MSc in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology

Overview

This MSc programme, based within Psychology department at the University of Edinburgh, provides intensive training within the specialism of Human Cognitive Neuropsychology and is led by Dr Sharon Abrahams. The programme is closely integrated with the Human Cognitive Neuroscience research unit, a group of internationally recognized cognitive psychologists and neuropsychologists led by Professors Sergio Della Sala and Robert Logie.

This postgraduate programme is a one year full-time (or two year part-time) course of study leading to an MSc qualification. The programme includes intensive teaching in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology and also allows the student to gain expertise in research within the field. Teaching follows an integrated approach with courses on neuropsychology, cognitive psychology, clinical neuropsychology and brain imaging. The programme also provides training in generic research methods within psychology.

The programme is intended for graduate psychologists or those who have studied or worked in related disciplines who wish to pursue a research-oriented career within cognitive neuropsychology (providing the foundations for later application to a doctoral training programme) or a clinically-oriented career in neuropsychology.

Programme aims

The programme lays emphasis on the following outcomes:

To provide specialist knowledge within the fields of human cognitive neuropsychology and associated fields of study.
To integrate relevant knowledge in the fields of clinical neuropsychology (assessment and rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorder), brain imaging, cognitive psychology, and cognitive neuropsychology.
To evaluate cognitive and neuropsychological research and its application to clinical practice.
To establish a foundation for advanced research within human cognitive neuropsychology.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of research design and application.
To enhance competency in understanding and applying a range of methods and research tools, skills in research management including managing data and conducting, disseminating research in ways consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics.

Programme structure (curriculum)

Teaching in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology will be provided by the following lecturers:

During the MSc, students take a total of courses worth 120 credits. This includes a combination of courses in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology (60 credits) and Research Methods (60 credits). In addition to compulsory courses students are given the opportunity to specialise within a field with a number of optional courses. Students will also complete a research dissertation within the field of Human Cognitive Neuropsychology under the supervision of a member of the HCN team, worth 60 credits.

Teaching in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology (a total of 60 credits) includes core courses in Clinical Neuropsychology and Brain Imaging in Neuropsychology. Students will then be allowed to select a series of specialist optional courses including Human Cognitive Neuroscience, Working Memory in the Healthy and Damaged Brain, Visual Memory, Visual Attention, The Neuropsychology of Perception and Action, Frontal Lobe Functions, Disorders of Language Functions. One option can be taken from a range of courses in associated disciplines of Individual Differences, Informatics and Psycholinguistics.

Teaching in Research Methods (60 credits) consists of core courses in Psychological Research Concepts and Research Design, Methods of Data Collection, Psychology Methodology 1, Advanced Statistical Methods for Psychology, Current Topics in Psychological Research, and Professional and Generic Research Skills.

Course handbook

Entry requirements

The MSc is designed to be accessible to students who have a degree in psychology or a related discipline. Interested candidates with other backgrounds are encouraged to contact the programme director Dr Sharon Abrahams in the first instance.

How to apply

Application forms and details of the application procedure are available online from the Postgraduate Office of the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences.

Advice on funding is available from the Psychology PG funding webpage and the University's Scholarships and Financial Aid Office.

Further information

For more information about the MSc in Human Cognitive Neuropsychology, please contact the Programme Secretary, Toni Noble. On academic matters, please feel free to contact the Programme Director, Dr Sharon Abrahams .