PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MRes
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
N/A
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2012 intake onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Brain Sciences (formerly Life Sciences)
Parent Department:
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Division of Psychology and
Language Sciences
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.icn.ucl.ac.uk/MSc-in-Cognitive-Neuroscience/index.php
(if applicable)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/lifesciences-faculty/degreeprogrammes/cognitive-neuroscience/
The sites will be updated when approval for the MRes is in place.
Method of study:
Full-time only
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Provided at the end of the programme specification below
Length of the programme:
One year of full-time study
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Masters Level (Level 7)
The programme is consistent with the subject benchmarking
statements for psychology (QAA 207 12/07).
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
The programme consists of four taught modules (15 UCL credits
each). Two key skills modules are compulsory, and two are optional
(one from Methods- oriented group and one from the Topic-oriented
group. There is a substantial research project (120 credits).
The taught modules are a subset of those associated with the MSc in
Cognitive Neuroscience. These modules can roughly be divided into
two: those that focus on the methods of cognitive neuroscience and
those that focus on current topics in the field (see categorization
below). The modules force a proper grounding in research methods
for all students, but also offer students with an existing background in
cognitive neuroscience methods the possibility to expand their
knowledge of topics in the field. The modules will be assessed via the
methods associated with each module (see below).
Key Skills modules (compulsory)
PSYCGR01: Generic research skills – statistics (3 45min MCQ
exams and essay)
PSYCGC13: Theories and paradigms in cognitive neuroscience
(2,000-3,000 word written essay)
Methods-oriented modules (at least two):
PSYCGC14: Structure and measurement of the human brain (2-hour
unseen written exam)
PSYCGC15: Methods in cognitive neuroscience I: lesion approaches
(two 1,000-1,500 word written reports)
PSYCGC11: Methods in cognitive neuroscience II: neuroimaging (two
1,000-1,500 word written reports)
PSYCGC20: Design and Analysing fMRI Experiments (one 2,0003,000 word written essay)
Topic-oriented modules (at most two):
PSYCGC10: Current issues in cognitive neuroscience I: fundamental
processes (2,000-3,000 word written essay)
PSYCGC08: Current issues in cognitive neuroscience II: elaborative
and adaptive processes (2,000-3,000 word written essay)
PSYCGC09: Current issues in cognitive neuroscience III: translational
research (2,000-3,000 word written essay)
The mandatory research project involves independent research in the
area of cognitive neuroscience, undertaken under the supervision of a
UCL expert. The nature of the project will vary widely. However, all
projects revolve around empirical research. Library projects are not
allowed. The project will be assessed with a 15,000-17,000 word
written dissertation.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Cognitive Neuroscience Board of Examiners
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
N/A
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and targets students who wish to pursue research on the mind and the
brain, in health and disease. The programme aims to teach the foundations, methodology, and state of knowledge in
the field of cognitive neuroscience. The programme develops key research skills in this area and serves as a basis
for PhD study in an academic setting or a research career in industry or business. The MRes also promotes key
skills that prepare students for more general careers in clinical psychology, marketing, teaching, and consultancy.
The programme is designed to embrace students’ individual interests and career aims by allowing a choice of taught
modules and research projects.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Core principles and applications of
cognitive neuroscience; history of
cognitive neuroscience; how to study the
neural bases of mental phenomena;
human brain anatomy; methods of
measuring brain function and brain
structure; experimental design and
statistics; ethical and safety issues in
neuroimaging; neural bases of
fundamental, elaborative, adaptive, and
applied functions in healthy individuals
across the life span and in brain-damaged
patients.
Lectures and seminars including student presentations;
discussion of key papers; problem classes; laboratory
classes; supervised dissertation.
Assessment:
Exam/Essay/Exercises/Report/Dissertation
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Able to evaluate the pros and cons of
different neuroimaging techniques;
understand the logic of experimental
design and analysis; able to design
experiments on the relationship between
the mind and the brain; able to choose the
appropriate measure for an experimental
question; able to specify appropriate
psychological tasks for an experimental
question.
Seminars; practical experimental, statistical and
computational work; supervised dissertation.
Assessment:
Exam/Essay/Exercises/Report/Dissertation
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Analyze data, including statistical
analysis; program computers; design and
implement experiments in the area of
cognitive neuroscience; search the
worldwide web for information and
references; use a range of software
packages, including word processing,
visual presentations, and spreadsheets;
apply cognitive neuroscience methods.
Practical experimental, statistical and computational
work; supervised dissertation.
Assessment:
Exam/Essay/Exercises/Report/Dissertation
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Think logically and critically; disseminate
knowledge; communicate effectively in
oral and written form; interact effectively
with individuals and small groups; solve
problems; organize and manage projects;
time management; independent learning;
oral presentations.
Seminars; practical experimental, statistical and
computational work; supervised dissertation.
Assessment:
Exam/Essay/Exercises/Report/Dissertation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by
UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr Leun J. Otten
Name(s):
Date of Production:
14 September 2011
Date of Review:
February 2013
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2014
November 2015
Entry Criteria for the MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience
Programme(s)
MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience
Entry into the programme is competitive.
Applications are evaluated alongside each
other on the criteria outlined below. The
stringency of the criteria depends on the
number and quality of applications that are
received. There is an initial application
deadline at the end of January in the year of
the start of the programme. Applications
received by this date will undergo an initial
review process. Offers will be issued to
highly suitable candidates and rejections to
unsuitable candidates. Applications of
candidates who are potentially suitable will
be evaluated alongside new applications.
All places are typically filled by the
beginning of July.
