University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2022/23 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Life Sciences > School of Psychological Science > Applied Neuropsychology (MSc) (Online) > Specification
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Programme code | 7PSYC001T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Kit Pleydell-Pearce Academic Director
|
Faculty | Faculty of Life Sciences |
School/department | School of Psychological Science |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full or Part Time |
Programme length |
1 years (full time)
2 years (part time) |
This section sets out why studying this programme is important, both in terms of inspiring you as an individual and in considering the challenges we face. It describes how this degree programme contributes to:
The aim of the programme is to encourage international students to engage in the study of clinical neuropsychology. We recognise that some students have an interest in clinical practice while others have a strong interest in clinical research. We see both components as critical elements of training and our taught content covers both areas. A major reason for offering this degree is that the discipline of clinical neuropsychology is less well established and developed in many countries around the world (including many countries in Europe). This means that many patients around the world may not be receiving appropriate treatment and care. While this degree is not professionally accredited, the entirety of taught content is identical to that which we deliver on our professionally accredited programmes (e.g. MSc/Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology). Our professional programmes are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Our market research and discussions with the international office have indicated that our existing full distance learning Diploma in Applied Neuropsychology is not always sufficiently attractive to international students because an MSc is frequently viewed as a preferable degree. Thus, a major aim of this new degree is to address this problem.
This programme aims to develop the student's knowledge and understanding of:
1. The relationship between neurological conditions and cognitive, emotional 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 understanding of the issues surrounding patient assessment, and the use of scientific evidence in the development and formulation of clinical hypotheses and consideration of treatment options. To understand how evidence-based formulation is driven by research and an ability to understand principles underlying new research to further understanding of clinical disorders.
It should be noted that all elements of the 120 credits of taught content proposed for this degree are already delivered, as a complete set, on other programmes run within the School: MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology, MSc in Applied Neuropsychology, Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology, and Diploma in Applied Neuropsychology. We have delivered this core taught content since 2010 and thus have considerable knowledge and experience. We already run a 100% distance learning Diploma in Applied Neuropsychology to international students while resident in their home country. We thus have extensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of online degrees. That experience includes an understanding of issues connected to students living in different time zones. As our Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology involves training clinicians based around the UK, we have employed live lecture broadcast and blended distance learning since its inception in 2010.
The learning outcome statements shown below for your programme have been developed with reference to relevant national subject benchmarks (where they exist), national qualification descriptors (see the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) and professional body requirements.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies are listed to show how you will be able to achieve and demonstrate the learning outcomes.
This programme provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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|
(1) Lectures (2) Tutorials (3) Group discussions and mandatory assessed presentations (4) Formal career mentoring (5) Clinical case reviews (mandatory presentations) (6) Programme is 100% based on distance learning. All lectures are broadcast live over the Internet and can be replayed at any time by course members. Tutorials and presentations led by students will be delivered via online technology. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
1. Units are assessed in terms of essays (2000 or 3000 words). There are 2 x 2000 word essays and a 1 x 3000 and 3 x 4000 word clinical case reports. Three of these (4000 word submissions) contribute towards the MSc dissertation. 2. It is not feasible for distance learning students to come to Bristol and take examinations. For this reason, we have replaced examinations with timed online open-book assessments which retain many elements of traditional exam preparation. 3. Assessed oral presentations concerned with neuropsychological theory (delivered live over the internet). 4. Assessed oral presentations concerned with clinical practice in neuropsychology (delivered live over the internet). 6. Complete a 60-credit point distance-learning dissertation which provides analysis of clinical data provided to students. The dissertation word count is 12000 words (3 x 4000 case submissions in BPS approved Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN) format. See Appendix 5 of this document. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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|
(1) Lectures (2) Tutorials (3) Group discussions and mandatory assessed presentations (4) Formal career mentoring (5) Clinical case reviews (mandatory presentations) (6) Programme is 100% based on distance learning. All lectures are broadcast live over the Internet and can be replayed at any time by course members. Tutorials and presentations led by students will be delivered via online technology. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
1. Units are assessed in terms of essays (2000 or 3000 words). There are 2 x 2000 word essays and a 1 x 3000 and 3 x 4000 word clinical case reports. Three of these (4000 word submissions) contribute towards the MSc dissertation. 2. It is not feasible for distance learning students to come to Bristol and take examinations. For this reason, we have replaced examinations with timed online open-book assessments which retain many elements of traditional exam preparation. 3. Assessed oral presentations concerned with neuropsychological theory (delivered live over the internet). 4. Assessed oral presentations concerned with clinical practice in neuropsychology (delivered live over the internet). 5. Complete a 60-credit point clinical practice dissertation which provides analysis of clinical data provided to students. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning/teaching methods and strategies |
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|
Practical knowledge is assessed in the context of clinical case reviews (oral and written) and in terms of a dissertation which requires students to evaluate clinical data. |
Methods of assessment (formative and summative) | |
Oral and written case reports. Submission of a clinical practice dissertation which assesses clinical data and includes a rigorous literature review pertaining to the neurological condition and which delivers evidence of an understanding of research and evidence-based practice. |
This section describes what is expected from you at each level of your programme. This illustrates increasing intellectual standards as you progress through the programme. These levels are mapped against the national level descriptors published by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Level M/7 - Masters |
All components of this degree require M level performance. All units are mandatory. |
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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.
This new MSc builds upon the exact same taught content that is currently delivered on our distance learning Diploma in Applied Neuropsychology. A major aim of the programme is to improve training in clinical neuropsychology around the world
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/psychology/courses/postgraduate/neuropsychology/
For further details please contact Dr Christopher (Kit) Pleydell-Pearce, School of Psychological Science. Tel 0117 546838, c.pleydell-pearce@bristol.ac.uk.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology | PSYCM0034 | 30 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment | PSYCM0045 | 30 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Development and Rehabilitation | PSYCM0027 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology. | PSYCM0067 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Evidence Based Neuropsychology | PSYCM0068 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Case Study | PSYCM0069 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Clinical Practice Dissertation (Online) | PSYCM0083 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
180 |
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.
Students take these units over two years. The combination of units students take each year varies depending on which year they enter the programme.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Evidence Based Neuropsychology | PSYCM0068 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select from: | ||||
Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment | PSYCM0045 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology | PSYCM0034 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Development and Rehabilitation | PSYCM0027 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology. | PSYCM0067 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Postgraduate Certificate | 60 |
Students take these units over two years. The combination of units students take each year varies depending on which year they enter the programme.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Case Study | PSYCM0069 | 10 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Clinical Practice Dissertation (Online) | PSYCM0083 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Select from: | ||||
Applied Clinical Neuropsychology and Principles of Neuropsychological Assessment | PSYCM0045 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Functional Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Methods and Issues in Neuropsychology | PSYCM0034 | 30 | Optional | TB-1 |
Development and Rehabilitation | PSYCM0027 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Theoretical and Clinical Neuropsychology. | PSYCM0067 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
120 |
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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