance their research skills and extend their knowledge of developmental disorders.

Content

The programme combines specifically focused modules on development and disorders with courses teaching general principles of psychological research design, statistics and key transferable skills.
-Advanced Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
-Advanced Issues in Developmental Disorders
-Assessment and Treatment of Developmental Disorders
-Current Questions in Developmental Research
-Clinical Practice for Developmental Disorders

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 development and its disorders. You will be supervised by faculty with relevant expertise in fields including language and literacy development and dyslexia, numerical cognition and dyscalculia, socio-communicative skills and autism, genetic disorders (e.g. Down Syndrome, 22q deletion syndrome), and the impact of sleep on 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.

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

Autism is a spectrum of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions that presents various challenges for those people living with Autism and the services in place to provide care, education, training and support. There is an emphasis on the need to increase general awareness and specialist training for all professionals involved in the delivery of autism related services. However, it has been recognised that Autism and its related conditions are prevalent globally, and this programme explores the international context to highlight best practice initiatives.

The Master's in Autism and Related Conditions, which is also available at Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate level as well as on a part time basis, is a unique training and development programme leading to a postgraduate qualification for those professionals who are seeking to advance and specialise their knowledge and practice in Autism.

Key Features of the Autism and Related Conditions Programme

In response to the Autism Act (2009), the UK government produced statutory guidance for health, social care and educational organisations, which highlighted the strategic need for staff training at all levels, service planning and the creation of local leadership. Part of this guidance places an emphasis on the need to increase general awareness and specialist training for all professionals involved in the delivery of autism related services.

Key features of the Autism and Related Conditions programme include:

- Innovative and integrated curriculum that reflects the various aspects in the provision of autism services (i.e. clinical, social care and specialist education).

- Flexibility for you to gain specialist knowledge in your respective professions

- People living with Autism are involved in the delivery of the programme

- Teaching is supported by online learning and support

- Strong links with various third sector organisations

- Research informed teaching

- Multiprofessional teaching team with vast experience and expertise in Autism and related conditions

- Choice between a research project or a work based portfolio for the MSc dissertation

- Available as either a full time or part time study

The Autism and Related Conditions programme is modular and structured in three levels, each building on the next. You can elect to take either the full Master's programme or the Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma, depending on need and circumstances. The programme is designed to allow you to complete either as full time or part time study. For part-time students, each of the three components are scheduled to take a year each to complete.

Who should take this course?

Any health care professionals (medical, nursing and allied health), educators (primary, secondary, FE and HE), social care professionals and psychologists who wish to develop their understanding, skills and leadership in Autism.

Attendance Pattern

Students are required to attend the University for 1 week (5 consecutive days) for each module in Part One (Taught Element). Attendance during Part Two (Dissertation or Portfolio) is negotiated with the supervisor, with a minimum of 4 supervisory meetings. You are also encourage to attend the Postgraduate Taught Induction Event during the induction week and any programme associated seminars.

Modules

Modules on the Autism and Related Conditions may include:

Diagnosis and Assessment of Autism and Related Conditions

Living with Autism and Related Conditions

Critical Appraisal and Evaluation

Data Analysis for Health and Medical Sciences

Management of Autism and Related Conditions

Foundations of Behaviour

Childhood and Adult Services for Autism and Related Conditions

Rights and Responsibilities for Autism and Related Conditions

Additionally, you will be able to choose to complete a research based dissertation or a work based reflective portfolio.‌

Meet our Alumni

Elizabeth Clatworthy was the first person to graduate from the MSc in Autism and Related Conditions course in 2014. She had both a personal and professional reason to be the first person to gain a Master’s degree in a new course that specialises in the study of autism, as she fosters an eight year old boy who has the condition. Elizabeth said: ‘However a five year old boy came to me to be fostered, which resulted in him being placed with me full time. He was non-verbal and had behavioural issues, but now he talks, has learned to manage his own behaviour and now I feel that there is no limit to what he can achieve. This experience led me to apply for my Master’s degree and I have found that my learning has helped me understand more about my foster child, and equally my foster child has helped me gain greater insight into my studies.”

Rhys Jenkins, now aged 24, was diagnosed with Autism when he was 16 years old. He had successfully completed a Law Degree at Cardiff University prior to coming to Swansea University to complete the MSc in Autism and Related Conditions course.

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The aim of the MSc Developmental Psychopathology is to provide advanced research training for students interested in pursuing careers in the field of research, child development and clinical or educational psychology. The subject-specific and generic postgraduate training provided by the course enables students to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required of a professional conducting research in clinical, child development or other fields.

Research training forms a key focus of the MSc programme. In addition to providing training in basic research, the course aims to integrate research perspectives from clinical and educational psychology. This distinctive emphasis is reflected in the learning outcomes, structure and assessment of the course.

Course Structure

Teaching is generally organised into a number of 10 week course units involving 2 to 3 hours of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each 10 week unit is assessed by means of formative and summative assessments. The summative assessments count towards the final degree outcome. For the programme as a whole, the assessments include examinations, written assignments, oral presentations and the dissertation.

