Research Methods in Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc

About the course

Cognitive neuropsychology is the study of how cognitive functions and processes relate to brain structure and function. It places an emphasis on studying the cognitive consequences of brain injury or neurological illness with the aim of developing models of normal cognitive functioning.

This Master's degree provides a distinctively practical and research oriented training in cognitive neuropsychology. You will have the opportunity to work with cognitive neuroscientists who are active in research. You will learn to administer and interpret standardised neuropsychological tests including modern computerised test batteries, as well as developing knowledge and experience of working with single case studies. You will also learn about and evaluate cutting-edge methods such as functional brain imaging, animal research and connectionist modelling.

The course helps you develop the research skills necessary to design a novel study and generate neuropsychological evidence based on data analysis, and to critically appraise published neuropsychological evidence. You will also develop the communicative and writing skills to present and disseminate research findings effectively.

The programme comprises eight taught modules plus a cognitive neuropsychology research dissertation (four modules). It has a set of mandatory elements, but is flexible enough to allow individual tailoring to particular interests or career aspirations.

Why choose this course?

• Training in neuropsychological test administration and interpretation
• Neuropsychological Research project
• Neuropsychological apprenticeship with neuropsychological researcher

View course leaflet for Research Methods in Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Part Time, 2 Years
• Full Time, 1 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

It is especially suitable for those aiming to become researchers in cognitive neuropsychology, study for a PhD, or study clinical or educational psychology.

Teaching methods

Teaching includes small group lectures, practical's, workshops and individual supervision. Assessment is based on coursework, examination, oral presentations, a literature review and the research dissertation.

Work Placement

The course involves an apprenticeship placement working with a researching neuropsychologist. This apprenticeship might involve working with a neuropsychologist/neuroscientist member of the University staff as well as a small number of placements working with psychiatrists/neurologists/psychologists in the NHS

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Cognitive Neuropsychology - 1

  Cognitive Neuropsychology I covers the history, background and current clinical and research aspects of human neuropsychology. Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behaviour relationships. One central aspect of this is the study of people with brain damage (children as well as adults). Brain scanning of healthy individuals (performing cognitive tasks while in the scanner) also provides valuable new evidence. Topics covered will include the history, brain damage, cognitive theory and clinical assessment of: 1) aphasia (language disorders) 2) apraxia (movement disorders) 3) agnosia (perceptual disorders) 4) amnesia (memory disorders)

• Cognitive Neuropsychology - 2

  Cognitive Neuropsychology 2 develops students' knowledge of brain mechanisms of cognition relevant to cognitive neuropsychology, focusing on published accounts of experimental studies. Students are guided to read selected publications illustrating a range of experimental methods used to investigate a particular cognitive brain system, for example functional neuroimaging, the effects of brain damage in humans, electrophysiological recordings and the effects of brain lesions and pharmacological manipulations in animals. The material discussed provides students with a broad cognitive neuroscience base that informs and extends beyond traditional human cognitive neuropsychology.

• Core Research Skills - Psychology

  Core Research Skills is a course where students will receive advanced training in essential research skills involving general and specific IT-skills, bibliographic skills, literature searching skills as well as scientific writing, presentation and communication skills. Aims and procedures of systematically reviewing published research will be discussed in detail a well as possible limiting factors when reaching conclusions. Students will also learn how to generate programs for running computerised experiments and how to apply for grants and write a grant proposal. Finally, ethical standards in research will be discussed, in particular criteria enabling to judge whether a research proposal could be ethically approved.

• Current Topics in Cognitive Neuropsychology

  Current Topics in Cogntive Neuropsychology may cover topics such as cognitive neuropsychiatry, neurogenetics, single case statistics and the role of animal research in human cognitive neuropsychology. The topics will vary from year to year, in response to the developments in the field. Students will be actively involved in debating and presenting various sides of the different issues explored.

• Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology

  This module provides an overview about quantitative research methodology and provides training in a range of primary research skills. The principal aims of non-experimental and experimental investigations in psychology will be discussed and also how to phrase specific research questions, select an appropriate study design and obtain reliable measurements. Particular emphasis is given to teaching and training in statistical data analysis for various types of variables and to the interpretation and presentation of statistical results in terms of confidence intervals and effects sizes. Lectures are mixed with practicals involving data analysis in SPSS enabling students to gain 'hands-on' experience and train their data analysis skills.

• Research Project in Neuropsychology

  Students carry out a scientific investigation under supervision in an area of their interest in psychology. Skills in planning, implementing, writing, discussing and presenting research will be developed to the level appropriate for an independent investigator.

Optional

• Research Apprenticeship in Neuropsychology

  The apprenticeship enables students to gain working experience in an academic research setting and provides opportunities to develop team working and professional skills.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £5,250 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,500 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply