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 units focusing on themes in the frontiers of scientific research (e.g. the Neuroscience of Arts unit). Students also receive training in specialized neuropsychological assessment procedures. 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 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 be trained to develop personalized intervention programmes for patients with brain injury.

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.

Content of Units:

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

* Subject to final approval

Fundamentals of Neuropsychology
This unit covers the main research areas and methods used in investigating brain structure and function. The unit 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 unit will also introduce basic principles and mechanisms of brain recovery after head traumatic injury and stroke. Finally this unit 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 in Neuropsychology
TThis 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 unit 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 unit 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 be discussed. Finally, individualized intervention methods will be explored in various neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neuropsychological Disorders of Attention and Perception
This unit 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 unit 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 unit will bring together the latest findings in behavioural, imaging, and genetic research with the techniques employed, and the evidence acquired, in clinical practice. The unit 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 unit 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 unit 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 unit 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 apply knowledge in preparing diagnostic and reflective reports for clinical cases. 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.

Advanced Research Methods in Neuropsychology
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.

Neuroscience of Arts
This unit covers the main research areas and methods used in investigating the effects of arts on the structure and function of the brain. The unit will explore the cognitive, emotional and neural underpinnings of art perception. It will also provide sound knowledge regarding the effects of art making and/or perceiving on brain structure and function via a focus on music, with referrals to visual arts provided as well. The unit will also introduce basic principles and mechanisms of neuroplastic changes originated due to extensive art practicing. Congenitally and acquired disorders in art perception will be discussed. The unit will also introduce therapeutic interventions, based on arts, aiming to treat neurological conditions (disorders or lesions).

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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