Overview

Neuropsychology is the science linking the functioning of the brain with cognitive and emotional experience and behaviour. Neuropsychology represents the interface between the biological, psychological and social facets of human behaviour.

This course is delivered in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust. As a course team we are passionate about neuropsychology and its application to society to improve the well-being and quality of life of those affected by damage, disease or dysfunction affecting the brain.

The taught content of the MSc is identical to the taught content we provide when training qualified clinical psychologists to specialise in clinical neuropsychology. The programme therefore covers core content dictated by the British Psychological Society and delivers an authentic reflection of clinical practice.

While this programme is not formally accredited by the BPS, if you complete the MSc and go on to study a BPS-accredited doctorate in clinical psychology or counselling psychology, your MSc could be retrospectively recognised as meeting one of the key professional requirements for entry to the BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Should you wish to become a qualified clinical neuropsychologist, this could save around two years study time and cost of paying for a BPS-accredited Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology.

On the MSc you will learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies, as well as focusing on principles of assessment, formulation and rehabilitation.

Around 80% of our taught content is delivered by practising clinicians, and you will receive weekly structured tutorials (during term) with clinicians that allow you to explore different aspects of clinical practice and gain insight into patient pathways and evidence-based formulation. This programme is suitable for those looking to pursue a research career, professional positions (such as an Assistant Psychologist) or further clinical training (for example a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology).

You will have the opportunity to undertake independent research through your dissertation and there is opportunity to conduct your research project with clinicians working in the NHS.

Please see our website for more information.

Programme structure

The programme consists of six taught units and an empirical dissertation.

Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment (30 credits) covers a range of common neuropsychological disorders and considers the principles of patient assessment and interpretation of neuropsychological tests (including change scores).

Functional Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Clinical 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 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 Case Study (10 credits) requires each student to review a clinical case in detail. This case study part prepares students for the 60-credit Clinical Dissertation described earlier.

Please visit our programme catalogue for more information about the MSc Applied Neuropsychology.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in psychology or a closely related discipline (for example, neuroscience or clinical psychology). For joint degrees, there must be a minimum of 50% psychology content and overall psychology performance in joint degree must meet 2:1 requirement.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

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 statement

If 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
£14,000 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£7,000 per year
Overseas: full-time
£27,900 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.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This degree delivers core skills and knowledge related to the theory and practice of clinical neuropsychology. It will support those who aspire to further clinical training, such as clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology, or a career in clinical research. Our programmes also deliver training that will enhance your opportunities to gain employment within clinical environments. They can also assist anyone aiming for a research assistant post with a clinical focus.

Graduates of our Applied courses who later become Practitioner Psychologists and are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) can enrol on our supplementary certificate course in clinical practice and have their prior Diploma course with us count toward recognition as a professional neuropsychologist. This opportunity requires HCPC registration as a clinical or counselling psychologist.

This programme provides continuing professional development to students already working in a clinical setting who are seeking specialist training to work with patients who have neuropsychological deficits.