The new Dementia MSc is offered jointly by the Division of Psychiatry and Queen Square Institute of Neurology and tackles one of the biggest global health problems facing society today.
The Dementia MSc provides research-oriented and cutting-edge training in the study of dementia and its scientific basis, led by international leaders in the science and practice of dementia. Two specialised pathways, in mental health and in neuroscience, are offered. Two specialised pathways, in mental health and in neuroscience, are offered.
To find out core information about this degree, such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, visit the UCL prospectus site.
About this degree
The mental health pathway focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge of the prevention, detection and management of the dementias using epidemiological, psychosocial and clinical trial approaches, and is aimed at graduates wishing to explore or begin a research career in dementia. More information about the neuroscience pathway is also available.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of four or five core modules (75 or 105 credits). Depending on number of core modules taken students choose one, two or three optional modules (worth of 15 or 45 credits); and a dissertation/report (60 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (Mental Health).
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Treatment and Management of Dementia (15 credits)
- Current Research in Dementia (15 credits)
- Core Principles of Mental Health Research (double module - 30 credits)
- Clinical Neuroscience of Dementia (15 credits)
- Clinical Mental Health (double module - 30 credits) (Only for people with no clinical experience)
Optional modules
- Practical Statistics for Mental Health Research (15 credits)
- Practical Neuroscience of Dementia (15 credits)
- Higher Functions of the Brain (15 credits)
- Epidemiology Research Methods in Mental Health (double module - 30 credits)
- Neuroscience of Mental Health (15 credits)
- Quality Improvement in Health Care (15 credits)
- Culture and the clinic (15 credits)
- Mental Health Care: Evaluation and Policy (15 credits)
- Mental Health in Social and Global Context (15 credits)
Please note these are the modules currently offered and may change by time of study.
Optional modules from other Faculties and Departments
Subject to timetable constraints and availability, students are free to select any post-graduate level modules at UCL that is in any way relevant to the course. Approval for Modules will be given by the programme director or the course clinical senior lecturers.
Institute of Neurology
Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (Neuroscience) MSc offers further optional modules.
Research project
All students undertake a final research project, often in a clinical area. This is reported as a paper of 7,000 words ready for submission to a specified journal, a blog of 1,000 words and a 15-minute talk. The research question addressed can be any that is broadly relevant to dementia, including clinical topics and relevant neuroscience or social science