Cognitive Neuroscience MSc : University of Sussex

Back to Course menu

Key information

Duration:: 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:: September 2019
Apply by:: 1 August 2019 (International), 1 September 2019 (UK/EU)

Gain the knowledge and skills required for studying the biology of the mind.

This course prepares you for a career in research by offering:

lectures taught by leading cognitive neuroscientists
one-to-one expert supervision on your personal research project
hands-on experience with neuroimaging (fMRI)
introductions to a vast array of cognitive neuroscience techniques.

You have the opportunity to explore a range of cognitive neuroscience fields – from philosophy of science and research methods to consciousness, addiction and social neuroscience.

Why choose this course?

91% of our Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience research quality was rated world-leading or internationally-excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
We are one of the largest psychology units in the UK. You’ll study in an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment for postgraduate research and study.
We offer supervision across a range of topics, encompassed by our research groups in Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental and Clinical Psychology, and Social and Applied Psychology.

Pathway to doctoral study

This Masters is recognised by the ESRC-funded South East Network for Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership as a pathway to doctoral study.

Back to Course menu

Degree requirements	You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Degree requirements	Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 7.5-8.5 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Degree requirements	Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81%
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (Grade B).
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Degree requirements	Masters degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Degree requirements	Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7.5 or 8 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class upper division or GPA 3.1/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.3/4.0 (grade B+).
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of 5-5.5/7 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 72%-85% depending on your university. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 72%-85% depending on your university.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Degree requirements	Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad' and a GPA of 3.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 7.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 17/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70%-75% depending on your university
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Degree requirements	Licence with mention bien or Maîtrise with final mark of at least 13.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.4 or better.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Degree requirements	Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 7.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 55-70% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with GPA 3.0/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with GPA 3.2/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with GPA 3.0/4.0.

Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with GPA 3.2/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 15.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Degree requirements	Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 105.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 80%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall mark of 4 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/GPA 3,33.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or B+
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.5/4.0 or 14/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Degree requirements	Masters degree, depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 8/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Degree requirements	Masters degree with overall mark of 80%
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with second-class upper division or CGPA of at least 3.0-3.5/5.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall grade of B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Degree requirements	Four-year bachelors degree with overall grade of 65% or Masters with 60%
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with at least 80% or GPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Degree requirements	Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7.5/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 13/20 from a public university or 15/20 from a private university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Degree requirements	Masters degree with 1.5/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.7/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 3 (on a scale of 4).
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Degree requirements	Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.5/5.0 or 3/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division or CAP 4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Degree requirements	Bachelors (honours) degree with second-class division 1.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.3/4.5 or 3.1/4.3 or B+
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Degree requirements	Bachelors Special degree with upper second honours.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Degree requirements	Licence or Diplôme with 5/6 or 8/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with overall mark of at least 67%-80% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Degree requirements	Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 2.8 - 3.0/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.3-3.5/4.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with CGPA of at least 3.3/4.0 or 7.5/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Degree requirements	Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class upper division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements	Your undergraduate degree should be in psychology or a closely related subject such as neuroscience. You may also be considered for the course if you have other professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing. You can also apply if you have a qualification from outside the field of psychology.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Higher level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our entry requirements and find out more about IELTS

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

For tests taken before January 2015: grade B or above.

For tests taken after January 2015: 185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

For tests taken before January 2015: grade C or above.

For tests taken after January 2015: 185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

Pearson (PTE Academic)

67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

German Abitur

A score of 12 or above in English.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 5, including at least 4 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 80%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 80%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

How to apply

You apply to Sussex using our postgraduate application system

Personal statement

Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application.

If you have studied a subject outside the field of psychology you should demonstrate your interest in cognitive neuroscience, and how you can apply your existing skill set to the course.

Find out how to write a personal statement

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

Application deadlines

1 August 2019 (International), 1 September 2019 (UK/EU)

Back to Course menu

Course details

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and family life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below.

For details about the part-time course, contact us at psychology@sussex.ac.uk

How will I study?

You take a series of taught modules. You’ll gain hands-on experience with modern methods of cognitive neuroscience through a dedicated fMRI module and a wide range of optional methods workshops that include training on TMS, EEG, psychophysics, programming for cognitive testing, MATLAB and many others.

You’re actively encouraged to network and collaborate, and to discuss findings in self-directed journal clubs to develop the additional skills necessary for a successful career in research.

Taught modules are assessed by a variety of methods including:

term papers
presentations
coursework portfolios
open examination.

The project is assessed by a dissertation and a research project mentored by a member of faculty.

