MSc Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience

at Keele University

COURSE STRUCTURE

The MSc Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. It also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of maximum of five years.
 

You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master’s qualification, comprising eight modules. For full-time students, six core and two optional modules are spread over two semesters (120 credits in total), while the Dissertation is worked on throughout the duration of the course (60 credits). You will agree the topic for your Dissertation with your supervisor during Semester 1. You can choose optional modules from within Psychology or other relevant Schools across the University. For example, modules from the School of Computing and Mathematics include Data Analytics and Databases.

Part-time students take 90 credits per year for two years with the dissertation taken in the second year.
 

There are two interim awards available, depending on how many modules have been successfully completed: a Postgraduate Certificate for any two modules (60 credits); and a Postgraduate Diploma for all four taught modules (120 credits).
 

Semester one core modules
 

PSY-40097 Topics in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience (15 credits, Semester 1)

Taking inspiration from published research papers, you will engage in lively ‘journal club’ discussion sessions to familiarise yourself with cutting-edge, contemporary issues and research in the fields of cognitive neuroscience, psychology and life sciences. Past topics have included fear, fear conditioning and optogenetics, for example, and brain injury, ageing and cognitive reserve.
 

PSY-40095 Advanced Research Skills, Design, and Analysis (15 credits, Semester 1)

Through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, we prepare you to plan, conduct and analyse your own research. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, you will learn to generate research questions, translate these into the design of your research, appropriately analyse data, and report your findings by writing a structured lab report, using standard (APA) formatting. You can tailor your studies by focusing on the methods, design and analysis most useful to you.
 

PSY-40053 Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience Research Methods (15 credits, Semester 1)

You will deepen your knowledge and understanding of contemporary methods in cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience research, such as neuroimaging, eye tracking, and brain stimulation. Through lab demonstrations and practicals, you will learn to design, conduct, and critically appraise research using these methods. You will gain hands-on experience using software tools and equipment for experiment control, data collection and data analysis, such as PsychoPy, Matlab, R, and JASP.
 

Semester two core modules
 

PSY-40093 Clinical Neuropsychology and Applied Cognition (15 credits, Semester 2)

You will develop an understanding of how cognition and cognitive neuroscience is applied in everyday life. For example, in clinical settings to aid decision making for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with neurological disorders and symptoms, or to gauge the reliability of memory in eyewitness testimony. Topics include clinical neuropsychology, neurotoxicology, and performance enhancement through brain stimulation.
 

PSY-40103 Advanced Computational and Statistical Approaches to Behaviour (15 credits, Semester 2)

Understanding behaviour is challenging because of the complexity of the mind, sheer volume of different situational and social influences, and individual differences amongst people. You will be introduced to and gain hands-on use of various advanced computational and statistical approaches used to predict behaviour and test scientific theories. These include, for example, multivariate methods, machine learning, cognitive modelling, Bayesian analysis, and agent-based modelling.
 

PSY-40038 Research Apprenticeship in Psychology (15 credits, Semester 2)

You will work with staff as part of their research teams, gaining valuable experience of working on an active research project alongside an experienced research mentor. Apprenticeships are offered across a range of subjects, fields, and activities and represent the diverse expertise of our academic staff. These will support and extend your research skills. Projects could involve designing and preparing full or partial research reports, systematic literature reviews, grant proposals and ethics applications, with the real possibility that research findings may eventually be published.

ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• This course is open to graduates with a first or upper second-class degree in psychology, neuroscience, linguistics (or a cognate discipline with some psychology study) or equivalent.
   

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest.

International - Full time £17,900
 

The advanced research and practical skills you will be able to demonstrate as a graduate of this programme will stand you in good stead for a wide range of careers in research, academia (research or teaching), military or industry – in fact anywhere there is a need to understand and predict behaviour, thought or performance.
 

Cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists conduct research and work in areas as diverse as user interface design, human factors and ergonomics, artificial intelligence, computer-human interaction, linguistic analysis, speech synthesis and voice recognition, product testing, sales and neuromarketing, behavioural science, government departments, and biotechnology.
 

Several students join us with a desire to work with people with brain injuries, in support roles or with charities. Some use their insight to follow the technology route, working for companies that develop the specialist computational software and equipment the profession uses. Others use our MSc programme as preparation for further studies (such as a PhD) or further training in Clinical Neuroscience or Clinical Neuropsychology.
 

There is always the option of consultancy and policy development for the public, private and third sector, as well in the emerging fields of behavioural and data science.
 

Should you wish to continue your studies, you will be well placed to pursue PhD study in psychology and/or neuroscience. The course is also excellent preparation for further clinical psychology or neuropsychology training should you wish to enter a medical setting long-term.