MSc Applied Neuropsychology (Online)
- MSc
Overview
This programme covers elements of basic 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).
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 delivers an authentic reflection of clinical practice and clinical training in the UK. You'll learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies and focus on principles of assessment, formulation, and rehabilitation. You'll 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 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.
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 1:1 career mentoring, further training in clinical assessment and consideration of cultural differences in the principles of assessment and treatment.
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 cost of paying for a BPS-accredited Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology.
Programme structure
The programme consists of five taught units and a clinical 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.
The degree also includes a clinical practice dissertation described above.
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 Neuroscience, or Clinical Psychology.
OR
If you have studied a joint degree, you will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent, with at least half of your degree content in psychology/relevant modules taken in all years of the degree. Example of relevant modules might include Brain and Behaviour, Psychobiology, Neuropsychology, or Neuroscience of Behaviour. You also need to have scored 60% or higher overall (or international equivalent) in your psychology content.
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
- £14,900 per year
- Home: part-time
- £7,450 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,800 per year
- Overseas: part-time
- £14,900 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
This degree delivers core skills and knowledge related to the theory and practice of clinical neuropsychology. 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.
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 offer professional training to clinicians within the UK. Excluding the dissertation, this programme offers the same levels of training that could help you to address those challenges in your country. The clinical dissertation unit is new and specially designed for this degree in order to foster enhanced clinical skills.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk