Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | Language and the Brain |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Psychology |
| Final award: | MSC |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Master |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | None |
| JACS code: | C8Q1 |
| Publication date: | 29/08/2013 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
Applicants should have a good first degree (BA/BSc or equivalent of 2.i or above) in Linguistics, Psychology, Cognitive Science or a related discipline. Non-native speakers of English should also show evidence of English language proficiency: IELTS 7, TOEFL-IBT 100, or equivalent |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: MSC Language and the Brain
Programme aims:
The MSc degree in Language and the Brain is a 1-year programme of study. Its main teaching aims are: To provide an advanced education in core subjects of cognitive neuroscience and linguistics To provide an advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research techniques and instrumentation, and appropriate statistical methodology. To provide a suitable foundation for graduates wishing to proceed to a programme of further postgraduate study To provide training in transferable skills necessary to meet the current requirements of graduate employers. To provide knowledge and skills (critical evaluation and argument, quantitative empirical methods, effective communication) that will prepare students for academic careers as well as a wide range of alternative careers, and will be widely sought by employers.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : Graduates will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of statistics appropriate for language and the brain A2 : Graduates will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of psychological and linguistic theory within the core domains of linguistics and cognitive neuroscience. A3 : Graduates will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of functional localisation within the brain and the neural structures supporting language capacity. A4 : Graduates will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of research methods, instrumentation and experimental design appropriate for cognitive neuroscience A5 : Graduates will demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of specialist knowledge, principles and techniques in a substantive area of cognitive neuroscience and language in which the student has chosen to develop special expertise. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
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B1 : Graduates will show evidence of enhanced ability to evaluate the theoretical issues and experimental techniques of cognitive neuroscience B2 : Graduates will show evidence of enhanced ability to employ evidence-based reasoning to develop coherent research plans and hypotheses B3 : Graduates will show evidence of enhanced ability to assemble and integrate evidence from a variety of sources, especially primary sources B4 : Graduates will show evidence of enhanced ability to analyse and interpret quantitative information in graphs, figures, tables, and determine what the appropriate statistical tests would be |
C: Practical Skills
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C1 : Graduates will be able to deploy research skills, including use of scientific databases, referencing packages, and modelling packages C2 : Graduates will be able to deploy writing skills, including use of academic conventions for publication C3 : Graduates will be able to effectively test research hypotheses using appropriate statistical techniques. C4 : Graduates will be able to present quantitative data in tabular and graphical form. C5 : Graduates will be able to use a range of psychological tools related to cognitive neuropsychology, such as specialist software, laboratory equipment and psychological assessment tests. |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : A graduate will show evidence of enhanced ability to communicate ideas effectively.
Communicate information, arguments and ideas cogently and effectively in a range of different contexts using a range of different aids or resources IT Skills: D2 : A graduate will show enhanced ability to be computer literate. (i) Use appropriate IT facilities to prepare and present laboratory reports & essays. (ii) Use statistical software to analyse quantitative data. Numeracy: D3 : A graduate will show evidence of enhanced ability to handle data and be numerate. i) Analyse and present numerical data. ii) Use statistical techniques in the process of experimental analysis and design Problem Solving: D4 : A graduate will show enhanced ability to problem solve and reason scientifically Working with Others: D5 : A graduate will show evidence of the ability to work with others in a research context Self Learning: D6 : (i) Produce work that is properly presented against strict deadlines. (ii) Reflect on their own performance and make constructive use of feedback. (iii) Work independently, and plan work effectively |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods The scheme has been designed to incorporate a range of core and specialist topics within Cognitive Neuroscience. Understanding of the core topics is provided by modules in core areas within Cognitive Neuroscience and supplemented by a range of options in Cognitive Neuropsychology and related topics. Deeper understanding of specialist topics is provided primarily by completing an independent research project under supervision (A4). While lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles outlined in A1-A3, and A5 the departments encourage learning through the integration of other teaching activities, including tutorials or discussion groups (A1-A3), laboratory research classes (A1, A3, A4), project research and supervision (A4), and directed reading (A1-A4). Assessment Methods A2, A5, are assessed by 2000-word coursework essays. A1, A3, A4, are assessed by practical exercises, by statistical examination and the 10,000-word dissertation. A1, A3 and A4 are also assessed through the dissertation. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures and laboratory classes. B1 and B4 are developed in both lecture-based and laboratory-based modules. B2. is taught and developed by the research project completed under individual supervision. B3 is developed through lectures, guided reading and tutor led discussion groups. Assessment Methods Evaluation and integration skills are assessed through coursework essays (B1, B3). Statistical knowledge and quantitative skills are assessed by practical exercises (B4). All intellectual and cognitive skills are assessed by the dissertation (B2). |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods Lectures, seminars, practical classes and computer workshops are used to teach research and writing skills (C1-C2). C3 is developed through class exercises using a range of statistical software and during the supervision of the research project. C4 and C5 are acquired in laboratory-based project work and the research project Assessment Methods Research and writing skills and use of psychological tools are assessed through the coursework essays and practical exercises, and the dissertation (C1, C2, C3, C5). Statistical skills are assessed by a 2-hr statistical examination, the practical exercises, and the dissertation (C3 - C5). Data collection skills are assessed by the dissertation |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods Assessment Methods |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Components
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award | Status in PG Diploma | Status in PG Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | PS934-7-FY | Research Project (MSc) | Core | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 02 | PS935-7-SP | Neurocognition of Language | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 03 | PS929-7-SP | Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 04 | LG533-7-AU | Experimental Design and Analysis | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 05 | LG465-7-SP | Developmental Language Disorders | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 06 | LG421-7-SP | Phonological Development and Phonological Disorders | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 07 | PS918-7-AU | Cognitive Neuropsychology of Language | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 08 | OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Optional | Optional | Optional | |
| 09 | OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/pgt/pgtrulesmenu.htm
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Online Resource Bank.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Dr Jamie Ward
- Institution: The University of Sussex
- Academic Role: Reader
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)