Studying Neuroscience at UCL

Undergraduate neuroscience programmes

Neuroscience BSc/MSci
The Neuroscience BSc/MSci looks at the nervous system from a biological perspective. You will delve into the workings of our genes, brain cells, synapses, connections and circuits. This can help shed light on what may happen when there are problems. You will learn how a few early embryonic cells develop into an intricately organised nervous system that controls an entire organism; how the brain learns and forms memories; how drugs act on the brain; how molecular switches can be designed to turn on and off brain regions that control fear, hunger or sleep.
The Neuroscience BSc/MSci covers neurobiology, neuroanatomy and development, neuropharmacology and neurophysiology with a strong emphasis on experimental laboratory work. The Neuroscience MSci offers a fourth year of study, largely centred on a research project of your choice and a wide selection of Master’s level modules. You can apply directly for the MSci programme or switch from the BSc to the MSci at the end of Year 2.
Modules
Below is a list of the compulsory modules in Years 1 and 2.
- Introduction to Neuroscience
- Foundations of Neurobiology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Introduction to Genetics
- Cells and Development
- Chemistry for Biology Students
- Introductory Mammalian Physiology
- Human Neuroanatomy
- Essential Molecular Biology
- Molecular Biology for Neuroscientists
- Cellular Neurophysiology
- Pharmacology
Optional modules offered in Year 2 include:
- Developmental Neurobiology
- Systems Neuroscience
- Perception
- Integrative Cell Biology (Cell Signalling and Regulation)
- Linear Algebra for Data Science
Entry requirements
- AAA at A level (or equivalent) including Chemistry, and one from either Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.

Human Neuroscience BSc
The Human Neuroscience BSc looks at the human brain and nervous system. You will learn about how the human brain enables us to perceive the world, how we move, our mental health, how we communicate and how we interact with each other.
You will learn about the human brain by understanding what happens when things go wrong with the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, aphasia, depression and schizophrenia. In addition, you will learn about the different methods and techniques that have been developed to help us study the human brain.
The Human Neuroscience BSc will give you hands-on experience of analysing human brain data to understand broader elements of the brain and nervous system. You will have the opportunity to undertake your own research project in the field of Human Neuroscience.
Modules
Below is a list of the compulsory modules in Years 1 and 2.
- Evidence and Enquiry in Neuroscience
- Introduction to Neuroscience Research Methods
- Introduction to Statistics
- Human Neurophysiology and Anatomy
- Human Sensory Neuroscience
- Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Human Neuroimaging Data Analysis
- Speech, Language and Language disorders
- Intermediate Statistics
- Intermediate Mental Health
- Motor Control and Social Cognition
- Ageing and Dementia
- Movement and Movement Disorders
- The Science of Bias
- The Business of Science Innovation
Entry requirements
- AAA at A level (or equivalent) including Biology or Psychology, and one from either Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
FAQs
- Which programme should I study?
You should apply to study the Neuroscience BSc/MSci if you are fascinated by how the brain is formed and works. You will be interested in learning more about how brain cells and synapses form connections and circuits and how these come together to perform complex tasks and control body functions and behaviour. The Neuroscience BSc/MSci includes wet lab study that will give you the skills and experience to work in a wet (also known as experimental) lab. It also offers training in computational neuroscience. The Neuroscience MSci offers a fourth year of study, building on the three years of the Neuroscience BSc programme, largely centred on a research project of your choice and a wide selection of Master’s level modules.
You should apply to study the Human Neuroscience BSc if you are fascinated with how the human brain and nervous system perceives the world around us and how we interact with it. You will also be interested in learning more about what happens in the brain and nervous system when something goes wrong – such as stroke or dementia. The Human Neuroscience BSc focuses on data science and developing your analytical skills.
- Can I apply to both programmes?
Yes, you can apply to both programmes via UCAS.
- Can I switch between the two programmes?
No, unfortunately you will not be able to switch between programmes as they have distinct modules covering different areas within neuroscience. Each programme has a different focus on the research skills that you will gain.
- What are my career options?
Our programmes provide exceptional transferrable skills to pursue a wide range of careers in varied sectors.
- Graduates from the Neuroscience BSc/MSci programme have gone on to gain places on top postgraduate Master’s and PhD programmes world-wide. Neuroscience graduates who choose to apply their knowledge to the treatment of patients have a high success rate in entering Medical School in the UK and abroad. Others apply their skills to work in public policy, law, journalism, pharmaceutical and biotech industry and finance. 100% of students from the Neuroscience BSc/MSci are in work or further studies 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2018-2020).
- Graduates from the Human Neuroscience BSc programme will be equipped with the analytical and data science skills for a broad range of careers in neuroscience, mental health and behavioural science. The programme will particularly take advantage of hospital links, emphasise clinical and mental health research and clinical trials, as well as bridging discovery science and health interventions.
- What's the difference between psychology and neuroscience?
Psychology and neuroscience are related but different subjects.
- Psychology is the study of behaviour and the mental processes which lead to a particular behaviour. Psychology studies these behaviours and mental processes indirectly.
- Neuroscience is the study of the biological and chemical processes in the brain and nervous system. Neuroscience makes it possible to look more directly at what’s going on in our brains.