BSc Neuroscience (B140)

2025 entry

Course summary

Studying neuroscience will enable you to explore the workings of the brain, from molecules to neural systems, answering questions such as: how do neurones communicate with each other to lay down memories? What goes wrong in neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's and schizophrenia? How do we feel pain?

Your knowledge will build from studying core units in years one and two to studying selected, in-depth courses in your final year. Second-year units explore many aspects of neuroscience, including the neurophysiology of the central nervous system; the pharmacology of drugs that affect the nervous system; and the techniques that have enabled advances in understanding the nervous system.

Final-year units are run at the forefront of current research and include subjects such as synaptic plasticity and brain and behaviour, as well as studying specialised topics, such as neuropsychiatric diseases. You will also spend 30 days on a research project.

Practical teaching is enhanced with our innovative online dynamic lab manual, eBiolabs.

This course is available for intercalation.

This course is available as an intercalated degree for current medicine, dentistry or veterinary students from the University of Bristol or other universities. Find out more about our intercalated degrees and eligibility criteria.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAA including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
ABB including AB in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

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85% overall, with 8.5 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics.
Advanced Higher: AA in two core science/mathematics subjects, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from one of the following, and 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) in another: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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