Overview
Work alongside world leading researchers. Get hands-on experience with our specialist facilities and gain the skills required to pursue a PhD or research career in cognitive neuroscience or related disciplines.
The lecturers were very friendly and supportive and there was a wide array of specialities, so it was easy to find a supervisor who was interested in [my] research area
Careers
You could pursue further postgraduate study or research, work for universities, hospitals or research units active in cognitive psychology and/or the brain sciences. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move up to our Psychology PhD.
Modules & assessment
Core modules
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Imaging and Diagnostics in Cognitive Neuroscience
You will learn about the strengths and limitations of the various imaging techniques currently available to investigate the relationship between mind and brain. These include methods such as structural and functional neuroimaging (sMRI, fMRI, and PET), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and neuropsychological approaches. This course covers the methodological foundations of cognitive neuroscience, including brain neuroanatomy and neuropsychological assessment. This course also includes a practical introduction to SPM 12, which is a program widely used for analysing brain imaging data. -
Current Theoretical Issues in Cognitive Neuroscience
In this module cover the theoretical foundations of the cognitive neuroscience approach and will address many of the leading topics in the field. These include memory and learning, face and visual object processing, language, central executive function and intelligence. The module will cover past and present research, although the emphasis will be on currently unresolved theoretical debates. -
Issues in Scientific Research
This module is designed to help introduce you to the theoretical and practical complexities of the research process. The module will cover both qualitative and quantitative techniques, and it is aimed as a series of taster sessions. If you feel any of the techniques suits your research, your supervisor, and expert members of staff, will help you learn more about your chosen technique. Research training in the form of literature searching, constructing literature reviews, communicating and publicising your work will also be covered. Additional areas to be covered in this module include: The research process, research techniques, research ethics and scientific writing skills. This module is delivered face-to-face over 24h of lectures (2h per week) and requires 264h of student managed learning (11 hours for workshop preparation, 75h for reading and writing essays and 78 h for writing the portfolio) totalling 288h hours of learning activities. -
Quantitative Research Methods
Develop a critical understanding of the principles of data collection and analysis for psychology and consider the theoretical basis of advanced quantitative methods. You will analyse example data sets using general linear models such as ANOVA, MANOVA, ANCOVA, multiple linear regression, and factor analysis. You will learn about good reporting practices and will learn how to report and interpret complex results. These chosen statistical methods have been directed by the Economic and Social Research Council's Postgraduate Training Guidelines (fourth and fifth editions). -
Masters Project
You'll chose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within our department (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 12,000 words.
Assessment
We’ll assess your theoretical and applied understanding using essays, portfolios, exams, computer-based processing of brain imaging data, statistical data analysis and your dissertation.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Specialist facilities
You can use several dedicated, sound attenuated research laboratories, equipped with networked computers, as well as: an observation laboratory, including a two-way mirror; an electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory; an eye-tracking laboratory; a psycholinguistics laboratory; a psychometrics laboratory and a psychoneuroimmunology laboratory.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK & EU students starting 2020/21 (per year)
£7,900
UK & EU students starting 2020/21 (part-time, per year)
£3,950
International students starting 2020/21 (per year)
£14,100
International students starting 2020/21 (part-time, per year)
£7,050
Important fee notes
The part-time course fee assumes that you're studying at half the rate of a full-time student (50% intensity). Course fees will be different if you study over a longer period. All fees are for guidance purposes only.
How do I pay my fees?
Paying upfront
If you're a UK or EU student, you won't need to pay fees until you've accepted an offer to study with us – though you must pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments.
How to pay your fees directlyInternational students
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will also ask you for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter. Details will be in your offer letter.
Paying your feesFunding for UK & EU students
It’s important to decide how to fund your course before applying. Use our finance guide for postgraduate students to learn more about postgraduate loans and other funding options.
We offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships, which provide extra financial support while you're at university. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Funding for international students
We offer a number of scholarships, as well as an early payment discount. Explore your options:
Entry requirements
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@anglia.ac.uk for further information.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for postgraduate courses.
International students
We welcome applications from international and EU students, and accept a range of international qualifications.
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.
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