Cognitive Neuropsychology - MSc

Course overview

The MSc in Cognitive Neuropsychology is a research-oriented degree that provides strong theoretical background, as well as advanced research skills, supporting students to further pursue a research career or a PhD in the fast-developing fields of Neuropsychology-Neuroscience. The programme focuses on the understanding of behavioural and cognitive deficits that follow brain damage in clinical populations, such as individuals with neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. different types of dementia and multiple sclerosis), epilepsy, tumor, stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc., as well as children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Besides an advanced coverage of core areas in Neuropsychology – Neuroscience, the programme includes modules focusing on themes in the frontiers of scientific research (e.g. Applied Neuroscience). Students also receive training in specialized neuropsychological assessment procedures and neurophysiological data processing. The programme offers its graduates the opportunity to get a postgraduate British University degree and acquire advanced research skills, in the context of a Dissertation project in Neuropsychology – Neuroscience that runs in parallel to the taught programme, under the supervision of specialized staff.

The programme is open to bachelors graduates from any related discipline.

Classes take place on weekdays during afternoon hours.

What will I learn?

Students learn about the relationship between the brain and human behaviour. Also, our students will learn how personalized intervention programmes are developed and implemented for patients with brain injury and neurological disorders.

This is an English taught Master’s programme on Cognitive Neuropsychology (with a dissertation) that gives its graduates the opportunity to get a postgraduate British University degree and acquire research experience on Cognitive Neuropsychology. This is a research-oriented degree that will provide strong research skills in Neuropsychology allowing students to further pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology.

Entry requirements

View the application and admission requirements of the programme.

How to apply

If you wish to apply for this programme you may view details of the application process.

• Fundamentals of Neuropsychology
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neuropsychological Disorders of Attention and Perception
• Neuropsychological Assessment and Rehabilitation
• Neuropsychology of Memory and Dementias
• Research Methods
• Applied Neuroscience
• Dissertation

Fundamentals of Neuropsychology
This module covers the main research areas and methods used in investigating brain structure and function. The module will provide with sound knowledge in brain structure and function both at the macro and micro level (cellular, molecular); and the relationship between brain structure and function and mental processes. The module will also introduce basic principles and mechanisms of brain recovery after head traumatic injury and stroke. Finally this module will also introduce methods in neuroscience, in particular imaging methods (EEG, fMRI etc), cases studies, and applied clinical neuroscience (e.g., neurofeedback, TMS, tDCS etc.).

Introduction to Research Methods
This module covers in detail the practice of research methods in neuropsychology, with particular attention to the opportunities and challenges that neuropsychologists face in applying the methods of science to the study of human behaviour. A great emphasis will also be given to the ethical issues in research methods. The first half of the course will provide an introduction to research methods, and more specifically the research process. The second half of course will be comprised of workshops where students can explore practical problems/issues in relation to research. This module is designed to cover both quantitative and qualitative methodologies equally. Students will be exposed to the issues and decision-making processes that a researcher must respond to effectively address research questions or ideas.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders
The module introduces students to the main issues surrounding the aetiology and symptomatology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Extensive reference will be made to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome disorder, motor disorders ( tic disorders and Tourette syndrome), traumatic brain injury (cerebral palsy), communication, speech and language disorders, genetic disorders (fragile-X syndrome), Down syndrome, Williams syndrome and Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Special attention will be paid to the changes that have been made in DSM-V criteria and the impact that it has on the diagnosis and prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Differential diagnoses and comorbidity issues will also be discussed. Finally, individualized intervention methods will be explored in various neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neuropsychological Disorders of Attention and Perception
This module aims presenting in depth theory, assessment and rehabilitation of attentional and perceptual disorders that follow brain lesions due to traumatic head injury, stroke, coma and substance abuse. To do so, the module will discuss the latest advancement in our knowledge of the brain and cognitive mechanisms underlying the perception of object, faces and space, and visual attentional phenomena. This module will bring together the latest findings in behavioural, imaging, and genetic research with the techniques employed, and the evidence acquired, in clinical practice. The module will also discuss issues related with the development, normalization and validation of specific tools to assess perceptual and attentional function in brain-damaged patients. It will also give the opportunity to gain some practical knowledge of neuropsychological assessment. Finally, the module will introduce novel, non-pharmachological, methods of enhancing cognitive function such as non invasive brain stimulation with TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), tDCS (transcranial Direct Current Stimulation), and the CT (Cognitive Training) approach.

Neuropsychological Assessment and Rehabilitation
The module equips students with knowledge on standardized neuropsychological assessment procedures and the ability to conduct complete neuropsychological assessments for patients, including chart review, clinical interview, test administration and scoring, interpretation and report writing, and patient and family feedback. Reference will be made to biological measures (e.g., MRIs, EEGs) that should be taken into consideration for a thorough assessment, while particular emphasis will be placed on ethics. Issues in assessing people from other cultural and linguistic backgrounds will also be discussed. On a broader level, students will be taught to be critical consumers of the neuropsychological literature. Students will also obtain significant research-lead knowledge on treatment and rehabilitation techniques (such as brain stimulation) that integrate the results of the neuropsychological assessments.

Neuropsychology of Memory and Dementias
The present module aims at combining cognitive, neuropsychological, and neurobiological approaches in order to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge in the domain of neuropsychology of memory dysfunction and its assessment. Specifically, students will be presented with knowledge on the relationship between brain function and structure and specific memory impairments, dysfunctions, and disorders, in relation to brain injury, illness, and aging. Emphasis will be placed on the discussion of amnesia and dementia types, the underlying neuropathology and the relevant treatments. Students will conduct neuropsychological evaluations in class, and learn cognitive strategies and diagnostic checklists that help lead to better clinical decision-making. The latter, aim at training transferable skills required for those who wish to pursue a research-oriented career within cognitive neuropsychology or a clinically oriented career in neuropsychology. Ethical challenges in neuropsychology with also be considered during the lectures.

Research Methods
This module entails the practice of research methods in Neuropsychology, with particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The course is organised along two dimensions; qualitative and quantitative. Five sessions will be dedicated to quantitative methods and analyses and five to qualitative methods and analyses. The course will be based on workshops by using specific examples and/or data collected by the students. A member of the academic staff will assist each workshop that is related to their research experience and expertise. The aim is for students to be able to make appropriate methodological decisions and carry out independent research and data analysis.

Applied Neuroscience
The module provides students with a comprehensive and integrated exploration of the techniques needed to apply their neuroscientific knowledge to real world settings. More specifically this module is going to teach the fundamentals of the current neuroimaging techniques (MRI, MEG, EEG, NIRS) giving a special focus on electroencephalography (EEG) where the students will gain so theoretical knowledge, as hands-on experience. This will be achieved through a combination of lectures and tutorials, while NEUREC, will gives us the potential to provide opportunities for students to develop specific interests in various neuroscientific fields.

Dissertation
Students will have to submit a dissertation indicating the ability to perform independent research in the area of Cognitive Neuropsychology. Supervision will be provided by a member of staff of the Department of Psychology.

The Psychology Department of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus has excellent reputation due to the high quality of teaching and research. Our academic staff is strongly committed to excellence in research and in teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Teaching is informed by the latest scientific research and cultivates development of critical thinking, self-development, and academic and professional ethos. Most of the academic staff hold a PhD degree, have intensive research activity and significant professional experience.
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Extensively experienced and highly qualified, all staff members are committed to delivering our programmes in line with the UK standards of quality and at the same time they facilitate and sustain a critical engagement, with an insight and a broader perspective incorporated in all learning, teaching and assessment methods.

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