Teaching methods
- Lab sessions
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Practical classes
- Anatomy sessions
- Case-based learning
- Placements
- Problem-based learning
- Self-study
- Small group learning
Medical School Building, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK and University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSci Hons | AAB | September 2024 | B141 | 4 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Qualification | Entry Requirements | Start Date | UCAS code | Duration | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSci Hons | AAB | September 2024 | B141 | 4 years full-time | £9,250 per year |
Advanced Degree Accreditation highlights the degrees that have the potential to educate the life science leaders and innovators of the future. Advanced accredited degrees have been shown to provide graduates with the skills and experience needed to enter a successful career in the biosciences.
Advanced Degree Accreditation highlights the degrees that have the potential to educate the life science leaders and innovators of the future. Advanced accredited degrees have been shown to provide graduates with the skills and experience needed to enter a successful career in the biosciences.
including two Higher Level science subjects at grade 5, including one from Biology or Chemistry.
6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element).
As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.
For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.
If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.
If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country
Two science subjects, one of which must be biology/human biology and/or chemistry. Second science subject can be from biology, chemistry, electronics, geography, geology, human biology, maths, computer science, statistics, physics or psychology.
A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately. Due to the disruption to examinations in 2020/2021, if you completed your A levels during this time we will waive the requirement for a pass in the practical.
GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 are also required.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.
MSci students should have a minimum of 55% in the first year of studies in order to continue on the (Neuroscience) MSci programme.
Neuroscience is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course. Requirements for progression are:
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Two science subjects, one of which must be biology/human biology and/or chemistry. Second science subject can be from biology, chemistry, electronics, geography, geology, human biology, maths, computer science, statistics, physics or psychology.
A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately. Due to the disruption to examinations in 2020/2021, if you completed your A levels during this time we will waive the requirement for a pass in the practical.
GCSE English language and maths at grade 4 are also required.
including two Higher Level science subjects at grade 5, including one from Biology or Chemistry.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.
Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:
This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.
We recognise the potential of talented students from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement at school or college. These offers are usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
MSci students should have a minimum of 55% in the first year of studies in order to continue on the (Neuroscience) MSci programme.
Neuroscience is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course. Requirements for progression are:
At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.
If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you will need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.
The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.
Home students*
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.
* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.
Curious about how your brain works? Would you like to understand neurological diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s at an advanced level? Then our MSci in Neuroscience is for you.
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, in this course you'll study the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system, as well as neurological diseases and disorders.
Our degree programme convers concepts from the genome through to human based clinical neuroscience.
Through optional modules and research projects, you can tailor the course to focus on the specific areas of neuroscience that interest you. You’ll be taught by leading scientists with a range of specialities to broaden your understanding of neuroscience.
Course overview
Curious about how your brain works? Would you like to understand neurological diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s at an advanced level? Then our MSci in Neuroscience is for you.
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, in this course you'll study the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system, as well as neurological diseases and disorders.
Our degree programme convers concepts from the genome through to human based clinical neuroscience. Disciplines studied will include:
Through optional modules and research projects, you can tailor the course to focus on the specific areas of neuroscience that interest you. You’ll be taught by leading scientists with a range of specialities to broaden your understanding of neuroscience.
BSc or MSci?
MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courses which last for four years and have an integrated master's qualification. They are the equivalent to a BSc plus a master's level qualification. The MSci provides additional intensive laboratory research and the opportunity for you to add in industrial experience to enhance your future career prospects.
Why choose this course?
Teaching hospital Study in one of the UK’s major teaching hospitals on a course with a strong clinical and pharmacological emphasis
Laboratory experience Laboratory experience begins in term one
Tailor your course Tailor the course to your unique interests with a range of optional modules
Student feedback High quality of teaching and student feedback
Student support A personal tutor assigned to you to provide academic and pastoral advice throughout your degree
Employability High number of our students secure employment or postgraduate education
Important information
This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.
