PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma) Theoretical and Practical Clinical Neuropsychology
- PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma)
Overview
Professional programmes in Clinical Neuropsychology have been offered at the University of Bristol since 2010. The programmes are delivered in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust, which includes a large regional neurosciences and major trauma centre. Our clinical programmes aim to engage and inspire clinicians to enhance their skills in Clinical Neuropsychology and support entry on to the British Psychological Society's (BPS) Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN). This diploma is designed to support the adult knowledge and practice component of the competency requirements for advanced training in clinical neuropsychology.
This diploma is similar to our MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology and delivers both the knowledge component and practice component which support entry to the SRCN. However, it allows you to bring forward learning and case experience from your DClin in order to streamline and accelerate the postdoctoral training required to enter the SRCN. To be eligible to apply to this degree, you must be studying a DClin at a UK University which has a collaborative agreement with the University of Bristol. You can find a list of collaborating institutions on our website.
Around 80% of the taught content is delivered by practising clinicians. You will learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies as well as focusing on principles of assessment, formulation and rehabilitation.
In order to accrue relevant clinical experience, it is your responsibility to secure paid employment within a neuropsychology service during your enrolment on the certificate. It is also your responsibility to secure supervision for your work when enrolled on the course. However, we provide additional oversight and support towards developing your case portfolio and ensuring your clinical experience demonstrates the required competencies for entry to the SRCN. This support is provided by clinicians on the SRCN and offers opportunities for feedback on case reports, including a practice viva experience.
Those interested in applying to this programme may wish to discuss the process with their DClin team and also find out more about how to apply.
This programme is largely online and can be taken from home or work. Please see the Neuropsychology programme webpage for more information.
Programme structure
The programme consists of five taught units and a Clinical Practice Portfolio.
Functional Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology (30 credits) has two components. First, a consideration of a range of neuroscientific techniques and their utility in understanding brain function and dysfunction. The second component covers a range of issues frequently encountered in clinical neuropsychology. For example, pain and cognition, PTSD, performance validity testing and functional neurological disorders.
Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology (20 credits) covers theories of brain function (for example emotion and cognition, language, ageing) and also considers the interface between clinical neuropsychology and other allied disciplines (such as neurosurgery, clinical imaging).
Development and Rehabilitation (20 credits) considers a range of rehabilitation techniques and places these in the context of the recovery journey.
Evidence Based Neuropsychology (10 credits) involves critical reviews of peer reviewed papers, and the Case Study (10 credits) requires each student to review a clinical case in detail.
The Clinical Practice Portfolio meets the Practice Component requirements for entry to the SRCN. It includes six case reports. At least one case report (max of two) formally undertaken within the DClin can be used in the Practice Component submission (if sufficiently neuropsychological).
Please visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our Postgraduate Diploma in Theoretical and Practical Clinical Neuropsychology.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be registered as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Applicants must be studying or have studied on an approved degree from one of our collaborating institutions (for the list of collaborating DClin programmes please see the School of Psychological Sciences website).
In order to meet BPS accreditation requirements, applicants must pass an online entrance assessment set by the University of Bristol. The pass mark for the online assessment is 50%. Applicants must be able to provide evidence of a minimum of six months' practice experience plus at least one case report (maximum of two) formally undertaken within the prior training programme of our collaborating institution. Please note: the first stage of application is to submit an Expression of Interest form to the School at postgrad-psychology@bristol.ac.uk.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £13,400 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £6,700 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £21,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Funding for 2024/25
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This programme is for those who wish to gain and demonstrate the UK's highest level of competence in professional clinical neuropsychology. It is designed to provide both the knowledge and practice competencies required for entry on to the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN).
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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