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Course information

Department

Psychology

Length

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Course overview

This exciting MSc aims to equip you with a rigorous grounding in the theory and practice of behavioural neuroscience for progressing to further postgraduate studies, such as Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programmes or PhD programmes.

The programme provides a thorough coverage of the historical, philosophical and scientific bases of modern neuroscience. The emphasis is on scientific knowledge relating to the specialisms of clinical and cognitive neuropsychology with theoretical and some practical coverage.

During the course of the MSc, students interested in gaining clinical experience will be encouraged to consider possible placements that may be available with one of the several clinical sites we collaborate with. In some cases, there may also be the possibility of carrying out research for their dissertation in these clinical settings. 

In collaboration with NPsych ltd - Services to Specialists in Neurorehabiliation. 

"It has been great to see so many of my fellow peers get onto doctoral training – I think this really highlights the strength and quality of the Goldsmiths CCN course. I am very honoured to have been offered the opportunity to complete it."
Romena, former student

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Gianna Cocchini.

Structure

Modules

The programme is based on seven modules, described below, including a research dissertation. The number of credits per modules represents the overall coursework load, which includes lecturing, practical work, tutorials and workshops.

Module title Credits
Foundations of Neuroscience

Foundations of Neuroscience

15 credits

This module covers brain anatomy and functions and modern experimental techniques to study the neural basis of behaviour.

Tutors: Professor Joydeep Bhattacharya and Dr Gianna Cocchini

 15 credits
Research Design and Analysis

Research Design and Analysis

15 credits

To provide understanding and critical skills related to research design and analysis for quantitative and qualitative studies.

Lecture topics will include: psychology as science and the hypothetico-deductive account, basic concepts (e.g., validity, reliability, sampling, and measurement), experimental designs, quasi-experimental and specialised designs, survey design and analysis, single-case designs, introduction to key concepts of qualitative research, thematic approaches and methods of qualitative research (including , thematic analysis, grounded theory and IPA), and discursive approaches to qualitative research (incl. narrative analysis and discourse analysis).

A student-led seminar series, consisting of 10, two-hour seminars on design and statistics as principled argument will run alongside the lectures.

 15 credits
Statistical Methods

Statistical Methods

15 credits

This module covers the primary statistical analyses used in psychology including:

  • multivariate data
  • screening and cleaning
  • power and sample size determination
  • factor analysis
  • multiple regression
  • analysing contrasts
  • univariate and multivariate repeated measures
  • ANCOVA and MANCOVA.
 15 credits
Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology

Clinical and Cognitive Neuropsychology

30 credits

The aim of this module is to provide knowledge of cognitive neuropsychology including underlying theories of specific research areas on cognitive neuropsychology. Lectures cover various neuropsychological syndromes caused by brain damage (eg neglect, language disorders, anosognosia, object and face recognition deficits [agnosia, prosopagnosia], dementia and others).

 30 credits
Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology

Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology

15 credits

This module introduces you to a variety of developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia and ADHD. The module also covers diagnostic issues. Lectures are supported by research seminars and tutorials. Lectures cover the following topics: 

  • introduction and methods in developmental neuropsychology
  • specific language disorders
  • dyslexia
  • autism and pervasive developmental disorders
  • genetic disorders (eg Williams Syndrome, Down syndrome)
  • impairment of senses (eg blindness)
  • motor disorders
  • assessment and diagnosis
 15 credits
Advanced Methods and Techniques

Advanced Methods and Techniques

30 credits

The aim of this advanced module is to provide practical hands-on training in methods and techniques used for cognitive neuroscience research. Lectures cover the following topics: Brain stimulation – lectures and practical sessions will train you in the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS); Brain recording – lectures and practical sessions will train you in the use of Electroencephalography (EEG), the analysis of EEG data and the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data.

 30 credits
Research Project

Research Project

60 credits

The research project constitutes a major part of your final mark. It can be an empirically or theoretically based psychological project in any area of cognitive neuroscience, clinical or developmental cognitive neuropsychology. 

The project must be an empirical piece of research and will be supervised by a member of the lecturing staff in the Department. The project will provide you with practical experience of evaluating a particular research question. You will have the opportunity to set your research question, determine and apply the methods to obtain the answers, and present, discuss and interpret the results.

It is a good idea to consult staff early about ideas you may have for projects. They can provide general advice. Also, you need a project supervisor in your chosen area, so you need to sound out possibilities.

 60 credits

Assessment

The programme is assessed by written examinations, extended essays, oral presentations, reports and a research dissertation.

Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.

Between 2020 and 2022 we needed to make some changes to how programmes were delivered due to Covid-19 restrictions. For more information about past programme changes please visit our programme changes information page.

Entry requirements

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in Psychology or a closely related scientific discipline (neuroscience, speech sciences, medicine, cognitive science) with a research component. 

You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2023/2024 academic year.

  • Home - full-time: £10490
  • Home - part-time: £5245
  • International - full-time: £19210

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

How to apply

Apply now

You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system. 

Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:

  • Details of your academic qualifications
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
  • Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
  • A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement. Please specify your chosen pathway in your personal statement. 

You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.

When to apply 

We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September. 

We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place conditional on you achieving a particular qualification. 

If you're applying for external funding from one of the Research Councils, make sure you submit your application by the deadline they've specified. 

Selection process 

Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.

Find out more about applying.

Careers

Skills

The programme will provide you with knowledge of theory and practical issues relevant to neuroscience and clinical psychology in the UK health services and research centres. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research project under the supervision of a member of staff and relevant external clinical/research sector staff. 

Careers

This programme is intended primarily for graduates in Psychology, or closely related disciplines.

The programme is aimed at students who want to:

  • pursue further academic research (MPhil/PhD) in experimental psychology or neuroscience
  • teach in higher education
  • develop further knowledge for clinical careers involving work with brain-damaged patients or people suffering from developmental cognitive disorders
  • develop theoretical and some practical knowledge in the application of cognitive and clinical neuroscience methods and techniques for research purposes

During the course of the MSc, students interested in gaining clinical experience will be encouraged to consider possible placements that may be available with one of the several clinical sites we collaborate with. In some cases, there may also be the possibility of carrying out research for their dissertation in these clinical settings.

Find out more about employability at Goldsmiths. 

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