MSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology - Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Degree

Program Overview

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This MSc program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology delves into the neural mechanisms underlying human behavior and the impact of brain injury on cognitive function. It combines the study of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, providing a comprehensive understanding of the brain's role in cognition and the effects of brain damage. The program offers advanced training in statistics and neuropsychological research methods, preparing graduates for careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice. It is highly regarded for its research-led teaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and international reputation.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology provides a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying human behavior and the impact of brain injury on cognitive function. It delves into the scientific investigation of these areas, offering a strong foundation in both cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology.

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Objectives:

• To provide a thorough grounding in the scientific investigation of the neural mechanisms underlying human behavior.
• To teach the theoretical and biological foundations of cognitive science.
• To offer advanced training in statistics and neuropsychological research methods.

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Program Description:

The program combines the study of cognitive neuroscience, which focuses on the neural substrates of mental processes, and cognitive neuropsychology, which utilizes data from individuals with brain injuries to refine cognitive processing models.

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Key Topics Covered:

• The physiological bases and practical applications of cognitive neuroscience techniques
• How brain activity translates into cognitive processes
• The theoretical and biological foundations of cognitive science
• How brain damages impact on cognitive functions
• Cognitive neuroscience of language
• Cognitive neuropsychology of reading and face processing

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Program Highlights:

• Research-led teaching, continually evolving to address the latest advancements in the field.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including neurophysiological and neurostimulation facilities, virtual reality suites, babylab, observation suites, and eye-tracking labs.
• Strong research training, with a focus on practical applications.
• Small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and interaction.
• Popular with international students, particularly from North America.
• High-quality Masters degree completed within one year.

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Outline:

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Year 1

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Component 01: CORE

• Research Project (MSc) (60 CREDITS): This module involves completing a research dissertation with a maximum of 10,000 words, written up as a report.
Students have flexibility in choosing research topics and conduct original psychological research studies under the supervision of a staff member. The report should resemble a psychology study published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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Component 02: COMPULSORY

• Neurocognition of Human Interaction (15 CREDITS): This module provides an in-depth introduction to major topics in the neurocognition of language.

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Component 04: COMPULSORY

• Numerical Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience (15 CREDITS): This module provides training in critically evaluating analyses presented in published research, applying numerical techniques to neuropsychological and psychophysiological data, and interpreting the output of popular analysis software.

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Component 05: COMPULSORY

• Theory and Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuropsychology (30 CREDITS): This module covers the main research areas and methods used in investigating brain function.
It provides a solid background in brain structure and function at both the cellular and systems levels. It explores how mental processes are implemented within the brain and body, including perception, attention, movement, emotion, higher cognitive functions, and sexual orientation. The module also familiarizes students with present-day methods used in cognitive neuroscience and provides practical experience with methodologies such as EEG, ERPs, TMS, tDCS, eye-tracking, pupilometry, NIRS, and other psychophysiological measures.
• Option(s) from list (45 CREDITS): Students can choose from a list of optional modules to further specialize their studies.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Modules are taught through a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, seminars, independent reading, and research projects.
The department also hosts an active program of research seminars.
• Faculty: The Department of Psychology at Essex boasts award-winning teachers and prize-winning researchers who are international experts in their respective fields.
• Unique Approaches: The department's research mission is organized around three themes: Thinking about the World, Interacting with the World, and Experiencing the World.
This approach dismantles conventional disciplinary boundaries and synthesizes knowledge across core psychology disciplines and beyond.

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Assessment:

• Full-year modules: Assessed through a three-hour examination.
• Half-year modules: Assessed through a combination of a two-hour examination and coursework (e.g., essays, oral presentations).
• Dissertation: A research study in cognitive neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, or neuroscience of language carried out under the supervision of a staff member (maximum of 10,000 words, written up as a research report).

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Research assistant
• Clinical psychologist
• Child psychologist
• Lecturer
• Educational psychologist
• Criminal and forensic psychologist
• Research and teaching in higher education
• Opportunities: The program provides excellent links with the research community, offering opportunities for those interested in careers in research and teaching.
• Outcomes: Graduates are in demand from a wide range of employers.
The program is recognized by the ESRC as providing excellent postgraduate training and is an accredited Doctoral Training Centre, offering competitive studentships. PhD students have taken up post-doctoral positions in top UK and international universities.

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Other:

• The University of Essex is 17th in the UK for research power in psychology (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).
• The Department of Psychology at Essex supports world-leading, interdisciplinary research that promotes a better understanding of our place in the world.
• The department has specialist facilities, including:
• Several systems to record and alter brain activity (e.g., near infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalography, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternate current stimulation, and transcranial random noise stimulation)
• Neuronavigation systems
• Dedicated laboratories (e.g., virtual reality suite, observation suite)
• Babylab for studying the development of perceptual and cognitive abilities in infants

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Home/UK fee £10,000 International fee £21,700