Course Details
The Dementia (Neuroscience) MSc offered by the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology 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.
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), one or two optional modules (up to the value of 30 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 (Neuroscience).
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
- Clinical Neuroscience of Dementia
- Current Research in Dementia
- Neurobiology of Degeneration and Repair
- Higher Functions of the Brain
- Research Methods and Introduction to Statistics
- Practical Neuroscience of Dementia
Optional modules
Students can choose one or two of the following, up to the value of 30 credits:
- Physical Sciences Module 3: Advanced Imaging
- Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia
- Practical Statistics for Mental Health Research
- Neuroscience of Mental Health
- Basic Neuroscience and Investigation of Nervous System (30 credits)
Students can also choose one elective module from the Faculty of Brain Sciences, Life Sciences and Population Health, subject to approval by the Programme Director.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which may take the form of a critical systematic literature review or collection and/or analysis of original data, depending on project availability and student background. Dissertation projects on a range of clinical neuroscience topics. The project culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of online lectures, tutorials, seminars, journal clubs, and patient-based teaching sessions supplemented by self-directed learning. Assessment is through ongoing formative assessments (for example interactive discussions and presentations), timetabled summative assessments (including unseen short-answer examinations, essays, and oral presentations) and a written research project dissertation.
Additional 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.
Careers
For scientists and psychologists, the programme can lead to future placements in clinically oriented research environments or clinical training. For clinicians, this is an excellent opportunity to gain a higher qualification at a world-leading centre of excellence in neurodegeneration research, which could be tailored to a variety of future roles in clinical, research and management fields. Many students have gone on to pursue PhDs and research careers in the fields of dementia and neurodegeneration.
Employability
This unique programme will equip graduates with in-depth knowledge of dementia diseases and their treatments; strong, practical research skills that could facilitate doctoral or postdoctoral research in the field; and transferable scientific communication skills. Students will harness the expertise of scientists and clinicians who are currently setting the neuroscience research agenda in dementia internationally. This experience could support further doctoral studies and applications for nationally funded fellowships. For clinicians, the programme will provide research perspectives and practical skills that could inform subspecialty practice in dementia. We aim to train the next generation of neuroscientific and clinical leaders in dementia.
Course Website
( https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ion/study/postgraduate-taught-degrees/dementia-causes-treatments-and-research-neuroscience-msc )
