Masters Degrees (Neuroimaging)

The Neuroimaging MSc course will provide you with training in all the scientific and methodological aspects of Neuroimaging. It has a strong focus on applied Neuroimaging, including practical experience of scanning techniques and analysis methodologies. You will develop the broad set of skills that are essential to anybody wanting to work in the competitive world of Neuroimaging.

Key benefits

- Interdisciplinary research environment, which specialises in a world-leading combination of application-oriented brain imaging and analysis techniques. Neuroimaging is today one of the most successful research fields within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
- Breadth of applications, including psychiatry, neurology, psychology, clinical neuroscience, neuroscience and beyond.
- Based in the state-of-the-art Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, with direct access to five MR scanners (one 1.5T, three 3T and one preclinical 7T) and to an EEG lab.
- Strong partnerships with sister hospitals, industries and other research centres hosting complementary technologies, such as PET, MEG, CT, Ultrasound and Stem Cell Imaging.
- World-class team of academic physicists and methodologists, as well as leading psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists and clinical psychologists.
- Extensive collaboration within King’s and with other universities and industries.
- Lectures given by experts in their field providing students with in-depth knowledge of their subject areas.
- Strong practical and experiential course components aimed at immersing students in all aspects of day-to-day neuroimaging techniques and their applications.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/neuroimaging-msc.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

The Neuroimaging course aims to train the neuroimaging researchers of tomorrow by focusing on teaching you the scientific and methodological aspects of neuroimaging techniques in parallel to their application to psychiatry, neurology, psychology, clinical psychology, neuroscience, and beyond.

In addition to theoretical approaches, our course has a strong applied element, which will allow you to gain practical experience of scanning techniques, with a focus on the skills needed to run a scanning session and to analyse and interpret the data produced. It also includes visits to other centres providing PET, MEG and NIRS among other imaging techniques

- Course purpose -

Through this programme, the Department of Neuroimaging aims to apply its collective expertise to the development of the next generation of Neuroimaging specialists through the teaching of both the scientific and methodological aspects of neuroimaging techniques and applications. The programme is aimed at an inclusive audience, but would be of particular interest to mathematicians, engineers, physicists, psychologists, radiographers, and medical professionals.

- Course format and assessment -

The first three modules, "Introduction to Neuroimaging", "Neuroimaging Acquisition and Analysis" and "Applications of Neuroimaging", are each assessed by a written examination and a coursework essay.

The fourth module, "Practical Neuroimaging", is assessed by an examination designed to test the candidate's skill in abstract writing and by an oral presentation associated to a mini Neuroimaging project and to its report.

In the first four modules, students' practical skills are also evaluated through computer-lab assessments.

The fifth module "Neuroimaging Research Project" is assessed by a research report, a lab book and a poster presentation.

Career prospects

Those who successfully complete the programme will have a solid understanding of the techniques and applications of Neuroimaging and will be well equipped to work in Neuroimaging or related professions. Students may also wish to use the programme as preparation for PhD study in either Neuroimaging or a related research area.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/study/prospective-students/Masters-Scholarships.aspx

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The programme disseminates imaging knowledge, skills and understanding, in order to enable effective and efficient use of imaging, clinically, in research and in industry.

Our flexible, intermittent, part-time, online distance learning (OLDL) programme aims to:

• to provide an understanding of research that uses neuroimaging techniques
• to develop research planning and designing skills, incorporating neuroimaging
• to enable interpretation and analysis of relevant neuroimaging data
• to relate neuroimaging research to clinical applications

Online learning

Access world class teaching at the University of Edinburgh, while maintaining your local professional & personal commitments where you live, thereby keeping down costs by not being resident in Edinburgh.

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources, but also become part of a supportive online community, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Programme structure

You may choose to study to Certificate, Diploma or Masters level.

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme. We publish the latest available information for this programme. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year.

• Programme structure (2017/18) MSc Neuroimaging for Research (Online Distance Learning)
• Programme structure (2017/18) PG Diploma Neuroimaging for Research (Online Distance Learning)
• Programme structure (2017/18) PG Certificate Neuroimaging for Research (Online Distance Learning)

You may take up to 30 credits per semester, 60 credits per year.

