The aim of the MSc Clinical Neuroscience is to give students a unique understanding of the principles underlying the clinical presentation and investigation of diseases affecting the brain. Emphasis is given to translation from basic science to clinical practice. The course is suitable for students particularly interested in neuroscience and its applications to neurological or psychiatric diseases.
KEY BENEFITS
- Programme provides a deep and detailed understanding of brain diseases.
- Emphasis on translation from basic science to clinical practice.
- Designed to introduce the basic scientific concepts upon which clinical symptoms, signs and practice are based.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Clinical and non-clinical academic careers in neurology, psychiatry and allied health care professions. PhD studies.
Programme leader/s
Dr Gerald Finnerty
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, September to August.
Location
Denmark Hill Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
Institute of Psychiatry
Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Closing date
31 July.
Intake
30 FT expected.
Fees
FT Home: £9000 (2013)
FT Overseas: £22000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Dept of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, tel 020 7848 5438.
Email
Website
PURPOSE
Provides students with a unique understanding of the underlying principles of neurological symptoms, signs, investigations and diseases. Particular emphasis is given to translation from basic science to clinical practice. Suitable for degree holders in medicine and professions allied to medicine. Will equip graduates with the tools for the next stage of their career either clinically or if pursuing research e.g. PhD.
DESCRIPTION
The programme enables trainees in neurology, psychiatry and related health-care disciplines to study the anatomical, physiological and pathological basis of symptoms and signs of brain disorders. The course aims to: provide in-depth knowledge and skills related to specialist clinical practice; develop a detailed understanding of; systematically integrate advances in genetics, molecular neuroscience, electrophysiology and neuroimaging into clinical practice; work independently within a multidisciplinary environment; work at an advanced level to develop and sustain evidence-based practice; appraise and conduct clinical research and audit; critically evaluate their own and others' research.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
- Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
- Neurology in Clinical Practice
- Research Methods in Clinical Neuroscience
- The Anatomical and Physiological basis of Neurological Disease
- Dissertation.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Units are taught twice a week. Units consist of formal lectures and clinical case presentations, followed by a master class in which the case is discussed in depth. There is a written assessment and presentation of essay for each module, and an end-of-term programme dissertation.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7PAPNCMN
Credit level: 7
The student will understand the cellular and molecular basis of neurological disease. A background on normal molecular mechanisms and cell biology underlying neuronal function will be given, followed by an exploration of the interaction of pharmaceutical agents with neuronal receptors and the clinical effects expected. A background on genetics and gene-hunting techniques will be given and an exploration of genetic defects and the insights this gives to neurological disease mechanisms. The student will understand the basis of therapeutics. The student will understand the principles of neuronal function. The student will understand genetics and how genes relate to neural proteins and function.
The programme provides knowledge and understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of neuronal function, an overview of neurophysiology on a cellular level, neurogenetics, population genetics and pharmacogenetics, and an understanding of pharmacotherapeutics on a molecular level. Students will understand how this relates to neurological disease, allowing them to understand the scientific principles of clinical neuroscience, identify multiple ways to solve a clinical problem and critically assess the evidence for and against interventions or treatments. Students will therefore be able to identify relevant information from a variety of sources and order and interpret appropriate investigations and treatments.
Assessment is by a two-hour unseen examination, a 2000-word essay (each worth 50% of the final grade for this module).
Module code: 7PAPNDIS
Credit level: 7
The educational aims of this module are to enable the student to: conduct an independent small research project; collect, collate and analyse primary and secondary data; develop the skills required to evaluate literature and critically assess evidence base; acquire an appropriate level of statistical knowledge and the ability to apply this; understand how to discuss and explain methodology specific to a research project; develop writing skills and an understanding of the logical flow of a thesis.
At the end of the module, the student will have demonstrated the ability to: conduct an independent small research project; collect, collate, analyse primary and secondary data; evaluate literature and critically assess evidence base; demonstrate an advanced level of application of statistical tests to a data set; discuss and explain methodology specific to a research project; write up research findings and arrive at informed conclusions.
Assessment is by a 10,000-word dissertation, which accounts for 100% of the final grade for this module.
Module code: 7PAPNNCP
Credit level: 7
The student will understand the methods and interpretation of clinical signs and symptoms in neurological disease. A background on history taking and interpretation, examination, examination findings and their interpretation, and the tools available to neurologists for the investigation of neurological disease will be given. The emphasis will be on neuroimaging, but neurophysiology, immunology and pathology will be included. Students will understand the use and interpretation of neurological investigative tools and their relationship with the underlying lesion or functional disturbance. Therapeutics will be discussed at a mechanistic level and in clinical practice.
The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the methods and interpretation of symptoms, signs and investigations used in neurological disease. This will include effective history taking, correct examination technique, and the diagnostic logic used to arrive at a diagnosis. The use of neuroimaging, neurophysiology and psychological investigations in coming to a diagnosis will be understood. The therapeutic options available and their mechanisms will be understood.
Assessment is by a two-hour unseen examination, a 2000-word essay (each worth 50% of the final grade for this module).
Module code: 7PAPNPMN
Credit level: 7
The educational aims of this module are to gain advanced knowledge and understanding of research design and methodology. A background will be given on the procedures required to plan, develop and run a research project, with an emphasis on clinical trials. Ethics, grant-writing, project design, analysis and interpretation will be explored. Students will understand the issues in undertaking research.
