iBSc Neuroscience
Explore the brain and nervous system through UCL’s world-leading neuroscience research and teaching, ranked first in Europe and second globally for neuroscience and behaviour.
About the course
This course offers a balance of hands-on research, data analysis, and critical thinking, helping students understand how the brain functions in health and disease. Students will gain exposure to cutting-edge research across multiple UCL departments, including Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (NPP), Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB), and the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, as well as institutes within the Faculties of Life and Brain Sciences.
Learning objectives
Students develop advanced knowledge and practical research skills across neuroscience and behaviour, while building transferable skills in:
- Data analysis, coding, and computational methods
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Scientific writing and communication
- Collaboration and teamwork
The course also provides opportunities to gain experience in machine learning, bioengineering, and other specialist areas, preparing students for future research, clinical, or academic careers.
Course structure
A major element of the degree is the research project (NEUR0001), which runs throughout the academic year. Students work closely with one of UCL’s neuroscience research groups, gaining first-hand experience of laboratory or computational research. Many students find that this project opens the door to future research opportunities and academic collaborations.
Modules
In total, students complete 120 credits:
- Advanced Research Project in Neuroscience (45 credits)
- Taught modules selected from a wide range offered within the Faculty of Life Sciences (75 credits)
Alternatively, students may undertake a library-based project (NEUR0002, 30 credits), with an additional 15 credits of taught modules added in its place.
All module selections are discussed and approved by the IBSc Neuroscience Tutor before the start of term.
Optional modules
Students can select from a wide range of modules within UCL’s neuroscience and life sciences portfolio. Options may include (subject to availability):
- Molecular Basis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders (15 credits)
- Pain (15 credits)
- Sex, Genes and Evolution (15 credits)
- Biology of Ageing (15 credits)
- Investigative Methods in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (15 credits)
- Mechanisms of Development (Extended) (30 credits)
- Mechanisms of Development (15 credits)
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (15 credits)
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology (15 credits)
- Clocks, Sleep and Biological Time (15 credits)
- Functional Genetics of Model Systems (15 credits)
- Visual Neuroscience (15 credits)
- Neurobiology of Brain Injury and Disease Extended (30 credits)
- Neurobiology of Brain Injury and Disease II (15 credits)
- Metabolic Neuroscience (15 credits)
- Neural Basis of Motivation and Learning (15 credits)
- Foundations of Neuroinformatics (15 credits)
- Advanced Investigative Project in Neuroscience (30 credits)
- The Control of Movement (15 credits)
- Neural Computation: Models of Brain Function (15 credits)
- Integrative Systems Neuroscience (15 credits)
- Neurobiology of Brain Injury and Disease I (15 credits)
- Advanced Research Project in Neuroscience (45 credits)
- Neuropharmacology (15 credits)
- Molecular Pharmacology (15 credits)
- Synaptic Pharmacology (15 credits)
- Receptor Mechanisms (15 credits)
- Psychopharmacology (15 credits)
- The Cellular Basis of Brain Function (30 credits)
Essential course information
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Life Sciences.
Location: London, Bloomsbury
Contact hours: Typical timetabled contact hours for iBSc degrees timetabled contact hours consist of approximately 8 hours per week of lectures. Students are also expected to undertake approximately 25-30 hours of independent study per week. This includes work on their dissertations/laboratory research projects.
Course length: Full-time for one academic year.
Awards and qualifications: Upon successful completion of the 120 iBSc credits, you will be awarded Intercalated Bachelor of Science with Honours, iBSc (Hons) in the course undertaken.
Funding and costs: There are no mandatory additional costs beyond standard tuition fees. Full details on tuition fees, financial support and living costs are available at:
Structure, funding and support for UCL MBBS students
Key dates:
- Applications open: 1 December 2025
- Applications close: 5 January 2026
Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for iBSc study, you must have:
- Enrolled on a UK MBBS course.
- Successfully completed or about to complete the second year. If you are currently in your second year, any offer from us will be conditional that you pass your second year.
Capacity and allocation: Places on iBSc courses are capacity-limited and students are not guaranteed their first choice. Allocation is made through the iBSc matching process.
External applications: This course is only open to current UCL medical students and does not accept external applicants. If you’re studying at another medical school, please see our list of iBSc courses available to external applicants.
Accessibility
The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.
How To Apply
Apply now through Moodle
Second-year medical students apply via Moodle. Decisions are based on personal statements.
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