Program Overview:
This degree combines core psychological principles with an in-depth focus on neuroscience, exploring how the brain influences behavior and mental processes. It’s designed for students passionate about understanding both the psychological and biological bases of cognition and emotion.
Curriculum Structure
First Year
You’ll start by studying fundamental topics such as Introduction to Psychology, Biological Psychology, and Research Methods in Psychology. This year provides a strong foundation in both psychological theory and basic neuroscience concepts, along with essential research skills.
Second Year
The second year broadens your knowledge through modules like Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Neuropsychology. You’ll engage more deeply with brain function and behavior, while also refining your experimental and analytical abilities.
Third Year
In your final year, you’ll explore advanced subjects such as Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychophysiology, and Clinical Neuropsychology. You will also undertake a substantial independent research project, allowing you to apply your learning to a specialized area of interest.
Focus areas:
Brain-behavior relationships, cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, psychological research methods.
Learning outcomes:
Develop a detailed understanding of neuroscience and psychology integration, conduct rigorous scientific research, analyze brain function in relation to behavior, critically evaluate contemporary research.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring the degree meets professional standards and supports progression toward Chartered Psychologist status.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Reading is well-regarded for Psychology (Complete University Guide 2024) and offers excellent graduate employment opportunities in psychology and neuroscience fields.
At Reading, you’ll gain hands-on experience exploring both psychological theory and the neuroscience behind behaviour. The program offers access to modern labs where you’ll conduct experiments involving brain function, cognition, and perception. From early on, you’ll learn key research skills, including statistical analysis and neuroimaging techniques, supported by expert faculty and cutting-edge facilities.
Here’s how you’ll develop practical skills throughout the course:
Graduates from this program find diverse career paths in healthcare, research, education, and beyond. You’ll build a strong foundation for roles that require understanding both mind and brain, making you highly employable in science and technology sectors.
Common career paths include:
Neuropsychology Assistant, Clinical Research Coordinator, Cognitive Neuroscience Technician, Data Analyst
You’ll benefit from:
Further Academic Progression:
Many students progress to postgraduate study, including MSc or PhD programmes in Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, or Cognitive Science — with Reading offering specialist research centres to support your ambitions.
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