Overview
Are you an experienced allied health professional? Do you want to develop your expertise as a clinician in the area of neuroscience? This full-time programme will develop and enhance your clinical expertise, and develop your research skills to enable you to critically reflect on your practice in neurorehabilitation, thereby optimising your clinical practice and enhancing service delivery.
While hands- on practical skills are not taught, patient care and management will be enhanced through application of knowledge gained to the clinical environment. Additionally, through exploration of links between research, theory, policy and practice, you will become an effective leader and advanced practitioner in the field of neurorehabilitation.
The full-time master's course can be studied in 1 year full-time starting in September.
For information on Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award which offers £5000 fee reduction for self-funded international students please click here
Course content
You will benefit from a course designed to incorporate a multidisciplinary perspective, that’s mapped against the Advanced Clinical Practice Framework as set out by Health Education England. You will study key modules in clinical leadership, teaching and learning and research.
Alongside this, you will study specialist modules specific to neurological rehabilitation broadening your knowledge relating to neurophysiology and functional neuroscience for rehabilitation of movement, cognitive and behavioural issues experienced in neurorehabiitation, as well as critically evaluating neuroscientific research in the treatment and management of neurological conditions.
Compulsory
- PH5603 - Quantitative Methods and Design for Health Science Research
In this module we aim to develop your critical understanding of quantitative clinical research methodology and the principles of how to use clinical evidence to constructively inform your practice. This means developing skills and knowledge of quantitative research methods and design, understanding data and how to analyse and interpret it and learning how to critically appraise published research.
- PH5604 - Qualitative Research in Health and Social Care
This module aims to critically explore, reflect upon and develop qualitative research skills and knowledge in health, and to explore qualitative approaches in research in the context of their philosophical, societal, and cultural underpinnings and use in clinical settings.
In additional to theoretical perspectives, through online lectures and interactive workshops you will be introduced to and practice different methods of collecting data and data analysis.
You will learn how to evaluate the quality of qualitative research and consider aspects such as ethics, power, reflexivity and the role of co-construction. This is made relevant to research projects but also service evaluations, quality improvement projects and practice.
- Study mode: Part-time.
- 0900-1200 face-to-face. 1300-1600 online
- Wednesdays (2024) - 25th September, 9th October, 23rd October, 6th November and 20th November.
- MCQ Jan 2025
- PH5612 - Advanced Clinical Leadership
This module aims to develop advanced knowledge, skills, qualities and behaviours of leadership for clinical healthcare professionals working in a range of roles in healthcare settings in the NHS. This knowledge and skills literacy will nurture and enhance existing team-working skills and clinical leadership requirements in order to evidence advanced level skills.
Indicative content includes principles of clinical leadership, leadership theories and change management. Effective team working, partnership working and communication will be explored alongside service development tools including service co-design.
Click here to watch the video about this module
Process analysis will support your understanding of how to audit and measure systems and identify and track change.
Weds 0900-1200 face to face, 1300 - 1600 online
2025: Jan 29th, Feb 12th, Feb 26th, March 12th
- PH5615 - Learning and Teaching in Advanced Clinical Practice
Click here to watch the video about this module
This module aims to provide practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills for the planning, organisation, delivering, teaching and evaluation of effective programmes for clinical training in specialist practice.
Current research and theory underpinning the educational process which support a challenging and supportive teaching and learning environment for clinical practice will be explored aiming to enhance practitioners’ individual ability to critically appraise and augment their skills, knowledge and actively contribute to the education awareness for members of their healthcare team, patients, service users and carers.
Note: Students must currently be in practice and have formally identified and entered an agreement with a mentor and/or supervisor for the learning-in-practice elements of this module, prior to commencing the module.
Mondays 0900-1200 face to face, 1300-1600 online
2025. Jan 20th, Feb 3rd, Feb 17th, March 3rd, March 17th
- PH5611 - Dissertation
Term 1
Fridays 0900-1200 online
2024 - Sept 27th, Oct 18th, Nov 8th, Nov 29th
Term 2
Monday 0900-1200 dual delivery
2025 - Jan 27th, Feb 3rd, Feb 24th, March 3rd
Optional
- PH5629 - Functional Neuroscience for Rehabilitation
This module aims to develop and update student’s knowledge of functional neuroscience underpinning neurorehabilitation and to explore recent and emerging neuroscientific techniques with particular reference to differential diagnosis and prognosis in neurological disorders.
It will also extend knowledge of neuroplastic adaptation and debate how rehabilitation interventions can harness learning in the presence of neurological dysfunction with the overall aim to explore how advances in basic and clinical neuroscience research impact on the personalisation and prescription of professional practice in neurorehabilitation.
Tuesdays 0900-1200 dual teaching online and FTF combined
Oct 1st, Oct 15th, Oct 29th, Nov 12th, Nov 26th
- PH5630 - Neurophysiological Basis for Rehabilitation of Movement
On this module, students will develop their knowledge of clinical neurophysiology and motor control and motor learning, relevant to rehabilitation of movement in neurology.
This will be achieved by critical examination of recent and emerging neuroscientific methods for assessment and management to inform clinical reasoning and decision making.
