Human Neuroscience BSc
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 real-world datasets.
Key information
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
- Grades
- ABB
- 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
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- 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
- 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.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 3
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.
About this course
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 human 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; you will get first-hand experience of analysing and interpreting neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI, EEG and MEG. This will enable you to understand broader elements of the brain and nervous system.
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.
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.
Course structure
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.
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 four 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 will undertake a module exploring the different careers related to neuroscience ahead of completing your course.
Modules
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).
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.
Compulsory modules
- Evidence and Enquiry in Neuroscience (CLNE0073)
- Human Movement and Movement Disorders (CLNE0058)
- Introduction to Human Mental Health (CLNE0059)
- Introduction to Human Sensory Systems (CLNE0060)
- Introduction to Neurophysiology and Human Brain Anatomy (CLNE0074)
- Introduction to Research Methods in Human Neuroscience (CLNE0062)
- Introduction to Statistical Methods (PALS0046)
Compulsory modules
- Ageing and Dementia (CLNE0063)
- From action to social interaction (CLNE0064)
- Human Perception and Cognition (CLNE0065)
- Intermediate Mental Health (CLNE0066)
- Language and Language Disorders (CLNE0067)
- Research Methods and Data Analysis in Human Neuroscience (CLNE0068)
- Intermediate Statistical Methods (PALS0045)
- Science of Bias (PSYC0253)
Compulsory modules
- Research in Practice placement (CLNE0069)
- Research Project (CLNE0070)
- The Business of Science Innovation (OPHT0095)
Optional modules
- Research Integrity and Governance (ANIM0010)
- Experimental approaches to studying neuronal circuits in health and disease: from theory to practical application (CLNE0043)
- Population Ageing (IEHC0035)
- Genomics, Health and Society (IEHC0036)
- Health Psychology (IEHC0058)
- Brain Stimulation (PALS0019)
- The Human Voice: Speech, Emotions, Identity (PALS0029)
- Language and Communication in Dementia (PALS0044)
- Human Learning and Memory (PSYC0030)
- Motor Control in Health and Disease (CLNE0054)
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 of the course 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 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 question exams, 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 Investigators to postdoctoral researchers, 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.
Assessment is primarily by end-of-year examinations, but other methods may include multiple choice questions, computational tests, oral presentations, and written coursework.
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.
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 are 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.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £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. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
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 course 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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).
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.
Why study this course at UCL?
You will study as part of the world-renowned UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology (QSIoN). In partnership with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery also based at Queen Square, 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 academic departments across the Faculty of Brain Sciences providing you with unparalleled opportunities to learn from our world-leading divisions and institutes.
You will gain experience of working with 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. You 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 2010–2026.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
This course is designed to enable you to develop high level skills in gathering, analysing and interpreting scientific evidence. You will develop the skills to critically evaluate the validity of the research literature and undertake 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 enable you to communicate effectively with the general public, your student peers and other professionals. You will learn to work in a team, manage your own workload and reflect on the quality of your own work.
The Human Neuroscience BSc course is a new course launched in 2024, but it is anticipated that our graduates will be equipped with the analytical and data science skills for a broad range of 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 you for related careers in the fields of data science and analytics.
Your knowledge of human neuroscience and the variety of transferable skills you will gain will support you in pursuing a variety of career destinations.
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.
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Register nowHow 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.
Applications should be made through UCAS. All applicants who are offered a place on the course will be invited to attend an offer holder open day. These will be both online and in-person to accommodate those here in the UK and Overseas. These sessions are intended to allow candidates to make an informed decision about whether the degree course is right for them.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Human Neuroscience BSc course. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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