This course will expose you to advanced topics in the study of cognition and behaviour including attention, perception, memory, decision-making, and emotion. Furthermore, the course will explore how these cognitive processes link to brain mechanisms by exploring neuroscience approaches and methods. In addition to developing general advanced research design and statistics skills, students will receive advanced training in specialist cognitive neuroscience methods such as EEG, eye-tracking, and brain stimulation with data collection and analysis practicals using our specialist facilities.
The programme involves staff from both Psychology and Life Science (neuroscience), to cover a wide range of topics and approaches. Working closely with our expert staff during your dissertation and research apprenticeship projects, you will be directly involved with cutting-edge research that is geared towards your interests and personal skills development.
Key Features
- Two-semester Advanced Study module focused on exploring a range of different topics in cognition and cognitive neuroscience
- Developing practical skills and theoretical understanding related to Cognitive Neuroscience research methods such as EEG, eye-tracking, MRI, and brain stimulation.
- Opportunities to work directly with expert academics on two contemporary research projects focused on cognition and/or cognitive neuroscience
- Strong focus on your personal skills development throughout the course to help you pursue your career goals
- A broad range of research methods training to maximise your employability skills
- Small group specialist teaching in your chosen field from research-active tutors
- A large cohort of MSc Psychology students sharing the core modules and the Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA) provides a friendly, lively, and supportive peer community
Overall Aims
- To equip you to formulate and conduct research projects within psychology and cognitive neuroscience;
- To develop your knowledge of different theoretical perspectives, philosophical traditions and methodological approaches to psychology and cognitive neuroscience;
- To enable you to understand the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods and different forms of data, and to evaluate their appropriateness for different research problems;
- To enable you to define and formulate research questions and testable hypotheses, and to design appropriate research to answer these questions using relevant methods of data collection, consistent with British Psychological Society principles of ethics and research governance;
- To provide you with knowledge of quantitative approaches to research and data analysis techniques for the study of brain and behaviour;
- To provide you with a range of opportunities to engage with advanced research in substantive areas relevant to their own research topic and to the discipline of psychology;
- To provide you with opportunities to enhance and develop your written and communication skills, independent learning skills, and critical reflection and evaluation skills.
DURATION: 1-year full-time
SUBJECT AREAS: Health and Rehabilitation, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, Science
FEES (2021/22 ACADEMIC YEAR): £16,500
SCHOLARSHIPS: £1,000 to £10,000