Modules

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Research Dissertation
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
An Adventure in Statistics
Drug Addiction and its Treatment
Ethics, Philosophy and Methods of Research
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neuroscience of Consciousness
Social Neuroscience
Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

Back to Course menu

Our experts

Prof Aldo Badiani

Professor of Psychology & Addiction Medicine

Research interests

Drug addiction, Electrophysiology, Emotion, Environment, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Human psychopharmacology, Immunohistochemistry, Motivation, Reward

View Aldo Badiani's profile

Prof Robin Banerjee

Professor of Developmental Psychology

Research interests

Developmental psychology, Emotion, Motivation, Psychology, Social behaviour, Social cognition, Youth

View Robin Banerjee's profile

Dr Chris Bird

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Hippocampus, Memory, Neuropsychology

View Chris Bird's profile

Dr Jenny Bosten

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

colour, GWAS, Individual differences, Matlab, Psychophysics, Virtual Reality

View Jenny Bosten's profile

Prof Rupert Brown

Professor of Social Psychology

Research interests

Acculturation, hate crime, Identity, Immigration, Intergroup relations, post-conflict reconciliation, Prejudice, Prejudice reduction, refugees, Social psychology, team-building in organisations

View Rupert Brown's profile

Dr Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Altruism, Decision making, goal directed behaviour, Neuromaging, Psychopharmacology, Reinforcement Learning Models, Social cognition, Social Influence, Social Neuroscience

View Daniel Campbell-Meiklejohn's profile

Dr Kate Cavanagh

Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology

Research interests

Digital mental health, Mindfulness, Psychology

View Kate Cavanagh's profile

Dr Hans Crombag

Senior Lecturer

Research interests

Addiction and law, Associative learning, Motivation, Neurobiology of behaviour, Reward

View Hans Crombag's profile

Prof Graham Davey

Emeritus Professor

Research interests

Anxiety, Clinical Psychology, Psychology

View Graham Davey's profile

Dr Richard De Visser

Reader in Psychology

Research interests

Alcohol, Gender and Sexuality, Health - behaviours, Psychology, Public health

View Richard De Visser's profile

Prof Zoltan Dienes

Professor in Experimental Psychology

Research interests

Bayesian Methods, Consciousness, Experimental psychology, Psychology

View Zoltan Dienes's profile

Prof Helga Dittmar

Professor of Social and Applied Psychology

Research interests

Psychology

View Helga Dittmar's profile

Prof John Drury

Professor of Social Psychology

Research interests

Collective action, Crowding and personal space, Crowds, Disasters, Empowerment, Mass emergencies, Protest, Social identities, Social movements, Social psychology

View John Drury's profile

Prof Dora Duka

Professor of Experimental Psychology

Research interests

Addictions, Alcohol, Cognition, Emotion, Human psychopharmacology, Motivation, Smoking

View Dora Duka's profile

Dr Matthew Easterbrook

Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Educational inequalities, Group processes, Poverty and inequality, Social class and educational disadvantage, Social disadvantage, Social identities, well-being

View Matthew Easterbrook's profile

Dr Tom Farsides

Lecturer in Social Psychology

Research interests

Psychology

View Tom Farsides's profile

Prof Andy Field

Professor of Quantitative Methods

Research interests

Statistical Methodology

View Andy Field's profile

Dr Sophie Forster

Senior Lecturer In Psychology

Research interests

Attention, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cognitive Neuroscience, Distraction, Individual differences, Mind wandering, Psychology

View Sophie Forster's profile

Prof David Fowler

Professor In Psychology

Research interests

Psychology

View David Fowler's profile

Prof Anna Franklin

Professor of Visual Perception and Cognition

Research interests

Cognition, Perception, Vision

View Anna Franklin's profile

Prof Alan Garnham

Professor of Experimental Psychology

Research interests

Experimental psychology, Psycholinguistics, Psychology

View Alan Garnham's profile

Dr Darya Gaysina

Senior Lecturer In Psychology

Research interests

Behavioural genetics, Depression in humans, Developmental psychology, Epidemiology, Health and ageing, Mental Health and Well-Being

View Darya Gaysina's profile

Dr Catherine Hall

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Behavioural Neuroscience, brain energy, Calcium imaging, Dementia, Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience, neurovascular coupling, Obesity, Systems neuroscience, Vascular health

View Catherine Hall's profile

Prof Gordon Harold

Andrew and Virginia Rudd Chair in Psychology

Research interests

Biosocial Research, child development, Family Relationships, Longitudinal Methods, Mental Health, Prevention Science

View Gordon Harold's profile

Prof Pete Harris

Professor of Psychology

Research interests

Alcohol, behaviour change, Diet and health, Exercise, health behaviour, health risk perceptions, persuasion, self-affirmation, Smoking

