MSc Applied Neuropsychology (Online)
- MSc
Overview
This programme covers elements of human neuropsychology but has a strong focus on clinical neuropsychology. This degree is delivered in partnership with a regional department of the UK National Health Service (NHS). At the start of training, students can opt for studying either adult or paediatric clinical neuropsychology.
The taught content of the MSc is identical to the taught content we provide when training UK qualified professional Clinical Psychologists who wish to specialise in Clinical Neuropsychology. The programme therefore delivers a truly authentic reflection of clinical practice and clinical training in the UK. You will learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies and focus on principles of assessment, formulation, and rehabilitation. You will also develop your knowledge of neuroanatomy, brain function and techniques employed to study the human brain.
Around 80% of the course is delivered by clinicians practising in UK hospitals and we teach a range of clinical skills which will support those seeking a career working with patients or conducting clinical research. Weekly online tutorials (during term) with Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists allow you to interact with professionals and learn from their experience. The MSc focuses on evidence-based approaches and recognises biological, psychological, and social factors which impact upon brain injury, disease and the patient experience.
Dissertation component
The programme includes a clinical dissertation in which you will study material drawn from clinical cases developed by clinicians to support learning and include complexities you might expect to find in clinical practice. The cases consider diagnoses, formulation and rehabilitation. The dissertation includes career mentoring, further training in clinical assessment and consideration of cultural differences in the principles of assessment and treatment. There are options on the dissertation unit to undertake three distinct clinical cases, or one clinical case and one research project.
Career development
While this programme is not formally accredited by the BPS, if you complete the MSc and go on to study a UK BPS-accredited doctorate in clinical psychology or counselling psychology, your MSc may be retrospectively recognised as meeting one of the key professional requirements for entry to the UK BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (the highest possible qualification in clinical neuropsychology). If you wish to become a qualified clinical neuropsychologist in the UK, this could save around two years of study time and the cost of paying for a BPS-accredited Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology.
Programme structure
The programme consists of five taught units and a dissertation.
- Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment covers a range of common neuropsychological disorders and the principles of patient assessment and interpretation of neuropsychological tests (including change scores).
- Issues in Clinical Neuropsychology covers a range of issues frequently encountered in clinical neuropsychology. For example, pain and cognition, PTSD, performance validity testing and functional neurological disorders.
- Theoretical Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Methods covers theories of brain function (for example, emotion and cognition, language, and ageing). This unit also delivers a thorough grounding in neuroanatomy and neuroscience methods.
- Neurorehabilitation and Multidisciplinary Approaches within Clinical Psychology considers a range of rehabilitation techniques and places these in the context of the recovery journey. This unit also considers the interface between clinical neuropsychology and allied disciplines (such as neurosurgery, clinical imaging).
- Evidence Based Neuropsychology (EBN) and Case Study. The EBN component involves critical reviews of peer reviewed papers, and the Case Study component requires each student to review a clinical case in detail.
Mode of delivery
All taught content is broadcast live over the internet and recorded for future replay. Recordings support those whose first language is not English.
Please visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the online MSc in Applied Neuropsychology.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Psychology, or a closely related discipline such as Clinical Psychology or Neuroscience.
OR
For degrees in joint subjects, you will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent with at least 50% of your modules in psychology or related subjects across all years. You must also have achieved an overall mark of 60% or above or an international equivalent in your psychology modules.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
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.
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
- Home: full-time
- £15,400 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,700 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £30,900 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 and scholarships
For further information on potential sources of funding please check our online funding search tool. For UK students undertaking postgraduate programmes, there is a scholarship award available from the Grundy Educational Trust.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Knowledge and Skills
This degree delivers core skills and knowledge related to the theory and practice of clinical neuropsychology. For example, understanding processes associated with patient referrals and the patient pathway. An understanding of the principles of patient assessment, and an understanding of rehabilitation methods. It will support those with aspirations for further clinical training, such as clinical neuropsychology, or a career in clinical research. Our programmes also deliver training that will enhance your opportunities to gain employment within clinical environments. Please note that for the neuropsychology training on this MSc to be recognised within the UK, you would also need to take a UK Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counselling Psychology that was professionally accredited by the British Psychological Society.
Why choose Bristol?
The taught content on this MSc is identical to the training we provide for qualified UK clinical psychologists. We are one the only universities in the UK to offer identical training for adult clinical neuropsychology and paediatric clinical neuropsychology.
Why study clinical neuropsychology?
All countries face healthcare challenges associated with brain injury and disease. Conditions such as stroke and dementia are common, and their prevalence is increasing as people live longer. The need for clinical neuropsychologists could not be greater. We want the training we provide to support the practice of clinical neuropsychology within the UK and across the world.
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