Psychology and Neuroscience

Our MSci Psychology and Neuroscience 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. It 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. This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, opening the door to further professional training in psychology. 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 conduct an original research project in neuroscience, producing an in-depth literature review and research proposal within a specialist domain. In addition, you can choose from a menu of optional units, focused on areas such as neurological and psychiatric disorders, or behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.

In the final year, you will learn about applying your research skills to real-world problems and there are further opportunities to explore a variety of interdisciplinary topics in greater depth (for example, social neuroscience). The knowledge and skills you have acquired up to this point culminate in your final year project, in which you will complete a substantial piece of original psychological research.

Teaching is undertaken by internationally renowned academics. We use a variety of teaching methods (for example: lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes and group work) and assessment formats (for example: essays, research reports, in-class presentations and examinations). 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.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• British Psychological Society