Educational Neuroscience MA

Offered jointly by Birkbeck and UCL's Institute of Education, this Master's degree provides 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
• running a neuroimaging study
• 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.

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.

TEACHING

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates go in to careers in psychology, education and policy development. Possible professions include child/youth psychologist or teacher. This degree can also be useful in becoming a special educational needs teacher, learning mentor, or youth worker.

A second-class honours degree 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 MSc/MA Educational Neuroscience. Ideally students should have a background in both cognitive neuroscience and education. Relevant practical and professional experience may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.