Postgraduate Professional Development (PPD) is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge through a postgraduate-level course(s), without the time or financial commitment of a full Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

You may take a maximum of 50 credits worth of courses over two years through our PPD scheme. We offer online credit-bearing courses which run for 11 weeks at a time. These lead to a University of Edinburgh postgraduate award of academic credit. Alternatively, after one year of taking courses you can choose to transfer your credits and continue on to studying towards a higher award on a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

Although PPD courses have various start dates throughout a year you may only start a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme in the month of September. Any time spent studying PPD will be deducted from the amount of time you will have left to complete a Masters, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate programme.

• Online Learning options.

Please note that individual elective courses will only run if there is a minimum of 4 students taking the course.

Learning outcomes

• Describe imaging theory, techniques, analysis and applications.
• Discuss how imaging is used to investigate both normal and abnormal processes and functions (clinically and in research).
• Design methodologically sound and practical research that uses neuroimaging.
• Analyse results and use statistics relevant to and derived from neuroimaging.
• Integrate health and safety regulations, and legislation, into the planning and execution of research which uses neuroimaging.
• Envision the translation from basic neuroimaging research to the clinical arena.
• Critically appraise existing research that uses neuroimaging, demonstrating awareness of reproducibility, reliability of techniques, and sources of bias, both in research and clinically.
• Be innovative in the discussion and presentation of work to peers.
• Formulate suitable grant and research proposals which incorporate neuroimaging.
• Initiate and execute research autonomously.
• Produce publishable research summaries.
• Demonstrate good practice in research communication and collaboration, including modern online methods.
• Engage with new developments building upon your neuroimaging knowledge.

Career opportunities

This programme is an ideal programme to help you in your neuroimaging research-based career, giving you advanced and well recognised expertise in the field.

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Neuroimaging has emerged as a new important methodology in the study of the structure and function of the human brain in health and disease. In Neuroscience it is being increasingly used to study the physiological correlates of mental processes. In Clinical practice it plays a prominent role in the detection and diagnosis of neurological and psychiatric illnesses and in the evaluation of new treatments. The techniques are getting increasingly sophisticated and as a result there is a high demand for well-trained professionals.

Our Neuroimaging MSc is one of only a few programmes dealing with modern neuroimaging in the UK. It is exceptional in its focus on practical and biomedical aspects of Neuroimaging. The success of the program is reflected in the success of our students with 60% either in further higher education, or fully employed in the first year after degree completion. This figure rises to 100% within 3 years of the degree.

The Neuroimaging MSc is designed to provide students with the background knowledge and technical skills to design, analyze and evaluate imaging data. The Neuroimaging MSc focuses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based techniques, including functional MRI, anatomical imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and Spectroscopy. Imaging techniques will be discussed with reference to relevant applications. The programme puts a strong emphasis on practical skills. In a dedicated computer lab, the students will learn and practice analysis and imaging techniques. Under supervision of our world-class academic staff, students will design their own imaging based studies, which will be run using the in-house 3T MRI scanner. Additional classes will provide students with a broad scope of professional skills.

The Neuroimaging MSc is especially suited for:
students interested in pursuing an Academic career in the field of Neuroimaging;
students looking to find a job as research staff in industry or academic labs involved in translational research;
medical professional, looking to develop skills in a new emergent technology and research field;
students with a background in physics, mathematics or computer science who want to move into cognitive or clinical neuroscience;
students with a background in psychology or biology who want to improve your technical skills for a neuroscience career.

Content
The core of the Neuroimaging MSc consists of two modules on Neuroimaging. The first module concentrates on methodological aspects. It includes an introduction to the physics of MR imaging, the physiological basis of functional signals, processing and analysis of imaging data and the design of research studies. The second module provides an in-depth introduction to a number of specialized imaging techniques used to understand the biology of brain function in health and disease. The latter module aims to illustrate the use of imaging in the context of translational and clinical studies of disease processes affecting the human brain.

Both modules combine formal lectures, and computer-based laboratories, in which students learn and practice analysis and imaging techniques. Weekly practical labs and programming classes are held in a dedicated computer laboratory available to all students. The work done in the lab sections constitute 50% of the grade in first module, and 30% of the grade in the second module. The latter also includes student-led discussion of published scientific and clinical research.