View Pete Harris's profile

Dr Graham Hole

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Age perception, Configural processing of faces, Face Identity After Effects, Face recognition, Looked but failed to see errors in driving, Mobile phones and driving, Motorcycle conspicuity, Perceptual and attention in relation to driving

View Graham Hole's profile

Dr Jessica Horst

Reader in Psychology

Research interests

Categorisation, child development, Cognitive Development, Infancy, Language Acquisition, Picturebooks, Psychology, Reading to Children, Storybooks, Toddlers, Word Learning

View Jessica Horst's profile

Dr Donna Jessop

Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology

Research interests

Psychology

View Donna Jessop's profile

Dr Sarah King

Reader in Behavioural Neuroscience

Research interests

Addictions, Alzheimer's Disease, Behavioural Neuroscience, Gene manipulation, Mouse genetics, Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience (Human disease), Neurotransmitter receptors

View Sarah King's profile

Dr Eisuke Koya

Reader in Psychology

Research interests

Associative learning, cue reactivity, drugs of abuse, Motivation, neuronal ensembles, nucleus accumbens, palatable foods, Prefrontal Cortex, slice electrophysiology

View Eisuke Koya's profile

Dr David Leavens

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Animal Cognition, Cognitive Development, Communication, Comparative psychology, Developmental psychology, Evolution of language, Experimental psychology, Gestures, Observational methods, Pointing

View David Leavens's profile

Dr Kathryn Lester

Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Anxiety, Cognition, Developmental psychology, Emotional Processing, Fear

View Kathryn Lester's profile

Dr Karen Long

Lecturer in Social Psychology

Research interests

intragroup processes, online identity, Social networking, Social psychology

View Karen Long's profile

Prof Karen Mccomb

Professor Of Animal Behaviour & Cognition

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Psychology

View Karen Mccomb's profile

Dr Eleanor Miles

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Embodiment, Emotion, Meta Analysis, Psychology, Social cognition, Social psychology

View Eleanor Miles's profile

Prof Jane Oakhill

Professor of Experimental Psychology

Research interests

Experimental psychology, Psychology

View Jane Oakhill's profile

Dr Bonamy Oliver

Visiting Senior Lecturer

Research interests

Behavioural genetics, child behaviour, child well-being, conduct problems, externalising, family, Family Relationships, parent-child relationships, parenting, Psychology, psychopathology

View Bonamy Oliver's profile

Prof Thomas Ormerod

Professor of Psychology

View Thomas Ormerod's profile

Prof Alison Pike

Professor of Child and Family Psychology

Research interests

child well-being, family psychology, parenting, Psychology, siblings

View Alison Pike's profile

Prof David Reby

Professor of Ethology

Research interests

Animal behaviour, Animal Cognition, Babies' cries, Evolution of communication, Experimental psychology, Human Vocalisations, Psychology, Sexual communication, Vocal anatomy, Vocal communication, Voice & Gender

View David Reby's profile

Prof Jennifer Rusted

Professor of Experimental Psychology

Research interests

Behavioural Neuroscience, Cognitive decline with age, Dementia, Experimental psychology, neuropsychopharmacology

View Jennifer Rusted's profile

Dr Ryan Scott

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Research interests

Psychology

View Ryan Scott's profile

Prof Julia Simner

Professor of Psychology

View Julia Simner's profile

Dr Paul Sparks

Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology & Health

Research interests

Environmental Psychology, Health, Identity, Social Influence processes, Social psychology

View Paul Sparks's profile

Dr Peggy St Jacques

Visiting Researcher

Research interests

Autobiographical Memory, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Memory

View Peggy St Jacques's profile

Dr Vivian Vignoles

Reader In Social Psychology

Research interests

Cross-cultural psychology, Culture, Identity, Identity motives, Mental Health and Well-Being, Motivation, Psychology, Social identities, Social psychology

View Vivian Vignoles's profile

Prof Jamie Ward

Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience

Research interests

Experimental psychology, Psychology

View Jamie Ward's profile

Prof Martin Yeomans

Professor of Experimental Psychology

Research interests

Appetite, Cognitive Performance, Experimental psychology, Flavour, Food Choice, Food Preference, Nutrition, Satiety

View Martin Yeomans's profile

Prof Nicola Yuill

Professor of Psychology

Research interests

Autism Spectrum Disorders, child development, children and technology, Experimental psychology, human-centred technology, Psychology, reading comprehension, social development, technology for autism

View Nicola Yuill's profile

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876638
psychology@sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the School of Psychology

Back to Course menu

Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

UK/EU students:: £10,250 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £10,250 per year
International students:: £20,750 per year

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

How can I fund my course?

