Program Overview

Program Overview

The Brain and Mind course is a 20-credit microcredential program designed to equip students with the knowledge of how the brain works and the skills to detect and quantify abnormal behavior caused by changes in cerebral function. This course is the first module of the MSc Clinical Neuropsychiatry program and provides an overview of brain function and brain behavior relationships.

Course Details

• The course involves sessions on basic neuroscience, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Diagnostic tools such as radiology and neurophysiology are also covered.
• Sessions on observation and documentation of abnormal mental states are included.
• Philosophical approaches to mental disorder, especially mind-brain dualism, are observed.

Course Objectives

By the end of the module, students should have:

• A basic understanding of neuroanatomy
• An understanding of neurophysiology
• An understanding of brain chemistry
• An understanding of mind/brain dualism
• An understanding of philosophy of mind
• An understanding of psychopathology and its relationship to brain function
• An understanding of localization of brain function
• An understanding of medical law and introduction to mental health law

Course Structure

• The course is delivered in person.
• The start date is October 2025.
• The duration is 10 days.
• The award is a Microcredential (20 credits).

Course Dates

• 3rd, 29th, and 31st October 2025
• 7th, 14th, and 28th November 2025
• 9th, 11th, and 12th December 2025

Module Lead

The module lead is Bruno Silva.

Assessment

The assessment is a short written answer exam.

Entry Requirements

For information on requirements, please refer to the program's entry requirements section.

Fees

• Microcredential (Home): £1,211
• Microcredential (International): £3,374
• Non-credit: £1,011.20

Program Benefits

• Microcredentials offer the perfect opportunity to boost your CV without the commitment of a full degree.
• They can be used as standalone credentials with some also counting as academic credits at postgraduate level.
• Add a postgraduate level qualification to your CV.
• Develop the specialist skills you need for your career goals.
• Alumni status with the University of Birmingham.
• Learners will have the same access to our student support and campus facilities as our students on full degree programs.