In the weekly Bangor Imaging Group (BIG) meeting, academic staffs, postdocs and students discuss current research. All MSc and PhD students propose their research here.

Additional optional modules provide an in-depth view of several content areas of cognitive and clinical neuroscience (see below). Students are also welcome to attend weekly review of clinical scans performed at the local hospital for the purpose of patient recruitment and a monthly neuroradiology conference where cases of clinical interest are discussed. Journal-clubs and research meetings concerning fMRI, EEG, and TMS methodologies are open to all students.

Students are also required to take at least one additional module in advanced statistics or advanced computing. The module Communicating Research completes the curriculum by training students in a broad scope of professional skills.

The Bangor Imaging Unit houses a state-of-the-art 3T MRI machine, available for student projects. Setups for the measurement of eye-movement, arm and hand movement, and physiological parameters are also available.

In the beginning of the year you will choose your academic supervisor. The supervisor will be responsible for helping you plan, design and draft your research thesis. From your project proposal you will review the relevant literature, and formally outline your study. In the weekly Bangor-Imaging Group meeting we learn about and discuss proposed, ongoing and completed studies and important new publications in the field. Moreover, all MSc and PhD students present their proposed plan of research in this forum. Thus, you are tightly integrated into the research environment at the Bangor Imaging Unit, and profit from interactions with older PhD students, post-docs, and other supervisors. Your final research project is conducted over the summer months, most likely using the in-house, research-dedicated 3T MRI scanner. The course ends with the successful submission of your research thesis.

Structure
The Neuroimaging MSc consists of two parts. Part one comprises taught modules over two semesters. You are required to take the two core modules in Neuroimaging, which include a large component of laboratory work. You will also choose two 'content' modules, each designed to provide knowledge and promote understanding in a specific core area of neuroscience. You also take three 'skills' modules designed to hone your research skills. In addition, you will partner with one of the academic faculty in order to jointly develop a research proposal for your thesis. On successful completion of Part One, you'll proceed to Part Two (in the third semester), when you will carry out your research study and write your thesis.

Research Thesis
The thesis is the 'crown' of the Neuroimaging MSc and is an intensive research experience conducted in collaboration with your supervisor that allows you to put your knowledge and skills into practice. In conducting your thesis project, you will develop new skills such as planning, co-operative working, and the academic skills essential to understanding and reporting findings to others.
Career Prospects

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This MSc is specifically aimed at those pursuing a professional career in neuroimaging, either in clinical practice or in neuroscience research. This multidisciplinary programme provides training in both the basic scientific and technological principles of modern neuroimaging methods, and in their application to understand neurological function and neurological disorders. Study by distance learning is also available.

Degree information

Students will develop a foundational knowledge of neuroanatomy, understand the principles and main technical aspects of neuroimaging instrumentation and data acquisition, basic image processing and image analysis techniques, and gain a good working knowledge of modern methods for scientific and clinical investigation of the human nervous system using neuroimaging.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), a library project (30 credits) and a research project (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma is offered for Full Time, Part Time and Distance Learning modes. This consists of six core modules (90 credits) and a Library Project (30 credits). All of the Advanced Neuroimaging modules are considered core modules. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Introductory Science and Methods
-Imaging Modalities
-Advanced Imaging
-Foundational Neuroanatomy, Systems and Disease
-Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging I
-Pathology and Diagnostic Imaging II

Please note: every face-to-face module has a distance learning equivalent with alternative learning activities.

Dissertation/report
All students undertake a library project which is assessed by a 5,000-word project, and a laboratory research project which culminates in a 10,000-word dissertation.

Teaching and learning
The programme is taught by lectures and workshops delivered by experts in various clinical and technical fields of neuroimaging. Assessment is through written examination, coursework, presentations, research project, dissertation and viva voce. Distance learning students may spend up to three months in London carrying out the research project and receiving relevant training and mentoring. Alternatively they may carry out an extended systematic review of the literature related to a chosen field within neuroimaging. In exceptional circumstances students may carry out the research project remotely if they are based at a hospital with established research links with Principal Investigators at the UCL Institute of Neurology.