Core Modules
-Advanced Developmental Psychopathology Review (15 credits)
-Research Practice (15 credits)
-Critical Analysis (15 credits)
-Research Design in Child and Clinical Psychology (15 credits)
-Current Issues in Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology (30 credits)
-Applied Statistics (30 credits)
-Dissertation (60 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The programme is delivered predominantly through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshop classes. Lectures provide key information on a particular topic, such as ‘autism spectrum disorder’ or ‘developing interventions’. Seminars are held in order that smaller group teaching can take place, with focused discussion on specific topics. Finally, practical workshop classes allow students to gain direct experience, particularly in Applied Statistics and in how to use statistical tools.

The balance of this type of activity varies as a function of the module. This is a one year course, with students having a summer term to work on their dissertation related activities. Students typically attend approximately 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, as well as completing their dissertation. 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 three modules, is of subject specific topics related to developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology (with a specific focus on neurodevelopmental disorders). A further three modules focus on research skills such as critical thinking abilities and statistical knowledge that are necessary to understand developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology. 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 and the student.

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The MA in Psychology offers an excellent opportunity to gain insight and in-depth knowledge of contemporary topics in Psychology.

This course offers a unique mix of modules that, unlike a more typical MSc, focuses on integrating knowledge in Psychology and communicating those ideas to the public. The course also provides students with a range of transferable skills that are needed to succeed in a wide range of research-knowledge positions. The course is particularly aimed at students who do not want to actively conduct lab-based research, and would prefer to focus on extending their understanding of Psychology and synthesizing current knowledge in new and meaningful ways. Students have the opportunity to build in-depth knowledge in at least two areas of contemporary Psychology, to develop their critical analysis skills, and to hone their science writing and communication skills.

The course is run by one of the largest and most active Psychology departments in Britain with an excellent reputation for both teaching and research.

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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The UCL Division of Psychiatry is pleased to offer this programme focused on clinical practice in mental health and its evidence base. The Clinical Mental Health Sciences MSc integrates biological, psychological and social perspectives on mental health and caters both for psychology graduates and for clinicians wishing to undertake a broad-based, rigorous and flexible higher degree.

Degree information

Students will develop an in-depth understanding of current evidence regarding mental health problems and the interventions provided to address them, as well as enhancing their research skills. A wide range of options from across the School of Life and Medical Sciences at UCL allows students to tailor a programme that fully fits their needs.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of 1–2 core double modules (30–60 credits), 4–6 optional modules (60–90 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits). A diploma may be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of 8 taught single modules, amounting to 120 credits. A certificate may be awarded to students who complete the equivalent of 4 taught single modules, amounting to 60 credits.

Core modules
-Core Principles of Mental Health Research (double module)
-Clinical Mental Health (double module – compulsory only for those who do not have at least six months’ full-time experience, or the equivalent, of working in mental health settings).

Optional modules - students who take the Clinical Mental Health module will choose at least one option (15 credits) from the following:
-Current Research in Depression and Anxiety
-Current Research in Dementia
-Current Research in Learning Disability
-Current Research in Psychosis
-Mental Health Services – Policy, Design and Evaluation
-Culture in the Clinic
-Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia (only to be taken if Current Research in Dementia has already been taken)

Please note: Students who do not take the Clinical Mental Health module will select at least three modules (45 credits) from the above list. Any UCL modules approved by the Programme Director can be selected to make up the remaining credit(s). Note that due to timetable clashes only one Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student. Approved options, from across UCL, include:
-Ethnicity, Migration and Health (Department of Epidemiological and Social Methods in Public Health)
-Social Determinants of Health (Department of Epidemiology and Public Health)
-Higher Functions of the Brain (Institute of Neurology)
-Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child Mental Health (UCL Institute of Child Health)
-Interventions in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – Psychological (UCL Institute of Child Health)
-Quality Improvements in Health (UCL CHIME)
-Neuroimaging: Introductory Science and Methods (Institute of Neurology)
-Neuroimaging: Imaging Modalities (Institute of Neurology)
-Treatment in Child and Adolescent Mental Health - Pharmacological (UCL Institute of Child Health)

(Note that due to timetable clashes only one UCL Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student)

NB: due to timetable clashes only one UCL Institute of Child Health module may be taken by each student.

Research project/report
All students undertake a final project. This may be a research project, to be reported as a paper of 6,000-8,000 words ready for submission to a specified journal, a blog of 1,000 words and a 20-minute talk, or a clinical project of 10,000 words reporting on a clinical topic or service evaluation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops, with considerable use of supporting online learning. Assessment methods include one unseen examination, coursework including designing questionnaires and protocols and analysing data, giving talks and presenting posters, and a final report in the format of a journal paper or brief for clinicians or service planners.

Placement
The programme team support students in obtaining volunteer placements in relevant mental health care and research settings, but this is not a formal part of the course and is entirely optional.

Careers

For non-clinicians, the programme will be an excellent grounding for clinical training, such as in clinical psychology, or for embarking on a research career in mental health. Many graduates go on to research assistant, clinical support worker or assistant psychologist posts as a first destination. For clinicians, this is a great opportunity to gain a higher qualification through a programme based in a leading university department which can be closely tailored to your interests across clinical, research and management fields.

Employability
Students will be taught by leading experts in their fields, will gain a strong clinical understanding of mental health, and will be able to develop their skills in research, service design and evaluation, and writing and presenting. Previous Division of Psychiatry Master’s graduates have been enthusiastic about their career enhancement, both through their programme and the connections they have made through it. A large proportion of our first cohort of graduates have gone on to paid employment in relevant areas of mental health, especially research assistant, clinical support worker, psychological wellbeing practitioner and assistant psychologist posts. Others have embarked on PhD studies.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL has a cluster of international experts in mental health, including in genetics, epidemiology, and applied clinical research, and most are also clinicians. We are able to offer a broad programme encompassing both cutting-edge research and a clinical perspective.

The programme is strongly focused on student participation, with much use of small-group learning, and the environment in the Division of Psychiatry is stimulating, friendly and supportive.

A wide range of options at UCL allows programmes to be tailored to students’ needs and interests in clinical, research and management domains.

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This MSc provides the academic training required for a career as a forensic psychologist- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/msc-forensic-psychology/

Are you interested in training to become a forensic psychologist?

Or are you already working in the criminal justice or forensic mental health systems and keen to learn more about the theory and practice behind forensic psychology?

The programme will introduce you to a range of psychological theories, methods and processes within the context of the legal, criminal and civil justice systems.

Based at a research-led London university with strong links to forensic services, you’ll be taught by world-class researchers, and experienced practitioners from the NHS, and the prison and probation service.

Led by chartered forensic clinical psychologist Dr Caoimhe McAnena, the MSc also includes contributions from world-class researchers and practitioners who will teach on the programme and supervise research projects.

We have been awarded full British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation, which will give you the opportunity to gain Graduate and/or Chartered Membership of the Society.

Placement

One of the major strengths of this course is our strong links with local forensic mental health services. For 2015 entry we offered up to five studentships that covered tuition fees and a placement opportunity, enabling students to study part-time while working part-time in an NHS or prison setting.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Fiona Gabbert.

Modules & Structure

Overview

The course will cover the assessment and treatment of offenders, risk assessment methods, and treatment of offenders with mental health and personality disorders.

There will be a focus on criminal investigations by examining psychological issues in eyewitness identification, investigative interviewing of witnesses and suspects, psychological profiling and detecting deception.

You'll also explore legal and criminological concepts relevant to contemporary social issues and organisations. Issues relating to ethics, human rights, professional practice and research will be emphasised to provide a firm grounding for further professional training and practice.

By completing this programme you will:

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the application of psychology to processes in the criminal and civil justice system (eg investigation, trial, the work of the expert witness)
Develop a thorough knowledge of psychological theories and interventions in relation to a range of specific client groups, such as sexual and violent offenders, people with personality disorder and mental health difficulties, juveniles and victims of crime
Be introduced to a range of psychometric instruments used widely within forensic psychology, and develop your skills in interpreting and communicating the outcome of these assessments
Develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake forensic psychological research, including the design, implementation and interpretation of service evaluations, clinical audit, and outcome research within forensic settings

Structure

The programme is comprised of 5 core modules totalling 150 credits and 2 option modules totalling 30 credits.

The core modules will include:

Psychology and Law
Investigation in Forensic Psychology
Assessment and Intervention in Forensic Psychology
Applied research design and analysis
Research project

Two option modules may be selected from a range of courses offered in the Department of Psychology, for example:

Addictive Behaviours
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Self and Relationships
Psychology and Education
Social-Moral Development

Professional training

This new programme aims to satisfy the academic component of professional training in forensic psychology. Accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as meeting the requirement for Stage One of the BPS Diploma in Forensic Psychology has been applied for. When accredited, successful completion will allow you to enrol in the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage Two) with the aim of achieving the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) Qualification in Forensic Psychology, and becoming a Chartered Psychologist with the DFP and Practitioner Forensic Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Careers

Graduates of the programme will be well-qualified a wide range careers in:

-the criminal justice system
-health services
-civil society

Relevant career opportunities are available in the:

-prison and probation service
-NHS
-police and voluntary sector organisations

Many of these posts will be training positions to allow the completion of the Stage Two qualification in Forensic Psychology described above.

Other entry requirements

Subject to having GBC accreditation, completion of this Masters course will fulfil the requirements of Stage 1 training to become a Chartered Psychologist. For non GBC candidates the qualification will not be recognised as fulfilling Stage 1 DFP training, but will apply retrospectively if GBC is obtained at a later date.

Funding

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

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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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