Human Neuroscience BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Neuroscience explores the brain and nervous system at many different levels. On UCL’s three-year Human Neuroscience BSc, you will explore how our brains enable us to perceive the world, move, influence our mental health, and how we communicate and interact with each other. You will have the opportunity to undertake a research placement in your final year and work with large, real-world data sets.
Important notice
-This is the course information for 2026 entry. You can now view details for the 2027 entry.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
Programme starts
September 2026Application deadline
14 Jan 2026UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAA
- Subjects
- To include Biology or Psychology, plus one other science from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics or Mathematics
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Contextual offer information
- Grades
- ABB more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- To include A in Biology or Psychology, plus one other science from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics or Mathematics.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
- Points
- 38
- Subjects
- A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects to include grade 6 in Biology or Psychology, plus one other science from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics or Mathematics, with no higher level score lower than 5.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 34 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects to include grade 6 in Biology or Psychology, plus one other science from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics or Mathematics, with no higher level score lower than 5.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, to include Biology or Psychology, plus one other science from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics or Mathematics
A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher), including Biology or Psychology, plus one other science from Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Physics or Mathematics at Advanced Higher
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 3
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
The Human Neuroscience BSc is a three-year course that will enable you to learn about the human brain and nervous system through the prism of health and disease.
You will develop your knowledge in the exciting field of neuroscience by studying what happens when things go wrong with our nervous system, such as with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, aphasia, depression, and schizophrenia. Additionally, you will learn about the different research methods and techniques that have been developed to help us study the human brain; students will get first-hand experience of analysing and interpreting neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI, EEG and MEG scans. This will enable you to understand broader elements of the brain and nervous system.
In Year 1 you will learn the basics of human neuroscience and how research is conducted in this area. You will learn about neurons and synapses, and the structure and function of the human brain. You will also explore our different sensors (such as our eyes and ears), to discover how we see, hear, and feel, as well as how we move in the world. You will also gain skills in developing a research question, designing an experiment, and drawing conclusions from data analysis.
Year 2 builds upon the knowledge you have developed in the first year. You will learn about common mental health disorders and their causes, and how humans communicate both verbally and non-verbally in social interactions. Additionally, you will learn about what happens in the human brain as we get older and what processes are involved in common disorders of older age such as dementia. A key part of your second year will be developing practical knowledge and experience of analysing human neuroimaging data and the analytical skills employed in human neuroscience research.
In the third and final year, you will learn about the connections between business and science as this is important for understanding how basic scientific research is translated into treatments and medical/clinical interventions for patients – the ‘bench to bedside’ perspective (of turning science discoveries into real world benefits).
In the final year of your degree, you will have the opportunity to undertake your own research project in the field of human neuroscience, alongside a research placement. You will also be able to select optional modules looking at specialised areas and applications of human neuroscience in broader aspects of human health, genes, and environment interactions. To support your future employability, all students undertake a module exploring the different careers related to neuroscience ahead of completing your course.
What this course will give you
You will study as part of the world-renowned Queen Square Institute of Neurology (QSIoN). In partnership with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (co-located together), QSIoN is one of the world’s leading research centres for neuroscience and neurology, and you will join a community of researchers, academics, and students who are at the very forefront of neuroscience research. Additionally, modules available on the Human Neuroscience BSc course are delivered from across the Faculty of Brain Sciences’ academic departments providing students with unparalleled opportunities to learn from our world-leading Divisions and Institutes.
You will gain experience of working with large datasets of real-world research thanks to the QSIoN’s partnerships and active research community. You will have exposure to some of the most cutting-edge and novel neuroscience research techniques. The strong emphasis on research skills supports future study, a career in research, and many other data-orientated roles.
The course will particularly take advantage of our hospital links, emphasising clinical and mental health research and clinical trials, as well as bridging discovery science and health interventions. Students will be well equipped to pursue further study and careers within these areas.
Additionally:
- We are top in the UK for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, with more than 90% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (UK Research Excellence Framework 2021).
- UCL is consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2025).
- UCL is 2nd in the world for Neuroscience and Behaviour in the National Taiwan University Rankings for scientific papers (2024).
