MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology
The University of Edinburgh - School of Philosophy, Psychology & Language Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 26,300 *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* full-time International/EU | £12,500: full-time Scotland/Rest of UK
Introduction
This programme provides an opportunity for intensive advanced training in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. Staff involved in teaching and supervision include internationally recognised researchers and clinicians from our Human Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group. Staff expertise covers a range of topics including memory, visual perception, decision making, executive functions, social cognition and language, and staff use a variety of research methods to address their research interests in healthy and clinical populations.
Staff within the * Human Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group.
You will take courses on the theoretical and methodological aspects of cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuropsychology and brain imaging, and conduct an original research dissertation in one of these areas. You will also receive thorough training in advanced academic skills and research methods within psychology, including comprehensive coverage of statistical modelling and research design using the R statistical language.
Curriculum
Programme structure
The programme comprises two semesters of taught core courses and an optional course, followed by a research dissertation conducted in close collaboration with one of our expert supervisors over the spring and summer months. In addition to topics specific to cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, core courses cover advanced academic skills and research methodology, including research design and statistical modelling. The optional course can be selected to tailor the programme to your interests. If you wish, you may choose the optional course from an associated area, such as individual differences, informatics, psycholinguistics, and developmental or social psychology.
Core courses
- Psychological Research Skills - General advanced research methodology
- Univariate Statistics and Methodology using R - Introduction to R and statistical models
- Multivariate Statistics and Methodology using R - Advanced statistical modelling
- Specialist Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience - This course focuses on the major methodological aspects of different cognitive neuroscience techniques, such as fMRI, fNIRS, TMS, EEG, lesion-symptom mapping and single case studies; lectures and discussions are coupled with practical workshops that provide students with hands-on experience.
- Contemporary Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience - This course focuses on cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience research, with lectures and discussion sessions covering topics, such as vision, memory, and language.
Option course may include:
- Brain Imaging in Cognitive Neuroscience (taught by Human Cognitive Neuroscience research group)
- Clinical Neuropsychology (taught by Human Cognitive Neuroscience research group)
- Neuroscience of Language
- Atypical Development
- Applied Psychological Testing
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Or any other course open to MSc students
Dissertation
The dissertation involves conducting an empirical research project in close collaboration with an expert supervisor, sometimes also working with fellow graduate students. You will produce a written report, similar to an academic journal article; indeed, some dissertations are published as journal articles. The empirical work and writing take place between April and August. The dissertation can be based on data collected by you or existing datasets (e.g., from large cohort studies, biobanks or other projects). The dissertation is due in August.
If you have a strong interest in clinical populations, there may be opportunities to join ongoing clinical research projects, subject to certain constraints (e.g. Application for NHS Research Passport).
Program Outcome
On successful completion of this programme, you will gain:
- specialist knowledge within the fields of human cognitive neuroscience/neuropsychology, and integrated areas of study, in addition to training in psychological research methods.
- an understanding of cognitive neuroscience research, brain imaging and neurostimulation techniques, cognitive psychology, cognitive/clinical neuropsychology.
- an understanding of the basic and advanced principles of research design and application.
- competency in applying a range of methods and research tools, including statistical models and programming.
- skills in research management, including managing data and conducting and disseminating research in ways consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics.
Career Opportunities
The programme is primarily designed for students who aspire to pursue a research-oriented career in cognitive neuroscience or neuropsychology or to apply for higher-level clinical training. However, the course also teaches a broad range of transferable skills applicable to a wide range of modern jobs, such as research design, data management and processing, statistical modelling and interpretation, as well as the synthesis and communication of complex literature.