MSc Social Neuroscience

This MSc in Social Neuroscience gives you the opportunity to develop an advanced knowledge of how the brain responds to, and makes sense of the social world, as well as confidence in the use of neuroscientific research skills (for instance, electrophysiology and eye-tracker experiments).

Course Details

Humans’ social nature is based on neural, hormonal, and molecular structures and networks that we have started to understand only relatively recently. This includes studying the processes behind the sensation and perception of social stimuli, and the behaviours associated with social interactions. This highly progressive Master’s programme is designed to give you excellent learning opportunities in Social Neuroscience - supported by our department’s enthusiastic, supportive teaching staff and a technology-enriched learning environment.

You’ll have the chance to explore issues from a variety of perspectives, underpinned by a research-informed knowledge base, as you develop an in-depth knowledge of Social Neuroscience. You’ll also be encouraged to refine and enhance your critical evaluation and reflection skills.

As you progress, you’ll have the opportunity to enhance your research skills, to help you conceptualise, design and implement a substantial piece of independent research. This, in turn, offers you a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of new ideas and approaches in Social Neuroscience.

Successfully completing this course will open up a wide range of opportunities for employment, or further study at doctorate level.

Key Features:

• Enthusiastic, dedicated and supportive teaching makes this an engaging and exciting postgraduate opportunity.
• The course curriculum explores issues from a balanced range of perspectives, and is supported by a research-informed knowledge base.
• This is an exciting programme of study with a strong emphasis on research and critical enquiry.
• Learning and teaching is student-centred and involves small group sessions and one-to-one tutorials. This is supported and enhanced by the University’s virtual learning environment.
• The programme includes a lab-based work experience module that gives you access to live research projects within the School of Education and Psychology.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course will have a thorough grounding in the neural mechanisms underpinning human social perception, cognition and behaviour. On successful completion you’ll possess a range of highly transferable skills, such as oral and written communication, and the management and analysis of complex data sets.

This MSc is designed to prepare you for a potential career in research, and is also relevant to those with an interest in clinical psychology or in work in the biomedical sector.

What Can I Do With This Qualification?

As a graduate you’ll be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills that are highly valued both in academic research and the clinical professions. Undertaking the MSc in Social Neuroscience can help you to access roles within healthcare, science, the media, business and education. Some students will be professionals in a caring/educational field already, and will be doing this course as part of their professional development.

The MSc is an ideal platform from which to progress to PhD studies, particularly in Cognitive or Social Neuroscience. You’ll also be well-placed to undertake further professional training in Clinical Psychology, or a related discipline.

You should have an Upper Second Class (2.1) Honours degree (or higher) in Psychology, which is accredited by the British Psychology Society for Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). If you have a Lower Second Class (2:2) Honours degree in Psychology or a related subject (e.g. Neuroscience), then you may be accepted on to the programme following a successful interview. We may also ask you to provide a portfolio of your work, as part of the application process.