The entry criteria are highly similar to those
used for the MSc in Cognitive
Neuroscience. However, applicants to the
MRes programme will be evaluated more
stringently on their interests, capabilities,
and career plans with respect to research in
the field of mind-brain relationships.
Academic Performance/Potential
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
(Including compulsory subjects and
modules)
The minimum requirements for applicants
to be considered are:
(1) 2:1 or above Honours degree in
psychology or other suitable scientific
discipline (e.g. neuroscience, linguistics,
biomedical science, philosophy, natural
sciences, anatomy, medicine, speech
sciences, physiology, cognitive science,
computer science) from a UK institution, or
equivalent overseas qualification from an
institution recognized by UCL. Candidates
with qualifications in other subjects will be
considered if they can demonstrate to have
the skills, knowledge, and ability to
successfully complete the MRes.
or
(2) on course trajectory to achieve the
above.
Preference is given to applicants from
research-intensive universities whose
transcript shows evidence of good marks
across the board and especially for
modules with direct relevance to the MRes
(e.g. the independent research project,
research methods, statistics, cognitive
neuroscience, biological psychology,
neuropsychology, and cognition).
Other Requirements
(Graduate degree)
If the above is not satisfied a minimum pass
at M-level in a psychology, neuroscience, or
medical sciences degree (with research
component) is required.
English Language Requirement Level
Applicants must have a UCL “good” level of
English (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/graduate-study/applicationadmission/english-language). International
students must satisfy the UK Border
Agency (UKBA) English language
proficiency requirements for Tier 4 general
student visas.
Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Relevant Work Experience
(i.e. What type of work experience? What is
the compensation for the shortfall on
degree grade? Is there a requirement for a
qualifying essay?)
Relevant work experience with
demonstrated excellence (in for example a
medical, academic, neuroimaging, or
neuropsychological environment) can
enhance the first degree by one step.
Applicants with a 2:2 degree will only be
considered in the absence of applicants
with a higher degree class. Relevant work
experience can be used to demonstrate the
ability to successfully complete the MRes
when the applicant’s background is not in a
suitable subject area.
Professional Accreditation
Not applicable.
Non-Academic Conditions
(i.e. CRB, Occupational Health)
Generally not applicable. Some of the
research projects that are part of the MRes
require a CRB check. This can be arranged
after the start of the programme.
References
A minimum of two references are required.
At least one, but preferably both, should be
academic. Preference will be given to
candidates who come highly recommended
and whose references indicate research
potential, past research excellence, critical
thinking and writing abilities, and academic
independence and excellence. Preference
is given to references written by academics
who are very clearly in a position to
understand the demands of this particular
programme and subject area, and evaluate
the applicant’s academic potential in
respect of them.
Additional Criteria
Other skills or capabilities required to
pursue the programme
A good level of basic IT ability, with
excellent familiarity of word processing and
tabulation, spreadsheets, basic image
processing and manipulation abilities, and
preferably familiarity with SPSS, MINITAB,
SAS or similar common statistical
packages. MATLAB experience is useful
but not required, as is experience with
programming.
Consideration will be given to prizes,
awards, scholarships, scientific
publications, conference attendance and
presentations, workshop attendance, and
any other skills or experiences that are
relevant for a career in cognitive
neuroscience.
Applicants are expected to complete a
personal statement, the details of which are
described at:
http://www.icn.ucl.ac.uk/MRES-inCognitive-Neuroscience/guidelines.php
The personal statement should
demonstrate a strong interest in cognitive
neuroscience, a strong motivation to
undertake the MRes, scientific writing skills,
an ability to think critically about research
and the use of experimental evidence to
make a critical argument, an ability to
understand and design psychological
experiments, an indication of research
interests and a planned research-related
career path.
Evidence of the understanding that students
will work independently throughout the
academic year with support from tutors and
that they will be expected to do original
research, likely using quantitative
techniques.
Understanding of what pursuing the
programme entails
Applicants should demonstrate an
understanding of the programme content
and requirements, usually via the personal
statement. Applicants should understand
that the programme teaches mind-brain
relationships in health and disease, and not
just the brain (i.e. it is not a neuroscience
degree). Understanding that this is a
research masters degree with a focus on
current cognitive neuroscience research as
conducted in the Institute of Cognitive
Neuroscience and other research
departments and institutes at UCL.
Students should expect that textbook-level
knowledge will be assumed.
Motivation to study the programme
Evidence, usually via the personal
statement, that the applicant’s career plans
are commensurate with the outcomes of
the programme. It is expected that most
applicants will wish to pursue a PhD, a
research career in industry or business, or a
clinical degree programme. However, it
should be understood that the programme
does not result in accreditation as a
neuropsychologist or automatic progression
onto a PhD or clinical programme.
Motivation to study at UCL
Applicants should demonstrate an
understanding of the advantages of
studying cognitive neuroscience at UCL and
a realization that UCL is one of the top
universities in the world in this area.
Any non-academic achievements
Not applicable.
Additional Selection
The ASSP project aims to cease
interviewing in all but exceptional cases.
Programmes wishing to continue
interviewing will need to justify why they
are required.
1. What is the purpose of the
interview?
2. What form does it take?
3. What is considered at interview?
4. Who is interviewed?
5. Who assesses the interviews?
Interviews are not normally part of the
application process. Interviews may be
conducted on rare occasions when
information that is crucial for the final
decision is either not available or unclear
from the written application material. In
those cases, candidates will initially be
contacted via email and, if necessary, be
offered a telephone/Skype interview with
the Admissions Tutor or Programme
Director to obtain the required information.