Psychology and Neuroscience (MSci)

This course will equip you to combine the critical, theoretical and practical skills central to psychology with a cellular, synaptic and systems-level understanding of brain function from neuroscience. The course emphasises the empirical study of the nervous system, mind and behaviour. We want our students to share a sense of fun and adventure in exploring and combining these different perspectives. MSci Psychology and Neuroscience are taught by experts who are enthusiastic about teaching students the latest developments in the field based on the research that they are conducting. In Psychology, use a variety of teaching methods (for example: lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes, group work) and assessment formats (for example: essays, research reports, in-class presentations, examinations). This variety of learning experiences caters for variations in students' learning styles and it is accredited by theBritish Psychological Society. It provides you with a pathway to becoming a professional psychologist. More generally, it provides you with knowledge and skills from both disciplines, which you can apply in a wide range of careers. In the first year, you will be introduced to what psychology can reveal about the mind and human behaviour, and the neuroanatomical pathways and cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying brain function. In the second year, you will continue to develop your understanding of biological, cognitive, social, developmental and individual differences in psychology, alongside the different techniques used to study the nervous system. The third year will continue your training in research design and analysis. You will also have the opportunity to focus on specific research areas, such as neurological and psychiatric disorders or interdisciplinary areas, such as behavioural and cognitive neuroscience. The knowledge and skills you acquire culminate in your final year project, in which you will complete a substantial piece of original psychological research. In addition to subject-specific knowledge and skills, you will develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, scientific literacy, research skills, and both oral and written communication skills (including the skills involved in presenting to an audience). These skills are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries. They will also help prepare you for postgraduate study in psychology, neuroscience and beyond.