The programme provides students with knowledge and understanding of the methods required to undertake a research project, including the ethical approval process, R&D requirements, grant writing, study design and publishing. Students will understand the methods that lead to the generation of hypotheses through critical evaluation of existing knowledge, the design of studies to test the hypotheses generated, the evaluation of study designs in published data, and the critical evaluation of research papers required for advanced learning.
Assessment is by a two-hour unseen examination, a 2000-word essay (each worth 50% of the final grade for this module).
Module code: 7PAPNMND
Credit level: 7
Assessment:
written examination/s; coursework;
The student will understand the anatomical basis of symptoms reported by patients and signs elicited by the examiner. A background in neuroanatomy will be given starting with single neurons and progressing to networks and tracts. The relationship between disruption of neural function either in individual neurons or in networks will be explored, and the symptoms and signs this is expected to produce will be discussed. The student will understand the relationship between clinical findings and underlying anatomical lesions.
The programme provides a knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of neurological disease, allowing students to understand the scientific principles of clinical neuroscience, identify multiple ways to solve a clinical problem and critically assess the evidence for and against interventions or treatments. Students will therefore be able to identify relevant information from a variety of sources and order and interpret appropriate investigations and treatments.
Assessment is by a two-hour unseen examination, a 2000-word essay (each worth 50% of the final grade for this module).
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A degree (2:1 or higher preferable) in medical science or a biological subject with a neurobiological component. Medical students can intercalate the course after completing three years of medical studies.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications are normally processed within two weeks of receiving references. All applicants are welcome to visit the department by arrangement.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
All applicants should supply a personal statement detailing your previous relevant experience, reasons for applying and career aims.
FUNDING
Self-funded or funded by employer.
Student profiles
Clinical Neuroscience MSc
For the late David Marr, the Institute of Psychiatry was an early stepping stone in a career of seminal works in cognitive neuroscience – a corpus that inspired me to pursue a career in neuroscience research. I initially was drawn to King's College in this way. I especially enjoy the room for independent learning at King's, and the focus on extracurricular seminars and talks. I truly believe in a holistic education, one not merely limited to the scheduled lectures or assignments.
After the MSc in Clinical Neuroscience, I plan to do a PhD on the subject of human cognition, e.g. memory, attention, and vision. King's offers me a chance to embrace a wider view of my field, not only so I can better assess my career options, but also for pure intellectual curiosity. I would strongly encourage prospective students to consider such opportunities that come with studying at King's during their application process, and in addition, to try and make the most of these opportunities when they arrive at King's. I for one know that all my efforts to do so have thus far been very rewarding.
Clinical Neuroscience MScI chose to study at King's as I felt the university offered me the two things I was looking for when considering studying as a postgraduate: a world-renowned reputation and a course I was really interested in.
I found the course a challenge but one in which I was supported the entire way through. In addition to providing me with a great MSc and a wealth of knowledge in neuroscience, this MSc has helped me obtain a Graduate job in Life and Health (re)insurance, where my knowledge subject areas including Alzheimer's and MND/ALS, as well as the general research and analytical skills I have gained, will be of immense use.
King's does have a very active social side to it – the students' union is always a hive of activity and the heart of the social aspect of the university. There are lots of different social clubs available for whatever you're interested in and it's a great way to meet new people and make new friends who will share at least some of the same interests as you.
Clinical Neuroscience MSc
As a medical student at King’s, I had the opportunity to intercalate an additional degree before my final year, at any university of my choice. Having already spent the past five years at King’s, I was completely aware of its esteemed reputation, its dedication to the support of international students, and its web over central London, in the form of four modern campuses.
Harbouring a growing interest in Neurology, I was delighted to discover the Master's in Clinical Neuroscience course at the IoP. The description of its four modules on the website promised a bird’s eye view of the vast subject of Neuroscience, along with the opportunity to tailor a dissertation project in an area of one’s choice.
Perfectly balancing the academic and clinical scales of Neurology/Neuroscience, the course strived to fairly cater to the various academic backgrounds of its students. The course added not only several invaluable credits to my CV, but even more to my development as an ethical, self-confident, well-read and statistically sound researcher. As an international student, I unfortunately had to self-fund, but a single morning spent in stimulating lectures, an afternoon spent in the cozy yet well-equipped IoP library, and the evening spent roaming the innermost “neurons” of London made every pound spent worth more than just a 100 pennies.
Clinical Neuroscience MScI studied for the MSc in Clinical Neuroscience as a part of my Fellowship from Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, where I had worked as a psychiatrist. The course provided me with in depth knowledge in clinical neuroscience which was very helpful in developing a better understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, the course brought me with the opportunity to meet many inspiring and excellent doctors and researchers from various fields, e.g. Neurology, Neuropsychiatry, Neurosurgery, Neuropsychology, Neurophysiology and Medical Physics. I had a chance to initiate a dissertation project according to my own interests with very helpful support from my supervisors. The results from my project have been submitted to an international academic conference and a medical journal. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life as I received supervision from world leaders in the relevant fields. The excellent academic support, e.g. library services and English classes, was advantageous for my study. Moreover, the inspiring academic environment at theInstituteofPsychiatryprovided me with the opportunity to develop professional networks and engage in further multidisciplinary research after the MSc. I am now involved with a project to investigate the neuropsychiatry of Parkinson’s disease and deep brain stimulation at King’s College Hospital.