Careers

Graduates of the programme will have developed the necessary knowledge and skills essential for a future research career in the areas of neuroradiology, imaging neuroscience or neuroimaging technology.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Doctor, Addenbrooke's Hospital (NHS) and studying Radiology, University of Cambridge
-Research Assistant, National Tsing Hua University
-Hospital Consultant, Epsom Hospital (NHS)
-Radiographer, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
-Trainee Radiologist, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Employability
Students on this programme are immersed in a world-class clinical and scientific environment, taught by leading experts in the field. For clinicians, and professions allied to healthcare, the programme will equip them with a sound understanding of neuroimaging techniques. For medical physicists it will enable them to develop their theoretical understanding in an internationally renowned centre. A number of high-achieving students on the programme will be offered the opportunity to undertake a paid internship at a London-based company which runs neuroimaging clinical trials.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The focus of this degree is neuroimaging of neurological disease. Together with our associated hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, the UCL Institute of Neurology promotes research that is of direct clinical relevance to improved patient care and treatment.

With its concentration of clinical and applied scientific activity the institute is a unique national resource for postgraduate training in neurology, its associated disciplines and the basic neurosciences. During their time at Queen Square students will have the opportunity to contribute to world-leading research and have access to cutting-edge neuroimaging facilities.

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This full-time MSc course aims to equip graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds, including psychology, engineering, physical and biological sciences, with the methodological tools to undertake neuroimaging research at the highest level.

Understanding the human brain in health and disease is one of the key research challenges of our time. Meeting this challenge depends on progress at multiple-levels, from investigations of single neurons through to studies of human cognition and perception. Bridging the gap between these levels is not easy, but recent advances in non-invasive neuroimaging and neurophysiology techniques seem to offer such a bridge, by providing a window on brain structure and function at the regional level. However, no single technique offers a complete picture – each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is for this reason that much recent effort has been in multi-modal integration of several different imaging approaches.

You will be taught by international experts in both multimodal methods Semester 1 and applications of these methods in several domains Semester 2. Depending on your background and interests, you may then choose to specialise in either methodology or applications-based research for your project in Semester 3.

The course aims to put you in a competitive position for a PhD studentship or research position in neuroimaging methodology, cognitive neuroscience or translational neuroscience applied to human health and disease.

The hub of the MSc is the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), which is part of the School of Psychology at Cardiff University. CUBRIC is one of only a handful of research-dedicated centres in the world that contain multiple neuroimaging techniques in one building: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), Electroencephalography (EEG) and Trans-cranial Stimulation (TMS/TDCS). A key feature of this course is that you can gain hands-on experience using all of these techniques.

Distinctive features

• Hands-on experience using multiple neuroimaging techniques.
• Based in Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), a world-leading centre of its kind.
• Taught by international experts.

Structure

This one-year full-time course starts in September and is a mixture of two taught semesters and a research project in the final semester.

Each Module must be completed with a mark of 50% or greater. All 12 taught modules must be passed before the research project dissertation can be submitted at the end of Semester 3.

Core modules:

Research Design and Statistics I
Research Design and Statistics II
fMRI Physiology and Methods
MEG and EEG: Physiology and Methods
Human Brain Stimulation: Technology and Methods
Neuroimaging Methods - State of The Art
Memory: Functions and Failures
The body in the brain: neuroimaging of pain, touch and emotions
Neuroimaging of Perception & Action
Clinical Neuroimaging Research
Neuroimaging Applications - State of the Art
MRI: Technology & Methods
Neuroimaging Research Project

Teaching

You will attend lectures, participate in seminars and tutorials, and gain experience in the MRI, MEG, EEG and TMS labs. Learners play the leading role in their own training.  The School facilitates learning by identifying appropriate reading and organising practicals.  Depending on their background and interests, students may then choose to specialise in either methodology or applications-based research, or a mixture of both, for their projects in Semester 3.

Career Prospects

This course can prepare students for a range of career options, including:

• A research and academic career in cognitive/clinical neuroscience or methods development
• Industry applications such as research in pharma companies or neuro-marketing
• Supporting the use of advanced neuroimaging techniques in healthcare environments.

