Clinical Neuroscience MSc

This programme focuses on the areas of pathology and clinical diagnostics and so provides an alternate to a postgraduate landscape dominated by computational and imaging aspects of neuroscience. In addition to Neuroscience and Psychology with Neuroscience graduates, the content of this programme also provides CPD opportunities for Health Service practitioners in their first years of clinical practice.

Why study MSc/PGDip Clinical Neuroscience at Middlesex University?

Our Biomedical and Biological Science courses have a burgeoning international reputation, due to our research in areas including biomarkers, public health and biomodelling. Neurophysiology course leader Dr Marc Rayan has conducted research into signal analysis, and as a former practitioner has clinical experience in the recording and analysis of  electrical signals from the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

Our course will provide you with both in-depth practical experience and comprehensive, up- to-date theoretical knowledge. Our teaching and research facilities are comparable to UK medical schools and are the perfect place to work on your own research project. We have a specialist clinical physiology laboratory, which houses a wide range of diagnostic equipment and is run by experienced practitioners. As well as attending practical classes in the lab, you'll be able to use it for independent study and research; you'll also have access to specialist journals.

In our partnership with Saracens Rugby Club, you’ll have access to the fantastic resources at StoneX Stadium, including the brand new £23 million redevelopment project of the West Stand which offers state-of-the-art facilities as a top educational and high performance centre for teaching and research excellence. With some of the most advanced equipment in the UK, you will be able to utilise the new specialist spaces, simulation suites, specialist labs, plus much more.

Please note: this programme will not lead to a qualification as a Healthcare Scientist (Neurophysiologist). For further information please follow the links below:

Course highlights

• Our staff are supportive and hands-on – ever-ready with advice on your studies, they're also known for their strong pastoral care and for going the extra mile for their students. All our teaching staff are involved in research and many are pioneers in their own field.
• As well as a sound knowledge of how different problems affect the brain and nervous system, and modern diagnostic and research techniques, you'll develop the critical analysis skills needed for literature reviews and an understanding of relevant ethical issues.
• Our unique Biomedical Ethics and Law module will give you additional skills to help you progress up the career ladder. You'll cover professional ethics, regulatory frameworks and a range of legal frameworks.
• The course will also improve your IT, numeracy, research, communication, teamwork, managerial, presentation and problem-solving skills.
• A dedicated research and statistical methods module.
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

Why study MSc/PGDip Clinical Neuroscience at Middlesex University?

You’ll gain a sound understanding of potential problems and diseases of the brain and nervous system, the equipment and techniques that can be used to diagnose them and possible treatments. You’ll study two core modules, common to all our postgraduate biomedical and biological science courses: biomedical ethics and law and experimental design and statistics. Alongside these you’ll study six specialist physiology modules: neurobiology; neuropathology; paediatric neurophysiology; peripheral neurophysiology;  acquisition and analysis of neural data; specialised techniques in clinical neurophysiology.

The core modules will cover how to design and carry out experiments and statistical analyses; literature searching, referencing and citation; ethical and legal issues, such as those surrounding research on animals and humans, assisted reproduction and genetics.

The specialist modules will cover physiological signal sampling and analysis, including EMG and EEG; neurophysiology in children; peripheral neurophysiology and different NCV recording techniques; neurophysiological diagnostic methods.

You’ll then work on a dissertation, which will involve planning and carrying out your own independent, analytical research project and critically evaluating your results. It may be possible to do either an experimental or observational study and can base your project at your workplace if you’re in relevant employment. As part of your project, you’ll research relevant literature and carry out a literature review. You’ll present your findings through a written report and a verbal presentation.

How will the MSc Clinical Neuroscience be taught?

You will attend practical laboratory sessions, lectures and seminars, and carry out your own study and research in your spare time, which will include the use of online resources.

Assessment

As well as practical and theoretical exams and your research project and dissertation, methods of assessment will include written assignments, including laboratory reports, and presentations. You’ll receive regular feedback on your work, including your assessed work, and will also be asked to evaluate your own work.

How can our MSc in Clinical Neuroscience support your career?

If you're already working in neurophysiology, our MSc will help you progress to a more senior position.. You'll be equally well-qualified to do a PhD and move onto a career in research (for which an MSc is increasingly becoming a requirement), developing new diagnostic techniques and treatments.

As well as in-depth knowledge of your subject, our course will provide you with many transferable skills. It will improve your research, data collection and interpretation, IT, numeracy, communication, presentation, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as your confidence and your ability to work under your own initiative and manage your own time.