Postgraduate Masters loans

You can borrow up to £10,609 to help with fees and living costs if your course starts on or after 1 August 2018. Loans are available from the Student Loans Company if you’re from the UK or if you’re an EU national studying for a Masters.

Find out more about Postgraduate Masters Loans

Scholarships

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.

Chancellor’s International Scholarship

There are 25 scholarships available to international postgraduate applicants who can demonstrate academic excellence

Find out more

Chancellor’s Masters Scholarship

Applicants with a First Class degree from a UK University can apply for one of these £3,000 scholarships, awarded as a tuition fee reduction.

Find out more

Chevening Scholarship

Chevening is the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. Funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Find out more

ESRC 1+3 and +3 Scholarships via SeNSS

A number of ESRC-funded standalone PhD and PhD with Masters scholarships across the social sciences.

Find out more

Higher Education Scholarship Palestine (HESPAL)

Two full tuition fee waivers in conjunction with maintenance support from the British Council are available to residents of Palestinian Territories.

Find out more

Saïd Foundation Scholarships

Two scholarships available for Masters students from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria.

Find out more

Santander Scholarship

There are 4 scholarships, awarded as a £5,000 tuition fee reduction, available to applicants from specific American countries.

Find out more

Sports Scholarships Scheme (Postgraduate)

These scholarships are available to Masters students who have demonstrated sporting excellence prior to joining the University of Sussex

Find out more

Sussex Graduate Scholarship

Unlimited £3,000 scholarships for 2019 Sussex graduates, awarded as a fee reduction when progressing directly to an eligible Masters at Sussex.

Find out more

Sussex India Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Indian nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

Find out more

Sussex Malaysia Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Malaysian nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

Find out more

Sussex Nigeria Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Nigerian nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

Find out more

Sussex Pakistan Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Pakistani nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

Find out more

Sussex Vietnam Scholarship

A £3,000 scholarship available to Vietnamese nationals applying to study an eligible Masters course.

Find out more

The Asian University for Women Scholarship

This scholarship is available to two students currently studying at the AUW in Bangladesh and progressing on to an eligible Masters course at Sussex.

Find out more

USA Friends Scholarship

This scholarship, equivalent to $10,000, is available for nationals or residents of the USA on a one-year full time taught Masters degree course.

Find out more

How Masters scholarships make studying more affordable

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Back to Course menu

Careers

This MSc prepares you for a potential career in research and enhances your work-related skills such as critical insight and data analysis.

This course is also relevant if you are interested in clinical psychology or in work in the biomedical sector by providing, for example, an understanding of how brain damage affects cognition.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue PhDs and to careers in industry and medicine.

Graduate destinations

94% of students from the School of Psychology were in work or further study six months after graduating. Recent graduates have gone on to jobs including:

children’s wellbeing practitioner, West London Mental Health Trust
mental health recovery worker, Venture People
applied behaviour analysis tutor, Step By Step.

(HESA EPI, Destinations of Post Graduate Leavers From Higher Education 2017)

Research Dissertation

60 credits
Spring & Summer Teaching, Year 1

This module enables you to undertake a piece of psychological research under the supervision of a member of faculty who is expert in the relevant area. For clinical psychology students this may involve collaboration with a field supervisor in the Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust. You will be involved in the design and execution of a substantial piece of empirical research on a topic that is relevant to your course. The dissertation will consist of a research report detailing the project you have carried out or been involved with.

Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

15 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

In this module you will learn about various advanced research methods and statistical techniques in psychology, by exploring their theoretical basis and their practical application. The module is typically taught as a set of 2-day workshops in which particular methods are considered in detail. You are expected to study three methods (ie attend three workshops) from the selection that is offered. The options available to you are likely to include the following:

Discourse Analysis for Psychology
Experiment Generators: Use of Eprime
Eye Tracking
Item Response Theory
Longitudinal Data Analysis
Measurement of Affective Processing Styles (MATLAB)
Meta-analysis; Multilevel Modelling
Service User Involvement in Clinical Research
Structural Equation Modelling
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Voice Analysis and Re-Synthesis
Latent Variable Analysis
Introduction to R
Randomised Control Trials.

An Adventure in Statistics

15 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

Drug Addiction and its Treatment

15 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

The module will cover the following topics:

Recreational drugs throughout history
Mechanisms of action of recreational drugs (psychostimulants, opiates/opioids, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, hallucinogens, "club drugs", etc)
Definition of drug reward, drug abuse and drug addiction
Neuropsychobiological underpinnings of drug reward and drug addiction (drug induced neuroplasticity and basic neuroanatomy of motivation, reward, affect, and impulsivity/compulsivity)
Critical understanding of the major theories of drug reward and drug addiction
Therapeutic options for the treatment of drug abuse and addiction.

