10Feb
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MSc Cognitive Neuroscience is aimed at those who are seeking to build up knowledge and practical experience of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. Students from our course go on to pursue careers in research or research related disciplines, as well as careers in industry, clinical settings or education. The MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at Durham University stands out because it has many practical elements, like workshops and lab placements, that allow you to experience research rather than just hearing about it. As the theoretical background to, and techniques of Cognitive Neuroscience are rarely available to students at undergraduate level, the main objective of this MSc is to provide you with detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Neuroscience techniques (incl. programming, project management, and statistics).
Modules
Core modules: Critical Research Practice is fundamental to learning and provides the knowledge and skills required to design, conduct and communicate research in psychology, ensuring it is conducted ethically. This module also teaches the analytical skills needed to evaluate research findings. Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences teaches the core statistical methods that are commonly used across psychology and the behavioural sciences, as well as developing your confidence in identifying and applying appropriate statistical techniques. This module will also develop your ability for statistical programming. Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences likewise provides an understanding of a set of advanced statistical methods that are used across psychology and the behavioural sciences and enables you to identify and apply appropriate statistical techniques. Current Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience provides insightful and in-depth knowledge of the current theoretical and conceptual issues in the field of cognitive neuroscience as a way of expanding your understanding of the field. Techniques in Cognitive Neuroscience teaches a range of techniques used in cognitive neuroscience research and highlights the strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness of a variety of cognitive neuroscience techniques. This module will also develop your ability to relate programming skills to cognitive neuroscience research and will include laboratory placements. The Dissertation enables you to design, implement, analyse and finally discuss an empirical project relevant to your field of study, giving you the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge you have acquired and to gain experience of collaborating with other researchers and undertaking research and project management. The Department provides excellent support and opportunities for conducting a significant piece of independent research.
Assessment method
The MSc Cognitive Neuroscience is delivered via lectures, seminars, practical sessions, workshops and lab placements. There is an emphasis on practical experience and experiential learning. Lectures provide in-depth knowledge on general topics such as cognition, emotion and neuropsychology, and techniques used in cognitive neuroscience. Seminars and workshops allow student-led discussions with the aim of developing your critical thinking, oral and written communication skills. Practical sessions provide you with hands-on knowledge of research techniques, programming (e.g. Matlab , R), statistics, research design, project management and data presentation. Lab placements allow you to experience and apply research techniques. The dissertation is an opportunity for you to conduct a significant piece of independent research with excellent support from the Department. Outside timetabled contact hours, you are also expected to undertake your own independent study. It is expected that students spend on average 35 hours per week on the course, with about equal parts timetabled contact hours and independent study. Assessments include examinations, written assignments, practical exercises, oral presentations, and the dissertation.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
2:1 in Psychology or Psychology related subject (or equivalent). If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway course at the Durham University International Study Centre.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13600 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13600 | Year 1 |
| EU | £29900 | Year 1 |
| International | £29900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £29900 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE