Cognitive Neuroscience MSc

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The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on three specialist areas: neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG) and brain stimulation. Students will have the opportunity to gain employment in a wide range of disciplines after studying the current research in the field supported by practical hands on training in data processing and analysis.

Key Features of MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience

Performance:

• In The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 we were one of only four psychology departments in the UK to achieve a 100% 4* rating (maximum score possible) for the reach and significance of its work. In REF 2014, 44% of our submission was graded as 4* (the highest possible grading). Based on this measure we are ranked 14th (out of 82) in the UK.
• Our Psychology department is ranked 5th in the UK for Graduate Prospects by The Times and Sunday Times University League Tables 2018.

Teaching and Employability:

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

Facilities 

• Learning resources and facilities include: the brain stimulation lab, EEG suite, 3T MRI scanner, a computer room with updated preprocessing and analysis software. 

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

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

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

A core aspect of the provision for MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience will also be collaboration with the Medical School at Swansea University.

Modules

Modules on the MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience may include:

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

MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience Course Structure

The full-time masters degree for Cognitive Neuroscience is studied over one year.

The part-time degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, is studied over two years.

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

The Cognitive Neuroscience course is taught through a variety of methods including: blended learning, lectures, discussions/debates, critical assessment of peer-reviewed articles, hands-on data preprocessing and analysis, training in writing research reports, creating conference posters and effective presentations.

Who should apply?

The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience course is suitable for:

- anyone looking for a valuable academic foundation for future doctoral training

- anyone looking to demonstrate their employability across a range of disciplines within cognitive neuroscience and related fields, including psychology, computing, neuroscience, medicine and computer science

- UK and international psychology graduates seeking positions as researchers in psychology, cognitive neuroscience or related fields.

- psychology graduates aiming to secure a PhD by research in a psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related discipline

- graduates from other disciplines such as Biology, Neuroscience, and Medicine who wish to develop further skills related to psychology and cognitive neuroscience

Career Prospects

On completion of the Cognitive Neuroscience course students will have the opportunity to apply to any competitive PhD programme in cognitive neuroscience nationally and internationally.

The Cognitive Neuroscience course opens up a range of career options within cognitive neuroscience and related fields including psychology, computing, neurosciences, medicine and computer science, as research associates/officers, teachers, lecturers, the business sector and administration. 

Staff Expertise

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

Postgraduate Community

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

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

Visit the Cognitive Neuroscience MSc page on the Swansea University website for more details!