2024 entry (view 2023 entry)
MSci Neuroscience (B141)
Course overview

Typical offer
A-level standard offer: AAA
A-level contextual offer: ABB
See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.
Course duration
4 year(s) full-time
Part-time study is not available for this course
Application method
Full-time: UCAS
Intercalation
Current medical, dental or veterinary science students can apply for entry onto the third year of this course.
Fees
£9,250 per year, home students
£27,200 per year, international students
Fees quoted are for 2023 entry only. Fees for 2024 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2023.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Location
The MSci Neuroscience is a four-year degree with an extended project in the final year. The course provides an opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of how to plan and perform experimental research in a specialised subject area. The final year provides valuable experience in research and you will develop the skills required to embark on a career as a researcher.
The first three years follow the BSc Neuroscience course. In the first and second years you will 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.
Alongside neuroscience, you will also learn about how other specialised body systems work and will have the opportunity to study complementary subject areas, including psychology and anatomical science, broadening your knowledge of biomedical sciences.
By the third year you will be learning at the forefront of current research, taking units such as Synaptic Plasticity; Brain and Behaviour; and Neuropsychiatric Diseases. You will also spend a total of 30 days on a research project.
The majority of your fourth year will focus on an extended research project in a laboratory environment. You will also develop valuable skills in communicating science to the public and will develop a portfolio of public engagement activities. This final year will instil a range of skills essential for understanding how to plan and conduct research projects; these skills are widely applicable to future employment and will benefit those considering future PhD training.
Course structure
Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.
Go to programme catalogueEntry 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.
A-level standard offer
AAA including two core science/mathematics subjects
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
A-level contextual offer
ABB including AB in two core science/mathematics subjects
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerCore science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
BTEC
DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
Find out more about our BTEC entry requirementsCore science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
International Baccalaureate Diploma
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).
International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerCore science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
European Baccalaureate
85% overall, with 8.5 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
Scottish Qualifications Authority
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
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
Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
Welsh Baccalaureate
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.
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
Cambridge Pre-U
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.
Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).
International qualifications
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Search international qualificationsApplicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
No specific subjects required.
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade C or 4
- An alternative English Language Profile E qualification
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- We only use your information in UCAS to assess your application. There are no other selection criteria or processes.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- The admissions statement above relates to 2023 entry. The statement for 2024 entry will be available in summer 2023.
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement: