Human Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc

The MSc Human Cognitive Neuropsychology offers you the opportunity to receive intensive training and specialist knowledge within human cognitive neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience and related fields of study.

Key research areas

Building on the research methods training, you will take topical courses in the core research areas of our department including specialist techniques and contemporary topics in cognitive neuroscience.

The teaching is closely integrated with the Human Cognitive Neuroscience research unit, a group of internationally recognised cognitive psychologists and neuropsychologists. Staff use a variety of research methods to address their research interests in healthy and clinical populations and their expertise covers a range of topics including:

• memory
• visual perception
• decision making
• executive functions
• social cognition and language

Learn more about staff within the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group:

• Human Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group

Psychology is rated 3rd in the UK by Times Higher Education for the quality and breadth of the research using the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

What will I learn?

You will take courses on the theoretical and methodological aspects of cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuropsychology and brain imaging, and conduct an original research dissertation in one of these areas.

You will also receive thorough training in advanced academic skills and research methods within psychology, including a comprehensive coverage of statistical modelling and research design using the R statistical language.

Is this MSc for me?

This programme provides an understanding of advanced topics, methodologies and issues in the area of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology, as well as research design and management, and you can flexibly choose optional courses to customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about.

It provides excellent preparation for further research and knowledge of cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. So, whether you want to continue in academic research or move into professional training, this programme is for you.

Reputation, relevance and employability

The University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of research expertise in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology. Our large Psychology department is home to academics leading research in these fields.

You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, having the opportunity to select option courses and attend research seminars across different disciplines.

Our students’ research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.

Our programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers and further research opportunities. Many of our graduates have gone onto PhD training and academic careers and advanced clinical training.

We maintain close contacts with professional organisations such as the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Find out more about our community

The School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences is home to a large, supportive and active student community, hosting events and activities throughout the year which you can join. As a postgraduate student, you will have access to a range of research resources, state-of-the-art facilities, research seminars and reading groups.

• Find out more about our community

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK first class honours degree, or its international equivalent, in Psychology.

We may also consider students without a psychology degree if you can demonstrate academic study in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, biological psychology and/or clinical psychology, together with a solid preparation in methodology and statistics.

Entry to this programme is extremely competitive.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 23 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 65 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online..
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 7 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

The programme is primarily designed for students who aspire to pursue a research-oriented career in cognitive neuroscience or neuropsychology or to apply for higher-level clinical training. However, the course also teaches a broad range of transferable skills applicable to a wide range of modern jobs, such as:

• research design
• data management and processing
• statistical modelling and interpretation
• synthesis and communication of complex literature.

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

• Careers Service