Clinical Neuroscience

This well-established and highly competitive MSc provides students with specialist training in the basic scientific principles of modern neuroscience, and in the application of these principles to the understanding of a wide variety of neurological disorders. Students benefit from studying in an internationally renowned and research-intensive environment at the UCL Institute of Neurology.

Participants gain knowledge of the clinical features and scientific basis of both common and unusual neurological disorders including a study of: genetics of CNS disorders; brain metabolism, neurotransmitters and neurodegeneration; autoimmune disease and repair mechanisms; peripheral nerve and muscle; epilepsy; nociception and pain; motor control; basal ganglia/movement disorders; hearing, balance, vision and eye-movements; cognition and dementia.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits), either a library project or two optional modules (30 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

Core modules

• Basic neuroscience and investigation of Nervous system
• Epilepsy, Pain, Tumours and Special Senses
• Research Methods: Critical Appraisal and Introduction to Statistics
• Motor Systems and Disease
• Higher Functions of the Brain

Optional modules

Students can choose to take two 15-credit options from the list below or the 30-credit Library Project

• Library Project
• Clinical neuroscience of neurodegenerative diseases
• Skeletal Muscle and Associated Diseases
• Peripheral Nerves and Associated Diseases
• Clinical Manifestations of Stroke
• Treatment (HASU and Service Delivery)
• Neurorehabilitation

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through basic and clinical lectures, seminars and practical and interactive workshops. Lectures are supported by audio-visual aids and supplementary materials including handouts, reading lists and references to original papers. Assessment is through unseen and multiple-choice examination, essay, library project (if applicable), dissertation and oral examination.

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in an appropriate subject (neuroscience or related biological science e.g. physiology, psychology, pharmacology, biochemistry; or a medical degree from a UK university) or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required.