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Human Neuroscience.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
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All modules are compulsory in the first and second year of study. In the third year you will further develop your own specialised interests in the broad field of human neuroscience by choosing four optional modules, alongside three compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
Your learning
This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills in the study of the human brain and nervous system, how different disorders can present, and how researchers are working to develop new treatments and medical/clinical interventions.
We will use a mix of face-to-face teaching and online resources on the degree. Most teaching will be face-to-face through live lectures, workshops, seminars, discussion groups, small (4-8 students) or large (the whole cohort) group activities, and practical sessions.
This is supported by use of the virtual learning environment (VLE) at UCL that provides a range of learning resources, such as video lectures, structured learning activities (e.g. quizzes, online discussion boards, webinars) and directed reading.
Additionally, alongside the module teaching, there will be weekly compulsory Human Neuroscience seminar series that will run throughout the three years of the course. This is carefully designed to dovetail with the content and teaching in each term and year and will provide additional opportunities for formative assessments and learning within a group setting.
Your assessments will help you learn how to communicate effectively. You will write essays, scientific reports, and short interview style answers. You will also learn to create videos and give oral presentations (either live or recorded), as well as design and present your own research posters. Assessments will also include presentations, multiple choice questions, written exams, a reflective portfolio, and your final year research project (similar to dissertations on other courses).
In the third year, you will take the Research in Practice placement module. You will spend time each week for the first term embedded in a research group that is related to your research project. You will join research group/lab meetings enabling you to develop your understanding of research progress, critical evaluation, the journey from research questions to published articles, the development of knowledge and expertise within the research group, and the different roles within a research group from Principal Investigator to postdoctoral researcher, research assistants, PhD students, and project students.
The placement will require you to research the broader topic of your own research project and will also develop your knowledge of the career structure of academic research.
You will typically have between 8-12 contact hours per week during term time depending on the year of study and module choices. This includes lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, you will be expected to approximately undertake a further 25-30 hours a week of self-directed learning (this may vary from week to week over the course of the academic year): these will include reading research articles, engaging with key topics and preparing for lectures/assessments, completing specific tasks set by lecturers, etc.
Assessment
Assessment is primarily by end-of-year examinations, but other methods may include multiple choice questions, computational tests, oral presentations, and written coursework.
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.
The foundation of your career
Graduates from the Human Neuroscience BSc course will be equipped with the analytical and data science skills for a broad range of careers in neuroscience, mental health, and behavioural sciences.
Your knowledge of human neuroscience and the variety of transferable skills you will gain will support you in pursuing a variety of career destinations. This is a new course but it is anticipated graduates will enter into careers in neuroscience academia and research, mental health services, and behavioural sciences.
It is also anticipated that the heavy emphasis on research skills on the course will prepare students for related careers in the fields of data science and analytics.
Central to the Faculty of Brain Sciences' strategy is our focus on translational research (turning scientific discoveries into new clinical treatments and interventions). As such, graduates will also be well placed to pursue careers in translational research and bioscience/biomedical innovation.
Employability
This course will enable you to develop high-level skills in gathering, analysing, and interpreting scientific data and evidence.
You will develop the skills to critically evaluate the validity of research literature and undertake your own independent research. You will be able to understand and explain complex information and appreciate how such data can be analysed to test different hypotheses.
The course will also develop your own personal confidence to enable you to communicate effectively with the general public, your peers, and other professionals. You will develop skills in teamwork, managing your own workload, and critically reflecting on the quality of your own work.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £9,790 |
| Tuition fees (2026/27) | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.
International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.
International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
This programme has no additional costs.
For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
Aside from meeting the entry requirements for this course, we particularly welcome applications from students who are passionate about understanding human behaviour and the neuroscience behind this.
If you have work experience that you want to include in your personal statement, we recommend that you include this but it is important that you make this relevant to the field of (human) neuroscience.
We also understand that some students may be applying for this course alongside applications to study Medicine. We still welcome these applications and understand that these personal statements will be submitted with Medicine as the primary subject focus.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Applicants who are offered a place will be invited to attend an offer holder open day (in-person or virtual). This is intended to allow candidates to make an informed decision whether the degree programme is right for them.
Got questions? Get in touch
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