Overview

Neuropsychology is the science linking the functioning of the brain with cognitive and emotional experience and behaviour. As a clinical practice, neuropsychology is concerned with the assessment, formulation and rehabilitation of people with damage, disease or dysfunction affecting the brain.

This BPS accredited programme offered by the University of Bristol has run since 2010 and is delivered in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust, which includes a large regional neurosciences and major trauma centre. Almost all clinicians opt to take this programme part time although full time study is available. Our clinical programmes aim to engage and inspire clinicians to enhance their skills in Clinical Neuropsychology and support entry on to the British Psychological Society's (BPS) Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists. This diploma is accredited by BPS Division of Neuropsychology and delivers the adult knowledge component of the competency requirements for advanced training in clinical neuropsychology.

Around 80% of the taught content is delivered by practising clinicians. We promote a biopsychosocial scientist-practitioner approach and strongly advocate for neuropsychological research to be relevant and applicable to patient care, and for clinical practice to be underpinned by a thorough and ongoing engagement with scientific research/evidence.

The programme is largely online and can be taken from home or work. In-person attendance at teaching weeks (two per year for part-time study) is encouraged but is not mandatory and this flexibility suits those with busy professional lives, family responsibilities, disability and other factors impacting on travel to Bristol. Lectures are recorded and can be watched live or whenever is convenient, and exams/timed assessment will be held online. Please see the Neuropsychology programme webpage for more information.

Programme structure

The programme consists of six taught units.

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

Functional Neuroanatomy and Neuroscience Methods and Issues in 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 component 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 the Case Study (10 credits) requires each student to review a clinical case in detail.

Please visit our programme catalogue for more information about the PG Diploma Clinical Neuropsychology.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a BPS accredited doctorate in Clinical or Counselling psychology and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a practitioner with a specialism as 'Clinical' or 'Counselling'. In addition, applicants with a 'Counselling' specialism must demonstrate Generic Competencies in Clinical Neuropsychology.

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
£10,900 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£5,450 per year
Overseas: full-time
£21,200 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.

Funding for 2024/25

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

Career prospects

All our programmes enhance clinical confidence and competency. This programme supports the "knowledge component" required for entry to the BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN). Those interested in this programme may also be interested in our MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology which delivers both the knowledge component and "practice component" required for entry to SRCN within a single degree. Alternatively, after completing this diploma, you might be interested in our Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology Practice which delivers the practice component within a single degree.