Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (MH)

The mental health pathway focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge of the prevention, detection and management of the dementias using epidemiological, psychosocial and clinical trial approaches, and is aimed at graduates wishing to explore or begin a research career in dementia. More information about the neuroscience pathway is also available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

Core/Compulsory modules:

The programme consists of four or five core modules (75 or 105 credits);

Optional modules and dissertation:

Depending on number of core modules taken students choose one, two or three optional modules (worth of 15 or 45 credits); and a dissertation/report (60 credits).

Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (Mental Health).

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Compulsory modules

• Current Research in Dementia (15 credits)
• Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia (15 credits)
• Core Principles of Mental Health Research (30 credits)
• Clinical Neuroscience of Neurodegenerative Diseases (15 credits)
• Clinical Mental Health (30 credits – core for students who do not have either research or clinical experience in the field of dementia)

Optional modules

Optional modules have either a neuroscience, research methods, or quality improvement in health care component and are the following:

• Statistical Methods in Mental Health (15 credits)
• Practical Neuroscience of Dementia (15 credits, Institute of Neurology)
• Higher Functions of the Brain (15 credits, Institute of Neurology)
• Epidemiological and Social Methods in Mental Health (15 credits)
• Introduction to Biological Research in Mental Health (15 credits)
• Quality Improvement in Health Care (15 credits, UCL Medical School)

Other optional modules may be selected from any available in the UCL Division of Psychiatry or elsewhere at UCL, with permission from the Programme Director

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a report of up to 8,000 words, presented as a paper ready to submit to a medical, psychiatric or dementia-specialist journal.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered though a combination of lecture/seminar series and practical interactive workshops, with supportive online learning material. Assessment methods include two unseen examinations, coursework including designing questionnaires and protocols and analysing data in dementia research, writing a critical literature review, giving talks and presentations, and a final report in the format of a journal paper.

Additional costs

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding.

Funding

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study a two-year, two-centre Master’s programme
• what you think the strengths of a “pick and mix” curriculum are
• how you think your previous academic and/or research experience might help you meet the demands of the programme
• what languages you speak, and to what level
• whether or not you want to do a PhD, or other professional scientific or clinical training when you complete the programme

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, in a relevant subject such as psychology, related scientific or social scientific disciplines, medicine, biomedical or biological sciences. Applicants from other disciplines with considerable relevant work experience of dementia will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with a degree in nursing, occupational health or social work with relevant work experience and an interest in dementia can also apply.

Modes and duration

Full time: 1 year Part time: 2 years Flexible: up to 5 years