Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience

MSc

Intermediate award(s): PG Cert, PG Dip
Full-Time

Samuel Brady

MSc Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience (Graduated 2012)
Samuel Brady

“I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to use the available neuroimaging equipment including the EEG cap and the eye tracker, which taught us the theory behind each piece of equipment, as well as how best to use it. The lecturers were very friendly and supportive and there was a wide array of specialities, so it was easy to find a supervisor who was also interested in the research area I was interested in. Because of this, I could focus on what interested me the most rather than having to fit and shape my project around my supervisor's interests.

Through my time at Anglia Ruskin, I have found that research is incredibly interesting, and potentially the most crucial area within psychology. From my experiences here, I have found a clear direction to take and know exactly how I want to further my growth and learning.”

Course overview

Studying MSc Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience at the UK's top-rated psychology department in a new university for quality of research is an excellent grounding to pursue PhD studentships and research careers in cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology and other clinical training programmes.

You will develop skills by attending lectures, seminars and practical workshops where you'll learn how to interpret and analyse structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI and fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and eye-tracking data, and gain a grounding in neuropsychological assessment for clinical and research purposes.

In addition to issues specific to the cognitive and clinical neurosciences, you will learn about brain neuroanatomy and connectivity and how multiple converging approaches can strengthen the research process.

On successful completion of this course you'll be able to:

  • understand the principles of research design and strategy within the fields of cognitive and clinical neuroscience
  • understand how to formulate researchable problems and develop an appreciation of alternative approaches to research
  • understand a range of research methods and tools, including structural and functional neuroimaging (MRI and fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and neuropsychological assessment
  • understand current theoretical issues in clinical and cognitive neuroscience and the ways in which different methods are employed to address them
  • manage research, including the process of research and its dissemination in a way that is consistent with both professional practice and the normal principles of research ethics

You'll be studying at our Cambridge campus, a world-renowned city for academic excellence and an invaluable location for psychological contacts. Staff at Anglia Ruskin have long term productive links with the University of Cambridge and other associated units, which have led to internships, jobs, research assistantships, collaborations and further postgraduate studies at internationally recognised institutions.

With its high employability rate for graduates and high student satisfaction rates, this flagship postgraduate pathway is an excellent choice for ambitious and successful students wishing to gain entry to the highly competitive cognitive and clinical fields.
Core modules
  • Imaging and Diagnostics in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)

    In this module, you will learn about the strengths and limitations of the various techniques currently available to investigate the relationship between mind and brain (functional and structural neuroimaging (MRI and PET), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and neuropsychological approaches. The methodological foundations of cognitive neuroscience will be covered, including brain neuroanatomy, neuropsychological assessment, and functional neuroimaging.

  • Current Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience (30 credits)

    This module will cover the theoretical foundations of the cognitive neuroscience approach and will address many of the leading topics in the field. These include memory and learning, face and visual object processing, language, central executive function and intelligence. The module will cover past and present research, although the emphasis will be on currently unresolved theoretical debates.

  • Issues in Psychological Research (30 credits)

    This module will introduce many of the historical, contextual and epistemological issues that affect the science of psychology. You will learn about research directed by political and social desires through research funding. Additionally, this module will equip you with the necessary skills to succeed in research and will directly help with your dissertation.

  • Quantitative Research Methods (30 credits)

    In this module, you will develop a critical understanding of the principles of data collection and analysis for psychology and will consider the theoretical basis of various advanced quantitative methods. Example data sets will be analysed using, for example, ANOVA, MANOVA, ANCOVA, multiple linear regression, effect size and factor analysis. The statistical methods chosen have been directed by the Economic and Social Research Council's Postgraduate Training Guidelines (fourth and fifth editions).

  • Dissertation (60 credits)

    You will chose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within our department (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area that may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up.

On successful completion of this course you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
  • current methodological approaches within the field of cognitive neuroscience
  • current theoretical issues in cognitive neuroscience
  • the context (at the national and international levels) in which research takes place
  • issues relating to the rights of other researchers, research subjects, and of others who might be affected by the research (e.g., ethical and legal issues, confidentiality, copyright, malpractice)
  • good research practice in psychology and the brain sciences
  • the relevant health and safety issues and responsible working practices
  • the processes for funding and evaluation of research
  • the process of academic and commercial exploitation of research results
  • the scientific basis of the discipline of cognitive neuroscience: its philosophical, historical, and epistemological context
  • the relationship between hypotheses, research design, data collection, interpretation, and theory
  • a range of quantitative research methods and general statistical techniques.

Assessment

A broad range of assessment methods will be used to measure every aspect of your understanding and skilled application of the relevant techniques. These will include essays, portfolios, exams, computer based processing of brain imaging data, statistical data analysis and a final dissertation module worth one-third of the total course assessment.

Facilities

You will have access to several dedicated sound attenuated research laboratories, equipped with networked computers. Additional specialist laboratories include: an observation laboratory, including a two-way mirror; an electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory; an eyetracking laboratory; a psycholinguistics laboratory; a psychometrics laboratory and a psychoneuroimmunology laboratory.

Student achievements

To see examples of our Masters students' dissertation work presented at our Annual Conference, click here.

Associated careers

Graduates in cognitive and clinical neuroscience typically pursue further postgraduate study, such as a research degree, or employment in a university, hospital or research unit which requires knowledge within the fields of cognitive psychology and/or the brain sciences.
Entry Requirements: Postgraduate Courses: EITHER 2.2 in BA or BSc Psychology with Graduate Basis for Recognition (GBR) for the British Psychology Society (BPS)OR 2.1 or above in non-accredited BA or BSc Psychology (or closely related discipline, e.g., Health Psychology, Joint honours Psychology, or Neuropsychology)
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

How to apply

Location

Duration

12 months (September start), or 15 months (January start)

Available starts

September, January

Student finance

Open Day

Saturday 13 July
Postgraduate Open Day

Faculty

Science & Technology

Department

Psychology

Contact us

UK and EU applicants:International applicants:
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