University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2016/17 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Psychological Science > Neuropsychology (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 2PSYC006T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Casimir Ludwig
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme offers an opportunity for students to develop in-depth knowledge and research skills in Neuropsychology. Undergraduate programmes in Psychology typically offer few opportunities to study brain mechanisms in depth; undergraduate programmes in the Neurosciences offer few opportunities to study psychological processes and behaviour. Neuropsychology is the interface between the two disciplines: it is the study of the link between brain, mind and behaviour. The emphasis of the course is on research skills and the Programme is an appropriate precursor to a PhD for those students who wish to pursue an academic career in this area. The Programme may also be suited to students with more clinical ambitions (e.g. students wishing to apply to the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology), who specifically need to strengthen their research skills.
Students will acquire detailed knowledge of neuroanatomy, localisation of function within the human brain, and theories of the neural basis of psychological processes (e.g. attention, memory and emotion). They will acquire detailed knowledge of and practical experience with major research techniques employed within neuropsychology such as EEG, MRI, and eye tracking among others. Students will be equipped with the analytical tools needed to understand data generated with these techniques, their meaning and limitations. Students will be taught about the role of neuropsychology in clinical settings, including neuropsychological assessment of patients with various forms of brain damage. Attainment of this knowledge will be assessed with course-related essays, practical assignments, oral presentations and formal written examinations concerning brain mechanisms underlying attention, memory and emotion. Finally, students will develop detailed knowledge of neuropsychology as practised in a clinical and medical setting. Attainment of this knowledge will be assessed via course-related essays, by formal written examination and on the basis of oral presentations.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Lectures that require prior reading and preparation. Practical work (individual or in small groups) such as programming, statistical analysis and literature search. Optional Lab visits provide the opportunity for hands-on practical experience with state of the art research techniques. School-wide seminar programme with internationally leading, external speakers. Writing unit-related essays, literature review, and a research dissertation. Optional STEM ambassador training and public communication activities. Career talks and tutoring. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Unit-related course work: essays, oral presentations, practical assignments (e.g. programming). Empirical research dissertation. Literature review. Seminar diary. Unit-related examinations. Preparation of essays and coursework will allow students to demonstrate critical evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship in the discipline, a capacity to critique theories and research methods, and where necessary propose new hypotheses: that is, demonstrate M Level ability as described in the QAA framework of higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2001). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Lectures that require prior reading and preparation. Practical work (individual or in small groups) such as programming, statistical analysis and literature search. Optional Lab visits provide the opportunity for hands-on practical experience with state of the art research techniques. School-wide seminar programme with internationally leading, external speakers. Writing unit-related essays, literature review, and a research dissertation. Optional STEM ambassador training and public communication activities. Career talks and tutoring. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Unit-related course work: essays, oral presentations, practical assignments (e.g. programming). Empirical research dissertation. Literature review. Seminar diary. Oral presentation followed by discussion. Unit-related examinations. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Lectures that require prior reading and preparation. Practical work (individual or in small groups) such as programming, statistical analysis and literature search. optional Lab visits provide the opportunity for hands-on practical experience with state of the art research techniques. School-wide seminar programme with internationally leading, external speakers. Writing unit-related essays, literature review, and a research dissertation. Optional STEM ambassador training and public communication activities (e.g. science “busking”). Career talks and tutoring. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Unit-related course work: essays, oral presentations, practical assignments (e.g. programming). Empirical research dissertation. Literature review. Seminar diary. Oral presentation followed by discussion. Unit-related examinations. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
At this stage, students must demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge concerning functional neuroanatomy and neuroscience research methods. They must also demonstrate competence in use of statistical methods. The early phase of the course will include a thorough review of the overall design of the course, of what is required of students, and what the expected levels of knowledge will be. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
In addition to Stage 1, students will need to demonstrate an understanding of more complex analytical techniques and will also have to demonstrate acceptable levels of knowledge and understanding of both applied (clinical) and theoretical neuropsychology. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
In addition to Stages 1 and 2, students will be required to design, and carry out novel research under the supervision of an active researcher. This requirement includes submission of a satisfactory dissertation that adheres to scientific style. It is anticipated that some of this work will be at a level that is suitable for publication in the scientific literature. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
The course involves collaboration with the Department of Neuropsychology at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. This hospital has a worldwide reputation for excellence in neuroscience. Links between the University and the Hospital are important on both intellectual and political grounds. Each benefits from the collaboration. It is likely that this clear link will make the proposed Programme both popular and credible for students who wish to pursue a career in Neuropsychology.
For further details please contact Professor Peter Rogers, Director of Postgraduate Studies, School of Experimental Psychology:
Tel. +44(0)1179288584, email: Peter.Rogers@bristol.ac.uk
A short description of all new proposed MSc Programmes can be found at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/expsych/courses/postgraduate/
contact the Postgraduate Administrator: Charlotte.Powell@bristol.ac.uk
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Psychological Statistics and Research Tools | PSYCM0041 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Generic Research Skills | PSYCM0038 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Neuropsychological Approaches in Clinics and Research | PSYCM0040 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Theory and Practice in Neuropsychological Research | PSYCM0039 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Neuropsychological Analysis Tools | PSYCM0044 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Dissertation | PSYCM1000 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select from: | ||||
Communicating Science | PSYCM0042 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Advanced Developmental Disorders of Communication | PSYCM0051 | 20 | Optional | TB-2C |
MSc in Neuropsychology | 180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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