Graduates in this programme will also be in a strong position to apply for PhD positions.

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This Master's degree provides in-depth and hands-on research experience in a chosen area of psychologically relevant functional neuroimaging. It covers: the critical appreciation of existing research and research methods; the practice of running a neuroimaging study; designing, managing and reporting on an extended research project; and subject-specific IT skills.

The programme is designed for graduates from psychology, neuroscience, medical imaging or related disciplines who have prior research skills training and who seek to complete a specific, well-defined research project. If you would like to carry out research in any area of psychologically relevant functional neuroimaging, either at PhD level or in the private sector, this degree will prepare you with a range of appropriate research skills and practical experience.

The Department of Psychological Sciences has an outstanding world-class research tradition in functional neuroimaging. This programme combines Birkbeck’s strengths in cognitive neuroscience with children and adults, in both typical and atypical populations. You will get extensive hands-on training in one of several neuroimaging methods available within the department, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), electrophysiological measure (EEG, ERP, ERO), Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). You will also have the opportunity to attend research seminars organised by the department and a number of other local research centres and institutes.

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Taught by members of world-renowned research groups at the Department of Psychological Sciences.
Offers hands-on training in cutting-edge behavioural and imaging neuroscience techniques.
Exposure to neuroimaging set-ups specifically designed for studying development.
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 functional neuroimaging, 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.

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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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About the course

This course is about the relationship between brain function and mechanisms that underpin behaviour.

Computational neuroscience uses data to construct models of brain function. Cognitive neuroscience and human imaging relate function to its underlying neural substrate.

The course includes a long research
project which gives you the chance to carry out an in-depth imaging study. The computational and analytical skills you’ll learn are great preparation for a PhD.

The course takes students from both life sciences and the physical sciences and engineering. Appropriate training is given to ensure all students can master the required skills and complete the course successfully.

For the taught component of the course, students choose one of two options: either a pathway focused on mathematics, computational neuroscience and MR-physics or a pathway focused on ethics, clinical neurology, neuroradiology and neuroanatomy, which includes a practical human brain dissection course.

Where your masters can take you

You’ll develop the skills and knowledge for all sorts of careers. Many of our graduates continue to PhD level. Others work as research associates and assistant psychologists for employers such as universities and the NHS. Throughout your course, you’ll have frequent reviews with your tutor to discuss your learning needs and objectives.

Applying psychology in the real world

Our ongoing collaborative projects with hospitals, mental health care units, the police and prison service, and several leading firms in business and industry will show you how psychology can be applied in the real world.

You’ll also benefit from our research excellence. We don’t just focus on one or two specialisms – with active researchers in most areas of psychology, we are consistently one of the highest-ranked research departments in the UK.

Our facilities

Whatever your particular interest, we have the facilities for your research. Our research environment was rated amongst the best in the country in the last national assessment. We are exceptionally well resourced for research in Social and Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Developmental Psychology, with a dedicated suite of rooms for different participant groups.

To give you the right tools for your research, there is a fully equipped neuroscience unit with excellent facilities for brain imaging, neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, behavioural neuroscience and computational neuroscience. We have access to a small-bore MRI device and to the University’s MRI facility for human studies.

Studentships and bursaries

Please contact us for the latest funding opportunities.

Careers

The course is designed to prepare you for a PhD, but your experience could land you a job in the private sector as a lab technician or a developer.

Core modules

PATHWAY 1

Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience; Fundamentals of Neuroscience; Computational Neuroscience 1: biologically grounded models; Mathematical Modelling and Research Skills; Brain Imaging and its Physical Foundations; Applied Neuroimaging, Neurophysiology and Psychiatry.

OR

PATHWAY 2

Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience; Fundamentals of Neuroscience; Ethics and Public Awareness of Science; Neuroanatomy and Neuroradiology; Brain Imaging and Clinical Neurology; Applied Neuroimaging, Neurophysiology and Psychiatry.

Teaching

Teaching is through lectures, seminars and laboratory classes.

Assessment

There are examinations at the end of semesters one and two, written coursework and an extensive empirical research project over the summer.

