Clinical Neuroscience Practice MSc/PGCert

Students can complete their remaining credits by selecting optional modules, studying alongside students from other courses.

• Clinical Trials (15 credits)

  This module introduces the principles and complexities of clinical trials, emphasizing their role in evidence-based research. You will learn about trial setup, management, validity, and real-world application through lectures, practical sessions, quizzes, and online courses. Early lectures cover foundational concepts, while subsequent lectures, presented by experts in the field (internal and external to City St George's), will focus on specific aspects of trial conduct. Pre-lecture readings and seminar-style Q&A sessions will encourage deeper engagement with research literature. A key component of the module is an online research ethics and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) course, required for clinical trial work, with certification upon completion. Students will document their work in a practical session notebook, which contributes to the ICA assessment. The final ICA task involves designing a clinical trial protocol to evaluate trial design, implementation, ethics, analysis, and reporting. The module concludes with expert presentations on landmark clinical trials, integrating key themes covered throughout the course.

• Comparative Health Systems (15 credits)

  Drawing on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of a health care system as “all organizations, people and actions whose primary intent is to promote, restore or maintain health” (WHO: 2007), this module explores the complexity of health system objectives, functions, and infrastructure. Although the WHO definition is necessarily broad, it highlights the diverse factors that influence health at systemic and policy levels. Throughout the module, students will examine the key questions and challenges involved in comparing different health policies and health systems. By investigating how various models address determinants of health, you will gain a deeper understanding of the strategies, structures, and outcomes that shape population health.

• Case Studies in Drug Discovery & Development (15 credits)

  The development of new medicines generally begins with breakthroughs in basic science, leading to target identification and lead development, then pre-clinical and clinical trials before translation to patients (clinical efficacy) and eventually into practice (implementation). Biomedical scientists work at any stage along this translational “bench-to-bedside” process. The first half of this module will illustrate the translational research arc by focusing specifically on malaria, covering the natural history of malaria, the life cycle of the malaria parasite, followed by an overview of the discovery and development of early antimalarials, clinical studies and resistance reversal strategies. In the second half of the module, students will be introduced to great variety of translational research projects carried out by researchers at City St George’s.

• Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)

  This module will cover the structure and variations in the human genomics, including fundamental principles of genetics and genomics. Students undertaking this module will review the architecture of the human genome and the functional units embedded in it. Students will also cover aspects of gene regulation and chromatin structure and consider the importance of the epigenome in these processes. In addition, this module will cover DNA sequence variation and structural variation; how this sort of variation is normal but that sometimes it can be associated with disease. Classic chromosomal abnormalities will be described and the mechanisms that lead to them explained. Students will learn about monogenic and multifactorial genetic disorders and how gene mapping and sequencing can be used to identify causal and contributory variants. In essence, this module covers what the genome is, what abnormalities can arise and how they arise, as well as how they can be detected. Please note: students taking this module should have some experience of studying genetics as part of their undergraduate degree. Students are encouraged to complete the free online course Future of Genetics in Medicine before starting the module. The deadline for choosing this module is prior to the Clinical Neuroscience Practice MSc application deadline. If you are interested in taking this module, please contact us in advance to discuss via MscClinNeuroPrac@sgul.ac.uk

• Foundations of Population Health Research (15 credits)

  This module explores the health research spectrum, from controlled experiments to real-world observational studies, highlighting the challenges and solutions in these settings. Clinical trials sit between these approaches, balancing control and real-world applicability. Students will examine population-based policies, epidemiological study designs (cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, longitudinal), and statistical methods to measure disease-risk associations, address bias and confounding, and ensure reproducible results. The module also covers the research lifecycle, from initial questions and feasibility studies to complex observational analyses. Statistical techniques will range from hypothesis testing to basic modelling, with potential coverage of Bayesian inference. R programming will be used for data exploration and analysis, with emphasis on selecting appropriate methods based on epidemiological design and statistical validity.

• Genomics of Neurological Disorders (15 credits)

  This module explores the contribution of genomics to neurological disorders. Students will receive refresher sessions focussed on neuroanatomy and the development of the neurological system followed by an introduction to the key diagnostic tools used in neurology. They will learn about the major neurological disorder categories which have a high genetic contribution. The module will explore the value of the multidisciplinary team in phenotyping, interpretation of results, management and family communication. Please note: students taking this module should have some experience of studying genetics as part of their undergraduate degree. Students are encouraged to complete the free online course Future of Genetics in Medicine before starting the module. It is encouraged (but not compulsory) to also take the Fundamentals of Human Genetics and Genomics module. The deadline for choosing this module is prior to the Clinical Neuroscience Practice MSc application deadline. If you are interested in taking this module, please contact us in advance to discuss via MscClinNeuroPrac@sgul.ac.uk

• Neuroethics (15 credits)

  This module explores the ethical and social challenges arising from rapid advancements in neuroscience, cognitive science, and neurotechnologies. Since the emergence of neuroethics in 2002, the field has examined the impact of brain imaging, neurotechnologies, and cognitive science on medicine, society, and individual autonomy. Students will critically engage with topics such as privacy in brain imaging, the influence of neuroscience on concepts like free will and responsibility, and the ethical implications of cognitive enhancement and mood modification. Through ethical reasoning tools and frameworks, the module equips students to navigate these complex questions in modern neuroscience.

• Personalised Medicine (15 credits)

  This module explores the principles and applications of personalised (precision) medicine, which aims to tailor healthcare strategies to individual patients by integrating molecular data with clinical and pathological insights. It examines how advances in genomic technologies are transforming screening, diagnosis, disease classification, and treatment across various medical fields. Beyond pharmacogenetics, the module covers broader applications of molecular profiling in oncology, prenatal screening, and infection management. It also addresses ethical and social considerations, including patient responses to genetic testing, challenges in clinical implementation, genetic discrimination, and regulatory issues. Examples are drawn from cancer, infection, and other clinical specialties.

• Transcultural Mental Health Humanities (30 credits)

  This module explores global mental health through a humanities lens, challenging the dominance of Western medicalised frameworks in psychiatry. Students will engage with diverse perspectives on mental health through readings, presentations, film/ documentaries, case scenarios, and seminar discussions, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and trauma. The module critically examines narratives from exiled writers, health activists, and marginalized voices to highlight the intersection of mental health, human rights, and global health disparities. Students will also develop advocacy projects, applying humanities-based approaches to address key issues in global mental health, fostering co-created methodologies and narrative-driven frameworks.

All students are required to complete at least one research support module.

• Critical Appraisal (15 credits)

  This module will equip you with the skills to critically appraise research literature relevant to your field of study. It covers the principles of critical appraisal, techniques and models for critiquing papers, as well as an in-depth review of research designs, analysis methods, and key papers within your specialist field, including educational research. By the end of the module, you will be able to identify research paradigms and theoretical foundations underlying published studies, critically evaluate their design, methods, analyses, and conclusions, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches. You will also develop the ability to critically examine the contributions of published work to the existing body of knowledge in your field and make informed recommendations for further research based on your evaluations.

• Practical Data Analysis: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (15 credits)

  You will be equipped with the skills to understand, critically interpret, and extract data using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The module covers key techniques such as graphs, descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, tests, and regression, as well as practical methods for collecting qualitative data through interviews and focus groups. You will learn to critically analyse and apply various approaches to data analysis, selecting the most relevant method for different research scenarios and develop the ability to plan and conduct practical analyses of qualitative and quantitative datasets, using computer software where appropriate. Emphasis is placed on interpreting results with a critical understanding of methodology, study design, data collection methods, rigour, and validity. The module also explores how research design theories align with data analysis and examines effective strategies for presenting results clearly and appropriately.

• Research Methods (15 credits)

  This module introduces a range of research approaches and methods, equipping you with the skills to critically evaluate high-quality, ethical research. You will learn to set realistic and appropriate aims, objectives, and research questions for your projects while identifying and assessing different study designs, considering their strengths and weaknesses to select the most suitable approach in practice. The module also explores key study design issues, including strategies for ensuring rigour in research. Additionally, you will develop the ability to systematically review published research evidence in response to a specific research question.

• Research Project Planning and Management (15 credits)

  This module will equip you with the knowledge, attributes, and skills essential for success as a professional researcher, following the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF), which is endorsed by organisations such as Research Councils UK. It focuses on key RDF domains, including personal effectiveness, research governance and organisation, and engagement, influence, and impact. Through this module, you will develop critical responses and practical skills necessary for planning and executing research projects efficiently. You will learn to navigate research governance and legislation, assess the ethical and approval requirements before starting research, and communicate effectively with supervisors, research participants, team members, and decision-makers. Additionally, you will critically evaluate the implications of your work concerning health and safety and intellectual property legislation while reflecting on different perspectives in research to enhance their communication and impact within your field.

• Statistics (15 credits)

  This module introduces the fundamental principles of statistical thinking and the latest methods for analysing data collected through quantitative study designs. You will be equipped with the skills to critically appraise statistical methods used in research papers, interpret results, and evaluate conclusions. By engaging with biomedical, healthcare, and clinical literature, you will develop confidence in discussing statistical methods and applying them to your own research. Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate statistical techniques in published research, analyse and interpret statistical findings, assess the validity of inferences drawn from data, and apply modern statistical methods to their your postgraduate research projects. You will also develop the ability to propose and synthesize meaningful conclusions based on your own statistical analyses.

All students will take the Foundations in Clinical Neuroscience and Dissertation modules. Depending on academic and clinical background, you would take the Clinical Neuropsychology (compulsory for psychology track students) and/or the Health Services Delivery for the Neurosciences module (compulsory for healthcare professional track students). A Clinical Placement module is compulsory for psychology track students and optional for qualified clinicians.

• Foundations of Clinical Neuroscience (30 credits)

  This module provides a foundational understanding of the organisation and function of the human nervous system, highlighting how pathologies affect particular locations and lead to predictable clinical effects. It focuses on common neurological and psychiatric disorders, examining their underlying pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, the module explores how the experience of neurological illness is shaped by a combination of neuropathology, individual beliefs, personality, social context, and cognitive, affective, and behavioural responses to symptoms and impairments. It also critically examines the relationship between race, ethnicity, neuroscientific knowledge, and health disparities in individuals affected by these disorders.

• Health Service Delivery for the Clinical Neurosciences (30 credits)

  This module will equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of modern healthcare provision as it applies to neurological and related fields. Teaching content will cover, through a range of methods including lectures, workshops, Q&A sessions and tutorials, three core elements: The commissioning, structure, staffing and monitoring of neuroscience clinical care (including the use of service user feedback) The relevant quality and safety standards and guidelines and how these are produced, including the underlying evidence base The wider context including integration of specialist, community and social care, social determinants of neurological health and the prevention of neurological disease.

• Clinical Neuropsychology (30 credits)

  This module will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practice of clinical psychology within neuroscience settings. Teaching content will cover, through a range of methods including lectures, workshops, group work, and ‘meet the practitioner’ sessions, three primary topics: Psychological aspects of major neurological conditions, including in the domains of cognition, emotion and behaviour The clinical assessment of cognitive function Clinical neuropsychological rehabilitation and interventions. A key emphasis will be how the discipline contributes to improving patient care and service delivery for the diverse communities we work within. Assessment will be via a group presentation relevant to the role of the psychologist in the clinical neurosciences, and an essay that addresses the integration of theory and practice in clinical neuropsychology. Students completing the module will have a sound critical appreciation of the relevant theoretical models and principles that underpin clinical neuropsychology, alongside an appreciation of their practical implementation, which will be excellent preparation for undertaking clinical work in multidisciplinary neuroscience settings as well as applied research in this domain.