MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology

Programme overview

The MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology offers you the opportunity to receive intensive training and specialist knowledge through taught courses and independent research.

Established by Professor Sharon Abrahams in 2006, this programme provides intensive training and specialist knowledge within human cognitive neuropsychology and related fields of study.

The teaching is closely integrated with the Human Cognitive Neuroscience research unit, a group of internationally recognized cognitive psychologists and neuropsychologists.

Why study Human Cognitive Neuropsychology at Edinburgh?

• The University of Edinburgh is firmly established as a world-leading centre of research.
• Our research environment is rated as 100% conducive to producing world-leading research, and 81.5% of our research is rated as outstanding in terms of its reach and significance (REF 2014).
• Students on the MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology have access to a wide range of research facilities, such as the Cognitive Neuroscience suite.
• The University attracts a high calibre of visiting speakers. These talks are an excellent way to explore new topics and to get to know other postgraduate students.

Programme structure and assessment

This programme comprises two semesters of taught compulsory and optional courses, followed by a dissertation

Compulsory courses

Compulsory courses are aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of research design and application. There are statistics courses which provide both a grounding in the principle and theory of statistics and in statistical programming software (R). In addition, there are courses which focus on a range of research skills, from the understanding and application of different methods and research tools to the writing of research proposals, and the dissemination of research.

Optional courses

You have the opportunity to take a wide range of further courses covering topics such as clinical neuropsychology, brain imaging, frontal lobe functions, language disorders, working memory, perceptual awareness and multisensory integration. In addition, you can also choose from a range of courses in associated disciplines of Individual Differences, Informatics and Psycholinguistics.

Dissertation

The dissertation is worth one-third of the total credits that are required to qualify for an MSc and involves conducting a research project under the supervision of a member of staff. You will then produce a written report, in which they describe their research and interpret their findings.

Sample structure

On average, full-time students will spend about six hours per week in lectures/seminars, about three hours in tutorials and about three hours in practical classes. The number of contact hours and teaching format will depend to some extent on the option courses chosen.

The remainder of your time will be spent on the independent study. After classes finish in April, you will spend all your time working independently on coursework and on your dissertation.

Assessment

This programme comprises two semesters of taught compulsory and optional courses, followed by a dissertation. Optional courses within the area of human cognitive neuroscience can be selected to tailor the programme to your interests. You may also choose your optional courses from a range in associated disciplines, such as individual differences, informatics and psycholinguistics, with permission from the programme director.

Most courses are taught by a combination of lectures, seminars/tutorials and practical sessions.

The content of seminars and tutorials varies but often consists of presentations and discussions based on readings. Practical sessions typically involve learning research skills and are supported by homework tasks and other exercises.

The courses include individual and group work

When you carry out your supervised dissertation research, you will receive guidance from your supervisor through one-to-one meetings, comments on written work and email communication.

The assessments vary and are designed to support different aspects of your learning but will include research reports and proposals, essays, oral and poster presentations, methodological exercises, statistical and qualitative analyses, and an 8,000-10,000 word dissertation.

Learning outcomes and careers

This programme provides you with a range of knowledge and skills to prepare you for a variety of career paths

On successful completion of this programme, you will have gained:

• specialist knowledge within the fields of human cognitive neuropsychology and integrated areas of study, in addition to training in psychological research methods
• an understanding of clinical neuropsychology (assessment and rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders), brain imaging, cognitive psychology, and cognitive neuropsychology and critical awareness of cognitive and neuropsychological research and its application to clinical practice
• a foundation for advanced research within human cognitive neuropsychology
• a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of research design and application
• competency in applying a range of methods and research tools
• 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