Faculty of Science
WHY STUDY WITH US? This course presents an unrivalled opportunity to join Bristol’s exceptional community of neuropsychologists. As well as this Masters, we are currently the only university within England that delivers professionally accredited postdoctoral training in adult neuropsychology to qualified clinical psychologists. The MSc includes taught content provided by clinicians working within hospitals in the North Bristol Trust with its worldwide reputation for a pioneering approach to neurosurgery, neurology and neuroscience. An academic partnership between the University’s School of Experimental Psychology and the hospital’s Department of Neuropsychology supports this collaboration. As a Masters student, you will be able to specialise in theoretical and practical aspects of human neuropsychology, allowing you to develop an integrated understanding of brain function, clinical neuropsychology and neuropsychological techniques. We attract academics and students from across the world and pride ourselves on creating a friendly, intellectually stimulating environment where postgraduates are encouraged to become actively engaged in school life.
WHAT DO OUR GRADUATES SAY? “My time at Bristol was truly one of my greatest academic experiences. I made many fantastic acquaintances that have enriched my personal and academic life to this day. It was this experience and education that inspired me and provided me with the skills to develop a career in the cognitive neurosciences. I went on to complete a PhD at another UK institution and am now working in California, developing cutting-edge neuro-imaging techniques to track disease progression in dementia and evaluate the efficacy of forthcoming pharmaceutical interventions.” Dr Richard Binney, MSc Neuropsychology, 2007 Post-doctoral fellow, University of California, San Francisco “Studying for the MSc in Neuropsychology helped me gain the knowledge and experience I needed to stand out from the crowd. I was able to develop professional connections with clinical neuropsychologists in the NHS. I successfully applied for an assistant psychologist position immediately after my MSc. I was later successful in gaining a place at the University of Exeter on a doctorate course - I believe the academic and research skills I gained at Bristol, coupled with my clinical experience, greatly contributed to the strength of my application.” Steve Mahan, MSc Neuropsychology, 2011
WHAT WILL I STUDY? Awards available:
MSc
Duration of programme: One year full time, two years part time Taught components cover neuro-scientific techniques and an introduction to the principles of clinical neuropsychological assessment, presented in conjunction with a review of neuropsychological disorders. We cover a range of theoretical issues in neuropsychology, including theories of vision, attention, development, emotion, sleep, language, memory, decision-making and consciousness. Training in clinical psychology is delivered by accredited professional clinical psychologists, and people who have been offered places on clinical psychology training programs describe their experiences in seminars. Elements of the course support self-directed study, especially in areas that fit with student career aspirations. Students submit a theoretical dissertation on any area of neuropsychology that interests them, on which we provide critical feedback. Advanced training in research methods, including an MRI Spring School, enables students to develop a critical perspective of brain imaging techniques. Besides oral presentations, lectures and seminars led by specialists, this allows students to see an MRI scanner at work and to experience data handling first-hand. The final term of study is dedicated to a substantial research project, selected from a range of areas that can include collaborations with neuropsychologists working in the hospitals. Alternatively, we offer projects that allow you to explore neuropsychological issues in non-clinical populations. For more information visit: www.bris.ac.uk/expsych/pg-courses/mscneuro.html
WHERE WILL IT LEAD? Over the last decade, virtually all areas of psychology have seen a dramatic increase in interest in the role of the human brain. We will help you keep up with this shift in emphasis while providing key skills to improve competence and competitiveness in a range of career options including PhD study, clinical training and academic research. The MSc also enhances competitiveness for those seeking research assistant posts or assistant psychology positions in the UK’s National Health Service, as we deliver lectures on principles of neuropsychological assessment, neurological conditions, principles of clinical psychology, theories of brain function and the brain mechanisms of cognitive functions. We also provide training in the theory and application of qualitative and quantitative statistics ranging from traditional methods to the latest advances in modelling, and use of software to create and run experiments.
BRISTOL HIGHLIGHTS The School of Experimental Psychology has a long and distinguished history. Examples of research projects explored by our Masters students include studies into: - cognition in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases - human brain oscillations and consciousness - olfaction - disruption of maturation and development in children with epilepsy - neurocognitive changes after traumatic brain injury - neural mechanisms underlying multisensory interactions - decision making - mood and emotion in cognition - addiction - modelling of hemianopia Bristol’s Faculty of Science is one of the leading centres for scientific research and education in the UK, with an outstanding international reputation. With more than 700 postgraduate students from across the world, ours is an intellectually stimulating environment in which to expand your knowledge while gaining access to many of the University’s research centres and excellent facilities, including high-quality computing and information and library services which are vital for robust scientific enquiry. Our research attracts continual investment from the UK’s major research councils, as well as industry and charity.
Faculty of Science
CONTACTS School information: Students wishing to apply should contact: Postgraduate Administrator School of Experimental Psychology 12a Priory Road Bristol BS8 1TU Email:
[email protected] Website: www.bristol.ac.uk/expsych/ Admissions: Postgraduate Admissions Office Tel: +44 (0)117 954 6640 Email:
[email protected] Details of how to apply are available at www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate Funding: Student Funding Office Tel: +44 (0)117 331 7972 Information about funding options for international students is available at www.bristol.ac.uk/international/scholarships Further information about funding for UK students is available at www.bristol.ac.uk/studentfunding International advice & support: International Office Tel: +44 (0) 117 954 5849 www.bristol.ac.uk/international/contact/ Bristol has an enviable heritage rich in the arts, culture, sport, festivals, eco-friendly credentials, tourist sites and shopping venues. Discover more about the city of Bristol at www.bristol.ac.uk/citybristol/ If you need part or all of this publication in an alternative format please contact the Public Relations Office on +44 (0)117 928 8895.
Front cover image: Magnetic Resonance The information contained in this leaflet is correct at the time of printing. Programmes and facilities may be altered or withdrawn at the University’s discretion.
