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  4. School of Psychology Postgraduate Taught Courses
  5. Cognitive Neuroscience, MSc

Cognitive Neuroscience, MSc

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Apply

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Cog neuro featured image

Learn how to design, analyse, and evaluate neuroimaging experiments.

Key Course Details

  • UK
  • International
MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 9,200
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 4,600
MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:1 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 19,550
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:1 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023 £ 9,800

Course Overview

This Master’s degree has been designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate study and PhD research in cognitive neuroscience, experimental psychology, and imaging methods.

You will learn how to design, analyse, and evaluate neuroimaging experiments that contribute to our understanding of the brain mechanisms underpinning aspects of cognition and behaviour such as memory, attention, object recognition, neurodegeneration, and brain trauma.

You will get in-depth training in cognitive neuroscience research, introducing the principles of neuroimaging and gaining hands-on experience in structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI and fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Why Cognitive Neuroscience at Swansea?

Our experience of translating our science from research into real-world impact for patients directly benefits our students as it informs our course content. In the latest research assessment, 100% of our research was considered internationally excellent in terms of our impact (REF2021). 

We are also ranked top 20 in the UK for research by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Our state-of-the-art research facilities include a high-density EEG suite, a fully fitted sleep laboratory, a social observation suite, eye-tracking, psychophysiological, tDCS, and conditioning labs, a lifespan lab and baby room plus more than 20 all-purpose research rooms.

Your Cognitive Neuroscience experience

Our wide range of optional modules means that you can tailor your studies to your particular interests and goals for further study. We can also help you to secure work placements to provide valuable clinical experience. 

Many of our academic staff are leaders in their specialist fields of research, including clinical and health psychology, brain injury, sleep, cognition, neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Cognitive Neuroscience Careers

A Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience will provide you with a vital academic foundation for future study at doctoral level. On completion, you will be able to apply to any competitive PhD programme in cognitive neuroscience nationally and internationally.

The course opens up a range of career options within cognitive neuroscience and related fields including psychology, computing, neurosciences, medicine and computer science

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Modules

You will study a combination of compulsory and optional modules covering key aspects of cognitive neuroscience and generic statistical, writing, and research skills. You will also complete an extended dissertation project, using one of the three neuroimaging techniques.

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert
Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Structure and Function of the BrainSeptember-January10PS-M67
Experimental Design I: Brain StimulationSeptember-January10PS-M68
Experimental Design II: Brain RecordingSeptember-January10PS-M69
Experimental Design III: NeuroimagingSeptember-January10PS-M70
Academic Success: Skills for learning, skills for lifeSeptember-June0SHGM108
NeuropsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M50
Basic fMRI AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M71
EEG AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M73
Critical Issues in Cognitive NeuroscienceJanuary-June15PS-M85
Introduction to Python for PsychologyJanuary-June15PS-M86
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Research Project in Cognitive NeuroscienceJune-September60PS-M54

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students must choose between 40 and 80 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Academic Success: Skills for learning, skills for lifeSeptember-June0SHGM108
Optional Modules
Cog Neuro pt core modules 

Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students will select up to two of the following core modules:

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Structure and Function of the BrainSeptember-January10PS-M67
Critical Issues in Cognitive NeuroscienceJanuary-June15PS-M85
AND
Cog Neuro pt compulsory modules 

Choose Maximum Of 50 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students will select up to five of the following compulsory modules:

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Experimental Design I: Brain StimulationSeptember-January10PS-M68
Experimental Design II: Brain RecordingSeptember-January10PS-M69
Experimental Design III: NeuroimagingSeptember-January10PS-M70
NeuropsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M50
Basic fMRI AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M71
EEG AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M73
Introduction to Python for PsychologyJanuary-June15PS-M86

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students must choose between 40 and 80 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

None found.

Optional Modules
Cog Neuro pt core modules 

Choose Maximum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students will select up to two of the following core modules:

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Structure and Function of the BrainSeptember-January10PS-M67
Critical Issues in Cognitive NeuroscienceJanuary-June15PS-M85
AND
Cog Neuro pt compulsory modules 

Choose Maximum Of 50 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students will select up to five of the following compulsory modules:

Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule CodeGuidance
Statistical MethodsSeptember-January20PS-M16
Experimental Design I: Brain StimulationSeptember-January10PS-M68
Experimental Design II: Brain RecordingSeptember-January10PS-M69
Experimental Design III: NeuroimagingSeptember-January10PS-M70
NeuropsychologyJanuary-June10PS-M50
Basic fMRI AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M71
EEG AnalysisJanuary-June10PS-M73
Introduction to Python for PsychologyJanuary-June15PS-M86
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
Module NameModule DurationCreditsModule Code
Research Project in Cognitive NeuroscienceJune-September60PS-M54

Entry Requirements

To apply for this course you will need:

  • A minimum of a UK 2.1 degree in Psychology, or a related discipline
  • A range of qualifications from international applicants are considered
  • If you are a non-first language English speaker you will need to have a minimum of IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in all domains, or a University approved equivalent, prior to starting the programme.
  • Applications are welcomed from non-standard applicants. If you wish to be considered for non-graduate entry you must have a non-graduate qualification followed by significant work, or other, experience which has been assessed as appropriate for admission. 

How You're Taught

The full-time Master’s degree for Cognitive Neuroscience is studied over one year, whilst the part-time degree is studied over two years.

The course is taught through a variety of methods including: lectures, discussions/debates, critical assessment of peer-reviewed articles, hands-on data preprocessing and analysis, training in writing research reports, creating conference posters, and effective presentations.

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of your course. Apart from a small number of online-only courses, most of our courses consist of in-person, on-campus teaching, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students.

Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.  

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh. Many University departments develop and offer Welsh medium or bilingual modules as part of their courses so you will need to discuss the possibilities with the relevant Programme Director. You can study a module or modules through the medium of Welsh where possible or submit your dissertation in Welsh with guidance from a subject specialist through the medium of Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

  • Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
  • Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
  • The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
  • A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
  • One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
  • An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
  • Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

  • a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
  • a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
  • a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
  • a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

Find out more about the Psychology team at Swansea.

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date UK International
September 2022 £ 8,750 £ 18,600
September 2023 £ 9,200 £ 19,550

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date UK International
September 2022 £ 4,400 £ 9,250
September 2023 £ 4,600 £ 9,800

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

  • Travel to and from campus
  • Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
  • Purchase of books or texts
  • Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

  • Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
  • Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
  • Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
  • Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
  • Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Maths and statistics
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Digital skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Note taking
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques
  • English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

  • An introduction to postgraduate study
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    • Postgraduate Taught Courses coming soon
    • School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, General & Mechanical Engineering Postgraduate Taught Courses
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    • School of Psychology Postgraduate Taught Courses
      • Research Methods in Psychology, MSc
      • Forensic Psychology, MSc
      • Cognitive Neuroscience, MSc
      • Clinical Psychology and Mental Health, MSc
    • School of Social Sciences Postgraduate Taught Courses
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