Neurorehabilitation MSc

About the Course

This advanced academic course is designed for new graduates as well as professional practitioners (eg occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and other rehabilitation sciences, professions allied to medicine) with a special interest in neurorehabilitation.

The course will not further clinical skills, nor will it lead to registration from the UK professional governing bodies, but rather it focuses on developing the practitioner’s ability to conduct and evaluate neurorehabilitation research. 

It offers you the opportunity to acquire advanced theoretical knowledge, a deeper understanding of research and the ability to critically appraise scientific literature.

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Aims

The course encourages you to critically evaluate how theoretical knowledge informs professional practice in neurorehabilitation and to integrate knowledge with your clinical experience and skills.

The School of Health Sciences and Social Care is one of the largest schools in the University, and attracts funding from a range of national and international sources. School research and teaching is recognised by the Government as being amongst the highest for Health and Social Care in the country. The School's postgraduate courses emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary and integrated education for professionals.

Enquiries

Dr Alex Nowicky
Course Director
School of Health Sciences and Social Care
Brunel University
Email health-studies-courses@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 268813
Web Physiotherapy subject pages

Related Courses

• Specialist Community Public Health Nursing MSc and PGDip
• Occupational Therapy MSc (post-registration)

Course Content

The course explores the neurosciences in health and disease, and takes a research-based approach to encourage critical and analytical thinking about current theory and practice in neurorehabilitation.

The course consists of seven core modules plus the dissertation. The modules under the CATS are rated M level. Taught modules are 15 and 30 credits and the dissertation is 60 credits. The taught modules are offered on Tuesday/Wednesday of each week during the two 12-week university teaching terms, with students undertaking the dissertation following successful completion of the modules. Full-time mode of study requires two days per week, while part-time mode of study requires one day per week attendance on campus.

Following the successful completion of the taught modules of the programme, students are expected to undertake a research project for the dissertation relevant to their specialist areas within neurorehabilitation.

Typical Modules (all core)

Neurophysiological Basis for Rehabilitation of Movement

The module examines clinical neurophysiology of movement control in health and disease as well as current research in rehabilitation of movement. The key aspects of the study of movement include: neuromuscular control, reflexes, posture and balance, as well as sensorimotor systems, motor control, the impact of aging, and neuroplasticity in recovery of function. Students will undertake several neurophysiological lab practicals relevant to the topics of the module.

Functional Neuroscience for Rehabilitation

The module examines functional neuroscience relevant to the field of rehabilitation. This includes detailed examination of synaptic physiology and plasticity, functional organisation of brain areas, new treatments in recovery of neural function, physiological basis of behaviour, development and aging, sensation and perception (e.g., vision and hearing) and cognitive brain function in health and disease. Particular emphasis is on current research and the use of modern techniques in the study of neurological conditions and diseases.

Research Methods

This module explores a wide range of research methods and deepens your understanding of the philosophy of science and the scientific method. Students are introduced to a number of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies applied in research.

Principles and practice in Evidence-Based Healthcare

The module offers students the opportunity to examine recent literature and to consider its contribution to evidence-based practice. Students will explore the types of information that are collected about health and clinical practice and will critically evaluate research material from a range of study designs.

Clinical Applications in Neurorehabilitation

Through exploring links between theory and practice, this module aims to enhance the health care professional's ability to reflect upon day-to-day practice as a rehabilitation specialist and critically evaluate interventions for the treatment and management of neurological conditions.

Cognitive and Behavioural Issues in Neurorehabilitation

This module explores psychological processes underpinning perception, attention, memory, and motor planning. The module also investigates how these processes may be disrupted by a variety of neurological conditions. Subjective and behavioural aspects of neurological dysfunction are also discussed, with implications for rehabilitation.

Research Design

The module aims to develop critical understanding of the research process including a selective literature review and research proposal design. Students will develop a critical understanding of research design relevant to their discipline. In this module, students will begin integrating conceptual and theoretical issues within a selected field of enquiry, which leads to the research proposal for the dissertation.

Dissertation

The dissertation is undertaken after completion of the core modules, and is a major element of the MSc. The dissertation project provides the student with the opportunity to integrate and apply the concepts and principles developed throughout the course within his/her own particular area of interest or research. The selected topic should reflect the needs for development in your own clinical area. Full-time students will normally submit the dissertation by the end of the academic year following completion of the core modules; for part time students this would normally be within one academic year of completion of core modules.

Recent examples of dissertations by students taking this course include:

• How can the needs of people with Multiple Sclerosis be met in the community? The perspective of community rehabilitation professionals.
• Effect of a new physiotherapy concept on bone mineral density, muscle force and gross motor function in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.
• Motor cortical excitability associated with interaction of a nodal transcranial Direct Current stimulation, graded functional electrical stimulation and voluntary motor control in wrist extensors of healthy adults.

Course Structure

Assessment

Assessment is normally a mixture of written assignments, exams and the dissertation.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £5,800 full-time; £2,900 part-time

International students: £15,000 full-time; £7,500 part-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.