Dementia Causes Treatments and Research Neuroscience

The new Dementia MSc is offered jointly by the UCL Institute of Neurology and the Division of Psychiatry and tackles one of the biggest global health problems facing society today. It provides research-oriented and cutting-edge training in the study of dementia and its scientific basis, led by international leaders in the science and practice of dementia. Two specialised pathways, in neuroscience and in mental health, are offered.

The neuroscience pathway brings the latest bench-top research findings to the bedside, develops and integrates basic and clinical neuroscience skills, and equips students for future careers in the clinical practice or basic neuroscience of dementia. 

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

Core modules

• Clinical Neuroscience of Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Current Research in Dementia
• Neurobiology of Degeneration and Repair
• Higher Functions of the Brain
• Research Methods and Critical Appraisal
• Practical Neuroscience of Dementia

Optional modules

• Advanced Neuroimaging
• Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia
• Statistical Methods in Mental Health
• Introduction to Biological Research in Mental Health
• Quality Improvement in Health Care

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which may take the form of a critical literature synthesis or collection and analysis of original data, depending on project availability and student background. The project culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words and a viva voce examination.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, journal clubs, workshops, masterclasses and patient-based teaching sessions supplemented by self-directed learning. Assessment is through ongoing formative assessments, for example interactive discussions and timetabled summative assessments (including short-answer and multiple-choice unseen examinations), essays, posters, oral presentations, and a research project and a final report in the format of a journal paper.

A degree in medicine or a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university of an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in psychology, biological sciences, biology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, anatomy and physiology. Graduates from other scientific disciplines will be considered on an individual basis.