Program Overview

Clinical Neuropsychiatry MSc / PGDip / PGCert

The Clinical Neuropsychiatry MSc / PGDip / PGCert programme at the University of Birmingham is designed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of neuropsychiatry, covering all main aspects of the field from bench to bedside. This programme is suitable for doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinical psychologists, and psychology and neuroscience graduates seeking to enhance their academic and clinical skills.

Course Overview

The programme explores the versatile world of neuropsychiatry, providing students with the unique range of skills needed to succeed in this rapidly growing field. It covers conditions from childhood development disorders to diseases that affect older adults, including epilepsy, dementia, Huntington's disease, Tourette syndrome, brain injury, and functional neurological disorders.

Course Structure

• The course runs over 12 months in full-time mode, with the option to undertake the programme on a part-time basis.
• The programme consists of seven taught modules and a dissertation.
• Taught modules include lectures from visiting experts who practice and/or research in their specific field.
• Assessments include short answer exams, word essays, case histories, analyzing research papers, and a dissertation.
• The dissertation is on a neuropsychiatric topic chosen by the student, with access to a personal tutor for support.

Core Modules

The following modules must be taken:

• Brain Injury (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Brain and Mind (20 credits, Semester 1)
• Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Completion of Dissertation (60 credits, Full Term)
• Epilepsy - An Introduction (10 credits, Semester 2)
• Neurodegenerative Disorders (20 credits, Full Term)
• Research Methods in Neuropsychiatry (20 credits, Semester 1)
• Tourette's Syndrome (10 credits, Semester 2)

Teaching Staff

• Dr. Hugh Rickards, Honorary Reader in Neuropsychiatry
• Dr. Andrea Eugenio Cavanna, Associate Professor in Neuropsychiatry

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 Honours degree in Medicine, Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related subject.
• Consideration will be given to appropriate professional qualifications at sub-degree level with at least five years of experience working with a client group.
• International students must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through IELTS or an equivalent qualification.

Fees and Scholarships

• Home fees: £11,250 (full-time), £5,625 (part-time)
• International fees: £32,580 (full-time), £16,290 (part-time)
• Scholarships are available, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarships, which award £3,000 to over 300 students each year.

Application Process

• The application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants is 28 August 2026.
• Applications should be submitted online, and early applications are encouraged.

Career Opportunities

The programme benefits doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, or psychologists intending to become clinical psychologists. It is also excellent preparation for further studies, such as clinical psychology doctorates, graduate entry medical training, and PhDs.

Student Experience

At the University of Birmingham, students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The university offers a range of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice needed. The campus is green and spacious, with a variety of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.

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