Tuesdays 0900 -1200 dual teaching
2025 - Jan 21st, February 4th and 18th, March 4th and 18th
- PH5631 - Clinical Applications in Neurorehabilitation
By exploring the links between theory and practice, employing a person centred approach and through critical evaluation of current evidence for the effectiveness of selected rehabilitation interventions, measurement and approaches, this module aims to enhance the students’ ability to critically reflect upon their professional scope of practice.
Students will be expected to objectively rationalise and justify their clinical decision making, make evidence-based judgements including appropriate risk assessment and critically evaluate their effect when working with people with neurological disorders, their families and carers within the inter-professional environs.
Tuesdays 1300-1600 dual teaching online and FTF combined
Oct 1st, Oct 15th, Oct 29th, Nov 12th, Nov 26th
Assessment presentation Dec 2024
- PH5632 - Cognitive and Behavioural Issues in Neurorehabilitation
The aim of this module is to broaden knowledge of evidence based frameworks and interventions underpinning practice in cognitive rehabilitation across the key neurocognitive domains, as a consequence of acquired or progressive neurological conditions ( e.g., acquired brain injury, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and so on).
In this module, students will draw from their own clinical experience and practice in cognitive neurorehabilitation to explore evidence-based frameworks and interventions for cognitive, behavioural, emotional and social impairments.
They will engage in critical appraisal of emerging and technology assisted diagnosis and treatment and consider the impact of biopsychosocial perspective for holistic approaches to cognitive rehabilitation, reflecting the inter-professional team contribution to personalised rehabilitation interventions.
Tuesdays 1300-1600 dual teaching
2025 - January 21st, February 2nd and 18th, March 4th and18th
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Career Prospects for Advanced Professional Practice Graduates
Following successful completion of this advanced practice programme, you will be fully prepared for a leadership role as an advanced practitioner in your relevant clinical profession (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy or physiotherapy) and within your clinical specialism.
Our graduates typically go on to senior clinical leadership positions within a range of healthcare settings, with many gaining prominent positions to pioneer service development at regional, national or international levels.
With increasing global demand for advanced practitioners, our graduates enjoy excellent employability and opportunities for career advancement. This master's will give you the relevant knowledge and skills to step into these positions. Designed to meet the needs of global healthcare organisations and employers, our graduates have excellent prospects in the UK and internationally, making them sought-after professionals in their preferred countries.
This programme is ideal for senior clinicians and clinical leads who are looking to take their clinical career to the next level, or in a new direction into management and service innovation, or academic research and education.
Professional Registration
To register as a healthcare professional in the UK you will need to hold a relevant pre-registration qualification. Though the MSc APP is not considered a pre-registration programme and therefore does not provide direct eligibility to register as a healthcare professional in the UK, the programme may be used alongside your international pre-registration qualifications to support your application for registration.
If you are seeking to register as a healthcare professional in the UK we recommend that you contact the relevant regulator for your profession to explore the current requirements. For allied health professionals (AHPs) information on international applications to the Health and Care Professions Council can be found on the HCPC website.
For nurses and midwives, more information on international applications to the Nursing and Midwifery Council can be found on the NMC website.
Rights to Work in the UK for International Students
International students graduating from this programme who hold UK professional registration may be eligible to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa that provides the right to work within the UK healthcare sector. This visa also provides the right for dependants to come to the UK and exemptions from UK health insurance surcharges.
Further information about the current benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa and rules for applying can be found at the UKVI website.
Information on further visa options is available on our Post Study Work Options webpage.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
- Hold a pre-registration degree in a relevant allied health profession, be currently employed in the clinical speciality you wish to apply for and have the following relevant experience as a minimum:
1. Students currently working in the UK - At least 1 year of post qualification clinical work experience in the specialism they have applied for.
2. Students currently working outside of the UK – At least 2 years post qualification clinical work experience, ideally including at least 1 year in the specialism you have applied for.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7 (min 6.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 64 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 68% (63% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 98 (min 23 in all areas)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£11,550 full-time
International
£24,000 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
You’ll benefit from the expertise of award-winning academic staff who have extensive experience as clinicians and researchers. Almost all members of our teaching team are either currently working in the NHS or have had substantial clinical careers in various neurological specialities. They're active in research and often contribute to the development of national clinical guidelines, so you know you’re being taught by practising healthcare professionals with a high profile in the sector.
Our teaching approach is diverse and you’ll benefit from a blend of online and face-to-face teaching. There’ll be lab workshops, pieces of small group work, debates, presentations and online discussion. Sharing knowledge and experience is encouraged as part of the programme so you’ll also benefit from extensive critical engagement with your peers.
Assessment and feedback
The course uses a range of flexible and engaging approaches to assessment. Forms of assessment will include written assignments, online multiple choice, and oral presentations.
Feedback is a crucial part of the learning cycle and is part of an ongoing process as you learn through interaction with tutors and fellow students, as well as through more formal mechanisms.
The dissertation provides demonstration of an ability to synthesise and critically evaluate current research underpinning clinical practice, and to develop and undertake relevant research in an area of your choice as well as its dissemination. Some of our students have undertaken research in their own trusts or have joined research projects with Brunel members of staff.