Thus, the scope of the module will range from basic pharmacology to clinical intervention. The module will be taught by an expert in both pre-clinical and clinical research.

Ethics, Philosophy and Methods of Research

15 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

This module will consider the conceptual foundations of psychological research and is divided into three key elements.

Ethics and research governance – during this part of the module you will learn about the ethical principles and guidelines relating to research in psychology, in particular the BPS code of conduct and how it applies to research studies, and the UK frameworks for research governance. The ethical issues involved in using animals to study psychology will also be addressed.

Philosophy of Science – you explore different approaches to what it means for psychology to be scientific and why it matters. Half of the material considers classic philosophy of science as represented in the views of Popper, Kuhn and Lakatos and how they apply to psychology. The remaining material considers the foundations of statistical inference, comparing the conceptual basis of orthodox (Neyman Pearson) statistics with that of Bayesian statistics. The aim is to clear up popular misconceptions in interpreting statistics, not to teach any particular statistical technique.

Qualitative methods – are becoming increasingly important in psychology and related disciplines (eg, biology, medicine, sociology). Nevertheless, heated debates continue to rage about their essential qualities (if any) and 'quality' (if any). In this part of the module we will examine all aspects of qualitative research, from (claimed) philosophical underpinnings, through method selection, project planning, ethical considerations, data collection, data analysis, and the production, assessment, and presentation of results, though to the scientific, practical, ethical, and theoretical benefits of the end product(s). Particular attention will be given to the prospects of developing qualitative methods that are truly complementary to quantitative ones.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

15 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

This module provides you with an advanced level of theoretical and practical knowledge in the technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Topics covered include the physiological basis of MRI and fMRI; different study designs in functional imaging research; stages of pre-processing and analysis of data; and interpretation of results. You will have the chance to make a contribution to a real, ongoing fMRI study in terms of observing and/or participating in its execution and contributing to the analysis of the study. You will also gain hands-on experience of Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) software for analysing fMRI data that is invaluable for future research in this area.

Neuroscience of Consciousness

15 credits
Spring Semester, Year 1

Consciousness is one of the last remaining frontiers of scientific exploration, and theories and methods in neuroscience are at the front line of this endeavour. Topics covered in this module include: measuring and studying consciousness; states of consciousness (including wake, dreaming, hypnosis and vegetative state); visual consciousness (including the different roles of visual cortex and fronto-parietal network; blindsight and neglect as disorders of visual awareness); implicit learning and meta-knowledge; psychiatric disturbances of consciousness (eg hallucinations, depersonalisation); interoceptive awareness; consciousness and cortical plasticity (examples of synaesthesia, phantom limb and sensory substitution); computational models of consciousness; biological models of consciousness; and evolutionary approaches to consciousness.

Social Neuroscience

15 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

Social Neuroscience is concerned with how people recognise, understand and interact with each other in social settings. It aims to understand these processes in terms of fundamental cognitive and neural mechanisms that reside in the brain that have been shaped by both individual experience and evolutionary history. Topics covered include: the evolution of social intelligence and culture; neuroscience of emotion; recognising faces and bodies; empathy and simulation theories; 'mentalising' and autism; cooperation and altruism; self and identity; prejudice; anti-social behavior; neuroscience of morality; and the development of social behaviour. Although many of these concepts have been explored in detail by social psychology, the methods of cognitive neuroscience brings a fresh insight into these issues.

Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

15 credits
Autumn Semester, Year 1

In this module, you are introduced to a wide variety of topics in cognitive neuroscience that are not covered by dedicated modules.

You are taught by active researchers and experts in cognitive neuroscience.

You explore the field through lectures and journal clubs, as well as gaining opportunities to focus your research interests through self-directed presentations and study topics.

You develop the ability to discuss and critique current cognitive neuroscience research through a general well-rounded knowledge of topics, methods and good practice.

In your lectures, you cover topics including:

an introduction to methods
neurophysiology
memory
vision
emotion
embodied cognition
reward and decision-making
animal and genetic models of cognition
dementia
event-related potentials
individual-difference approaches to cognitive neuroscience.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to various research topics in cognitive neuroscience and explain how neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been used to uncover neural basis of cognitive functions in humans. You learn a variety of methods used in cognitive neuroscience and how they are applied in practice. Following a discussion of the main methods, the remaining lectures are organised around a series of different cognitive functions such as visual processing, subliminal perception, attention and memory.

Return to top of page