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Cognitive neuroscience is the state-of-the-art discipline for both scientists and practitioners interested in the link between brain and mind. Watching and monitoring the activity of the brain while it is processing information provides an incredible window into our human nature. It bridges the gap between several connected disciplines such as psychology, medicine, and computer sciences. This program is suitable for psychology graduates, professionals, and medical technicians interested in understanding how, with the aid of advanced neuroimaging techniques, both our mind and brain function. The programme is organized around a core that integrates a course in cognitive neuroscience along with cutting-edge developments in neuroimaging, including functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG). Students with a keen interest in the topic will be engaged in research programs from the staff that use different technologies (EEG, biofeedback, and the eye tracker).

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Our MSc in Neuroimaging for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience will provide you with the theoretical and practical skills required to carry out high-quality cognitive brain imaging work in healthy individuals and in patient populations.

Our course is aimed at graduates with scientific training (eg in physics, computer science, mathematics, medicine, psychology, neuroscience, pharmacology and engineering) who are interested in a career where brain imaging forms a major focus or where the scientific and technological needs of brain imaging are addressed.

This field draws on diverse areas of scientific expertise and ultimately depends on effective communication between these areas.
The course aims to provide a unique environment in which students from these contrasting backgrounds can work together in a way that reflects the collaborations they will contribute to in the future, and in which they can readily acquire the multidisciplinary skills needed.

Issues relating to the optimisation of fMRI and EEG data acquisition and analysis will be explored, with a particular focus on the cross-talk between the physics of the scanning environment, the psychology of the experimental design and the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the human brain.

In addition, the course offers an in-depth grounding in cognitive, social, behavioural and clinical neuroscience theory and offers the opportunity to be directly involved in both EEG and fMRI research.

Graduating students will be ideally placed to make major contributions to research and technological development within the brain imaging area.

Teaching and learning

Our course is delivered through a series of lectures and linked lab-based classes, as well as informal seminar-style sessions encouraging interaction and discussion.

The research placement offers one-to-one supervision within the research environment.

Apart from doing standard background reading and preparation for coursework and examinations, you will be required to work on lab-based skills outside formal teaching times. Dedicated facilities will be available for this.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment will vary between course units, but will comprise a mixture of examinations (including short answer and multiple-choice formats), coursework, lab reports and a final research report.

Career opportunities

Our MSc in Neuroimaging for Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience will prepare you for a career path in scientific and clinical research and academia, as it provides the ideal platform from which to proceed to doctoral work involving brain imaging.

The course also provides clear career paths in specialist software and hardware industries and in specialist sections of the pharmaceutical industry.

In addition, our MSc offers a high-level specialisation relevant for students and graduates of medicine.

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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 Masters in Research Methods of Psychological Science will provide you with both theoretical instruction and practical experience in the methods appropriate for scientific research in psychology.

Why this programme

-With a 95% overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2015, the School of Psychology continues to meet student expectations combining both teaching excellence and a supportive learning environment.
-This MSc complies with requirements for the PhD research training programme of the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) and can either be the first year of a ‘1+3’ funding package or qualify you for future ‘+3’ funding.
-The University of Glasgow’s School of Psychology is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 in the UK and top 5 in Scotland, recently achieving 1st in Scotland and 2nd in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2015).
-You will benefit from innovative assessment, including portfolio of professional skills, peer review and writing up a research project in the format of a journal article.
-You will benefit from access to the resources of the University’s Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi), including a 3 Tesla fMRI scanner, MEG system, two TMS labs, and several EEG labs, including fMRI compatible systems. Dedicated motion capture suites record precise 3D body movements and facial animation sequences. Eye movements can be followed remotely using our SR Research EyeLink systems.
-The programme has excellent career prospects and a very good track record of previous graduates.

Programme structure

Modes of delivery of the MSc in Research Methods of Psychological Science include lectures, seminars and tutorials and lab work.

Core courses
-Introduction to Matlab programming
-Professional skills
-Research methods in cognitive science
-Statistics and research design
-Advanced qualitative methods
-Designing a research project
-Research project

Optional courses (one chosen)
-Cognitive brain imaging methods
-Computational neuroscience
-Formal models and quantitative methods*
-Psychology of language*
-Sleep and circadian timing*
-Visual perception and cognition*

*Each of these options will only run if the minimum number of students (>3) enrol.

