University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2021/22 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Psychological Science > Clinical Neuropsychology (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 7PSYC011T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Kit Pleydell-Pearce (Academic Director)
Martin Bunnage (Clinical Director) |
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Accrediting types: |
Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). (http://www.bps.org.uk/) |
Mode of study | Part Time |
Programme length | 2 years (part time) |
The MSc is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Neuropsychology and delivers teaching and support that provides both the knowledge and practice competencies required for entry on to the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists (SRCN).
Knowledge competencies are delivered through teaching and around 80% of this taught content is delivered by clinicians practising in the NHS. You will learn about a range of neuropsychological disorders and pathologies as well as focusing on principles of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.
Alongside taught content relating to the adult knowledge competencies, this MSc also provides support as you develop your practical experience and competencies in Clinical Neuropsychology. In order to accrue relevant clinical experience, it is your responsibility to secure paid employment within a Neuropsychology service during your enrolment on the MSc. It is also your responsibility to secure supervision for your work when enrolled on the course. However, we provide additional oversight and support towards developing your case portfolio and ensuring your clinical experience demonstrates the required competencies for entry to the SRCN. This support includes discussion of case formats and patient cases, and help in managing supervisions. This support is provided by clinicians with experience of conducting portfolio vivas for the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN).
This programme aims to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of:
1. The relationship between neurological conditions and cognitive and behavioural functioning.
2. Issues related to assessment, rehabilitation and recovery of patients with neurological conditions.
3. The evidence base for contemporary clinical practice in neuropsychology and related fields.
4. The application of neuropsychological knowledge within a clinical context.
5. Provide training, guidance and in the development of a Clinical Practice Portfolio which meets BPS requirements for the QiCN Practice Dimension. The portfolio is a formal prerequisite of undertaking a viva which meets BPS requirements.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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(1) Formal Lectures (2) Formal Tutorials (3) Informal Tutorials (4) Formal group discussions and mandatory assessed presentations (5) Clinical case reviews (mandatory presentations) (6) Large e-learning component – all lectures are broadcast live over the Internet and can be replayed at any time by course members (7) Tutorials and talks are organised both in terms of face to face meetings and via tutorials provided over the Internet (8) Aspects of our assessment also support knowledge and these include separate assessed presentations examining knowledge of (1) Theory; (2) Clinical Practice. The majority of those taking the degree are postdoctoral medical specialists and thus the learning environment is enhanced by encouraging (formally) group discussions so that expertise can be derived from fellow course members as well as from academics and clinicians teaching on the course. (9) Seminars requiring prior reading and student preparation (10) Full awareness of the Clinical Case Portfolio requirements of British Psychological Society (BPS) Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN) Practice Dimension component. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Pass mark: 50% overall. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
(1) Formal Lectures (2) Formal Tutorials (3) Informal Tutorials (4) Formal group discussions and mandatory assessed presentations (5) Clinical case reviews (mandatory presentations) (6) Large e-learning component – all lectures are broadcast live over the Internet and can be replayed at any time by course members (7) Tutorials and talks are organised both in terms of face to face meetings and via tutorials provided over the Internet (8) Aspects of our assessment also support knowledge and these include separate assessed presentations examining knowledge of (1) Theory; (2) Clinical Practice. The majority of those taking the degree are postdoctoral medical specialists and thus the learning environment is enhanced by encouraging (formally) group discussions so that expertise can be derived from fellow course members as well as from academics and clinicians teaching on the course. (9) Seminars requiring prior reading and student preparation (10) Seminars, tutorials and discussions with clinicians with focus on all aspects of generic clinical practice and additional support for specific elements of clinical practice. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Pass mark: 50% overall. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
(1) Formal Lectures (2) Formal Tutorials (3) Informal Tutorials (4) Formal group discussions and mandatory assessed presentations (5) Clinical case reviews (mandatory presentations) (6) Large e-learning component – all lectures are broadcast live over the Internet and can be replayed at any time by course members (7) Tutorials and talks are organised both in terms of face to face meetings and via tutorials provided over the Internet (8) Aspects of our assessment also support knowledge and these include separate assessed presentations examining knowledge of (1) Theory; (2) Clinical Practice. The majority of those taking the degree are postdoctoral medical specialists and thus the learning environment is enhanced by encouraging (formally) group discussions so that expertise can be derived from fellow course members as well as from academics and clinicians teaching on the course. (9) Seminars requiring prior reading and student preparation (10) Seminars, tutorials and discussions with clinicians with focus on all aspects of generic clinical practice and additional support for specific elements of clinical practice. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Pass mark: 50% overall. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Students must demonstrate an acceptable level of knowledge concerning clinical neuropsychology and cognitive assessment principles. This knowledge must be at a level that meets BPS requirements for the QiCN Knowledge Dimension and QiCN Practice Dimension. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Students must demonstrate a detailed knowledge of clinical neuropsychology from a theoretical and practical perspective. Broader understanding of the neurosciences context will also be expected at this level. Student will be expected to apply knowledge to assessment and treatment challenges in a clinical context. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Students must demonstrate a detailed knowledge of clinical neuropsychology from a theoretical and practical perspective. Broader understanding of the neurosciences context will also be expected at this level. Student will be expected to apply knowledge to assessment and treatment challenges in a clinical context. In addition, student must demonstrate competency in planning, implementing and analysing an empirical project which must indicate awareness of linkage between hypothesis testing and theory and which must constitute an original piece of research. . In addition students must be able to provide a rigorous justification and defence of their clinical practice when submitting their QiCN Practice Dimension portfolio. It should be noted that it is satisfactory performance within the viva which determines whether students meet the required standards. The portfolio must meet BPS requirements but it is the viva that determines whether the BPS standards have been met and that the student has passed the assessment of the QiCN Practice Dimension. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
For further details please contact Dr Christopher (Kit) Pleydell-Pearce, School of Psychological Science. Tel 0117 546838, c.pleydell-pearce@bristol.ac.uk.
Please see the full time structure for the units that contribute to the programme. Students on the part time programme take these units over two years.
All units in this programme are must pass. For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology | PSYCM0034 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment | PSYCM0045 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Development and Rehabilitation | PSYCM0027 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Case Study | PSYCM0069 | 10 | Optional | AYEAR |
Evidence Based Neuropsychology | PSYCM0068 | 10 | Optional | AYEAR |
Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology. | PSYCM0067 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Postgraduate Certificate on successful completion of 60cp, Postgraduate Diploma on successful completion of 120cp | 90 |
Please see the full time structure for the units that contribute to the programme. Students on the part time programme take these units over two years.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology. | PSYCM0067 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Development and Rehabilitation | PSYCM0027 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Case Study | PSYCM0069 | 10 | Optional | AYEAR |
Evidence Based Neuropsychology | PSYCM0068 | 10 | Optional | AYEAR |
Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology | PSYCM0034 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment | PSYCM0045 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Clinical Practice Project | PSYCM0077 | 60 | Optional | AYEAR |
90 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds but is permitted in designated programmes (as set out in the programme specification) where students choose to withdraw from the intended programme but otherwise achieve the necessary credit points for the exit award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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