Clinical Neuropsychology – (M.Sc.)

Course Content

The core modules on this course cover the Core Curriculum specified by the Committee for Training in Clinical Neuropsychology.
During Year One, you will study the following core modules:

* Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology
* Memory and Executive Function
* Clinical Assessment

In Year Two, you will study the following core modules listed below,

* Attention, Perception and Language
* Topics in Clinical Neuropsychology
* Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Please note that all module details are subject to change.
In the final year of the course, you will undertake a research project. This is your opportunity to complete a major piece of independent research under the supervision of a suitably experienced member of academic staff.

Course Structure
The MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology is delivered on a part-time basis over three years.
The course comprises 180 credits, split across 120 credits´ worth of core taught modules and a 60 credit research project.
As this course is taught on a part-time basis, attendance is timetabled on one day a week to enable you to fit your studies around your other commitments. Part-time students can access a wide range of teaching and learning facilities remotely via the student portal.
We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, which mirrors the taught component of the MSc but does not have a research project/dissertation requirement. Modules
Topics in Clinical NeuropsychologyThis module is designed to ensure the syllabus requirements of the BPS Division of Neuropsychology are met. It will include a series of seminars in specialised topic areas: epilepsy, degenerative conditions, metabolic disorders and profound brain injury.Research ProjectDevelopment of a project protocol; sample size estimation; preparation of submission for ethical approval, data collection, data analysis and preparation of a written report.Clinical AssessmentThis module is designed to introduce students to the principles of assessing for cognitive deficits in neurological patients. The course will include methods of identifying neurological conditions from clinical assessment and imaging techniques. It will also include an overview of psychometrics and the criteria for evaluating assessment methods. Topics include:
Neurological Examination
Principles of Cognitive Assessment
Factors affecting the interpretation of cognitive tests
Cultural issues in clinical assessment
Report Writing
Legal reports
and MalingeringAttention, Perception and LanguageAn overview of current theoretical models of attention, perception and language will be provided. The assessment and treatment of agnosias, visuospatial disorders and neglect will be considered. Acquired adult communication disorders (aphasias, dyslexias, agraphias and acalculia) will be considered together with their functional implications and pattern of recovery. Methods of assessment will be considered and the techniques of aphasia therapy will be discussed together with evidence of effectiveness.Foundations of Clinical NeuropsychologyThis module provides a grounding in neuroscience and the methods of neuropsychology for clinical neuropsychologists. It includes neuroanatomy, elementary neuropsyiology and neurochemistry. Topics in clinical neuroscience include neuroimaging and neuropharmacology. The history of neuropsychology and the methods of cognitive neuroscience are reviewed. In addition students will be introduced to issues in the ethics, research design and practical considerations in relation to research in clinical neuropsychology settings. Neuropsychological RehabilitationThis module considers the processes underlying functional recovery or decline in neurological disease. Evidence from neuroimaging, experimental and observational studies. Adaptation and compensatory strategies in sensorimotor and cognitive impairment. Implications for rehabilitation therapies and clinical assessment. Topics include intervention strategies for impairment of cognitive skills. In addition techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical intervention will be discussed.Memory and ExecutiveAn overview of current theoretical models of both memory and executive function will be provided. In addition there will be consideration of disorders of planning, executive function, memory and learning. Methods of assessment and rehabilitation will be reviewed.