You will also attend Scottish universities’ psychology postgraduate meetings, research seminars and journal clubs.

Research excellence

Research across the subject of Psychology attempts to advance our understanding of behaviour and the underlying mental processes and brain functions at multiple levels of analysis. This effort entails the integration of diverse approaches and paradigms from experimental psychology, cognitive science and the cognitive neurosciences.

We are committed to producing basic and applied research of the highest quality with a focus on three main areas:
-An interdisciplinary effort to advance the understanding of the complex relationship between the brain, cognition and behaviour. This brings together researchers with an interest in cognitive neuroscience, functional neuroimaging, neuropsychology and computational modelling. The Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNi) aims to develop new methods for understanding brain mechanisms, and to train interdisciplinary scientists in the use of those methods and techniques.
-The new science of social interactions, a science that blends behavioural, computational and neuroimaging techniques to investigate human social function, communication and cooperation. Our research examines a range of mechanisms that underlie social interaction: from gestures and expressive signals, from the face, voice and body to language-based communication. We have special interest in how such local interactions affect the dynamics and structure of larger scale social networks.
-Further research areas include sleep, language, visual perception, computational methods, memory, thought and social interaction.

Career prospects

As this programme complies with ESRC requirements, successful graduates from the programme are eligible for +3 ESRC PhD studentships. The majority of our graduates have obtained PhD funding or secured a research or teaching position. Others have opted for further professional training in specialised fields of psychology. Some graduates have used the qualification and skills to advance in their current employment.

Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as: Assistant Psychologist at NHS and PhD studentships at Glasgow University or other HEIs in UK or abroad.

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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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This is the first programme in stroke medicine in the UK to provide a comprehensive education and training for the next generation of researchers and clinical providers of expert stroke care. Students will be taught by clinical and research experts in the field of stroke medicine at Queen Square.

Degree information

Students will study modules in the pathophysiology and neuroimaging relating to cerebrovascular disease; clinical manifestations of stroke; treatment and service delivery; neurorehabilitation; epidemiology and prevention of stroke and statistical methods in health research.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (120 credits), and a research project/dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma, six core taught modules (120 credits) is available. A Postgraduate Certificate, four core taught modules (60 credits) is available. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Core modules
-Clinical Manifestations of Stroke
-Epidemiology and Prevention of Stroke
-Neurorehabilitation
-Pathophysiology and Neuroimaging relating to Cerebrovascular Disease
-Statistical Methods in Health Research
-Treatment and Service Delivery

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

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops/practical sessions, journal clubs, presentations and supervisory meetings. Taught modules are assessed by short answer, multiple choice question examinations and timed essays. The research project requires a written dissertation, an oral and a poster presentation at the Queen Square Symposium or similar conference.

Careers

The portfolio of taught graduate programmes at the UCL Institute of Neurology offers research-embedded clinical teaching to enhance and expand the career progression and opportunities of our students. All of our graduates have reported that their degree enhanced their careers. Many of our graduates have gone on to further PhD-level study, or successfully applied to medical school. Clinicians who took time out to obtain an MSc have returned to training and scientists have gone on to obtain research assistant posts. Those already established in their career have been promoted.

Employability
Whatever your chosen career pathway, this programme in stroke medicine will help you become more established in your career, or help you change career direction into this specialised field. As well as gaining knowledge through the taught modules offered by experts in this field, the research project will enable you to gain many transferable skills relevant to conducting research in clinical and medical science. Exposure to the cutting-edge research being carried out in this area at UCL will give you an up-to-date perspective on trends in the causality, diagnosis, management, rehabilitation and innovative treatment of stroke.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL has a world-class reputation in stroke research and treatment and hosts the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) North Thames Stroke Research Network. Our service treats over 2,500 suspected strokes per year in our Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU). Areas of excellence include carotid disease, stroke recovery and neurorehabilitation, neuroimaging cerebral haemorrhage and small vessel disease.

We are a major endovascular centre at the forefront of stroke treatment with a highly developed multidisciplinary neuro-critical care pathway.

Whatever your anticipated career goals this MSc will provide opportunities to carry out research with global experts in the field of stroke and network with world-renowned clinicians.

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