PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma) Applied Neuropsychology
- PG Diploma (Postgraduate Diploma)
Overview
Neuropsychology is the science linking the functioning of the brain with cognitive and emotional experience and behaviour. At Bristol, we see clinical neuropsychology as representing the interface between the biological, psychological and social facets of human behaviour. This programme covers elements of basic human neuropsychology but has a strong focus on clinical neuropsychology. \you will learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies, as well as focusing on principles of assessment, formulation and rehabilitation. We also cover neuroanatomy, neuroscience methods and theories of brain function.
This degree is delivered in partnership with North Bristol NHS Trust. We are passionate about neuropsychology and its application to society to improve the well-being and quality of life of those affected by damage, disease or dysfunction affecting the brain.
The taught content of the Diploma is identical to the taught content we provide when training UK-qualified clinical psychologists to specialise in clinical neuropsychology. The programme therefore covers core content dictated by the British Psychological Society and delivers an authentic reflection of clinical practice. While this programme is not formally accredited by the BPS, if you complete this Diploma and then go on to study a BPS-accredited doctorate in clinical psychology or counselling psychology, your Diploma could be retrospectively recognised as meeting one of the key professional requirements for entry to the BPS Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Should you wish to become a qualified clinical neuropsychologist, this retrospective recognition of prior learning could save around two years of study time and the cost of paying for a BPS-accredited Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology.
Around 80% of our taught content is delivered by practising clinicians, and you will also receive weekly clinical tutorials (during term) that allow you to discuss different aspects of programme content and help prepare you for a range of career options. This programme is suitable for those looking to pursue a research career, professional positions (such as an Assistant Psychologist) or further clinical training (such as a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology).
There is also an online version of this programme for international students wishing to study from your home country and some UK-based students may wish to consult with us if you wish to take this degree online. In this case, please contact our team at postgrad-psychology@bristol.ac.uk.
Programme structure
The programme consists of five taught units.
- 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.
Please visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for the Postgraduate Diploma 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
- £11,600 per year
- Home: part-time
- £5,800 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £22,600 per year
- Overseas: part-time
- £11,300 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 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 who aspire to further clinical training, such as clinical psychology and clinical neuropsychology, or a career in clinical research. Our programmes also deliver training that will enhance your opportunities to gain employment within clinical environments (for example, Assistant Psychologist). They can also assist anyone aiming for a research assistant post with a clinical focus.
Graduates of our Applied courses who later become Practitioner Psychologists and are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) can enrol on our supplementary Certificate in Clinical Neuropsychology Practice and have their prior Diploma course with us count toward recognition as a professional neuropsychologist. This opportunity requires HCPC registration as a clinical or counselling psychologist.
This programme provides continuing professional development to students already working in a clinical setting who are seeking specialist training to work with patients who have neuropsychological syndromes.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk