Taught course

Educational Neuroscience

Institution
Birkbeck, University of London · School of Psychological Sciences
Qualifications
MAMSc
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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in psychology, social science, cognitive science, speech/communication science, neuroscience or related disciplines.

Applicants with a good undergraduate or postgraduate degree in education but no previous background in psychology or science will be required to complete the Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology (which covers psychology, neuroscience and research methods) before applying for the MA/MSc Educational Neuroscience.

Ideally students should have a background in both cognitive neuroscience and education.

Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Offered jointly by Birkbeck and UCL's Institute of Education, our Master's degree in educational neuroscience will provide you with experience of both in-depth theory and hands-on research in the emerging area of educational neuroscience. It covers:
  • the critical appreciation of existing research and research methods, including neuroimaging methods
  • the biological basis of learning and development in children and its implications for the classroom
  • the relation between genes, brain and cognitive development
  • managing and reporting on an extended research project
  • subject-specific IT skills.

We offer different module combinations to give you the choice of studying for an MA or MSc.

MA Educational Neuroscience: The MA is ideal for teachers, educational psychologists and policy-makers who wish to develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary education and neuroscience that can inform their continuing practice.

MSc Educational Neuroscience: If you would like to carry out research in the emerging area of educational neuroscience or any area of developmental psychology, education or developmental cognitive neuroscience, either at PhD level or in the private sector, then the MSc will prepare you with a range of appropriate research skills and practical experience.

Highlights

  • This course leads to a joint award from the Institute of Education and Birkbeck, and is taught across the two adjacent sites.
  • You will have the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in developmental cognitive neuroscience, genetics, neuroimaging, education and cognitive development and learning, and to attend research seminars organised by Birkbeck, the Institute of Education and a number of other local research centres and institutes.
  • We are consistently regarded as one of the top institutions teaching psychological sciences in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and for the third time, we were ranked in the top ten universities in the UK.
  • If you have a strong academic record but require financial support to take this course, you may be eligible for the Kenway Legacy Scholarship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.
  • ESRC funding may be available in conjunction with PhD study.
Careers and employability

Graduates can pursue career paths in psychology, education and policy development. Possible professions include:

  • child/youth psychologist
  • teacher
  • special educational needs teacher
  • learning mentor
  • youth worker.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Advice Service
Email
studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3907 0700
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