Mandatory
Year 1
Fundamentals of Neuroscience
Mandatory
Year 1
Core Skills in Neuroscience
Mandatory
Year 1
Human Physiology
Mandatory
Year 1
Genes, Molecules and Cells
Optional
Year 1
Life on Earth
Optional
Year 1
Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour
Mandatory
Year 2
Higher Skills in Neuroscience
Mandatory
Year 2
Building Brains
Mandatory
Year 2
Neurons and Glia
Optional
Year 2
Neurobiology of Disease
Optional
Year 2
Animal Behaviour and Physiology
Optional
Year 2
Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
Optional
Year 2
Drugs and Diseases
Mandatory
Year 3
Neuroscience Research Project
Mandatory
Year 3
Sensational Neuroscience
Mandatory
Year 3
Advanced Skills in Neuroscience
Optional
Year 3
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Optional
Year 3
Advanced Glia
Optional
Year 3
Neuroimaging
Optional
Year 3
Neurogenetics and epigenetics
Optional
Year 3
History of Science
Optional
Year 3
Clinical Neuroscience
Optional
Year 3
Molecular Aspects of Brain Disease
Optional
Year 3
Chronobiology
Optional
Year 3
Psychpharmacology
Optional
Year 3
Mental Health and Hearing
Mandatory
Year 4
Neuroscience Research Project
Mandatory
Year 4
Advanced Skills in Neuroscience
Mandatory
Year 4
Sensational Neuroscience
Optional
Year 4
Computational Neuroscience
Optional
Year 4
Epigenetics
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. This content was last updated on Tuesday 3 October 2023.
This module will give you a good grounding in the basic principles of the nervous system of humans and other animals. Topics will include neuroanatomy, cellular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, sensory systems, neuroendocrinology, memory, behavioural neuroscience and diseases of the nervous system. These will be delivered through weekly lectures and practical classes.
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials this module will enable you to develop core skills in statistics, pharmacology, neuroscience methodology, scientific writing, data handling and analysis, experimental design and scientific presentations. This module is designed to develop your problem solving scientific skills. An important aspect of this module is the small-group tutorials which allow you to get to know the member of staff who will be your tutor for the duration of your studies.
In this module, you will be introduced to the physiology of major systems such as cardiovascular, nervous, and musculoskeletal, including some aspects of drug action. This module will allow you to understand your biochemical and genetics knowledge in the context of the intact organism. This module includes lectures and laboratory classes.
This module combines lectures and laboratory classes and introduces you to the structure and function of significant molecules in cells, and the important metabolic processes which occur inside them. You will study, amongst other topics, protein and enzyme structure and function, the biosynthesis of cell components, and the role of cell membranes in barrier and transport processes. You'll examine how information in DNA is used to determine the structure of gene products. Topics include DNA structure, transcription and translation and mutation and recombinant DNA technology.
Life on Earth provides an introduction to the fundamental characteristics and properties of the myriad of organisms which inhabit our planet, from viruses, bacteria and Archaea, to plants and animals. In weekly lectures, and regular laboratory practical classes, you will consider how living organisms are classified, how they are related genetically and phylogenetically, and basic aspects of their structure and function.
Starting with Darwin’s theory of evolution, you will learn how natural selection and other evolutionary forces have shaped the ways in which organisms interact with each other and their environment. In addition to lectures, practical classes will give you hands-on experience with a range of ecological and behavioural concepts in the laboratory and the field.
This module builds upon and employs the core skills introduced in the first year. In particular it focuses on developing your skills to design and conduct laboratory based research using a variety of neuroscience techniques. Moreover, we will develop your ability to work in a team and communicate your ideas and findings to different audiences using a variety of media. Alongside lectures, practicals and workshops, small-group tutorials are an essential component of this module to help you develop your own research and communication skills.
Studying this module, you'll be able to explain how the nervous system develops, is organised, and processes information. This will be achieved through presentation of comparative invertebrate and vertebrate studies, consideration of evolutionary concepts, and a detailed analysis of the development, structure, and function of the mammalian brain. The lecture sessions are complemented by workshops on Drosophila and chick embryo development, on the neuroanatomy of the human spinal cord, and dissection of pig brains subject to the availability of tissue.
This module will provide you with an understanding of the mechanisms behind electrical conduction in neurones. You will learn about the generation of the membrane potential and its essential role in signaling within the nervous system. You will develop an appreciation of the role of ion channels in the generation of trans-membrane currents and how myelin can accelerate signal conduction. You will also learn about the important supporting roles that astrocytes and glial cells play in the nervous system in order to ensure its efficient functioning.
This module will teach you the underlying neurophysiology and pathology associated with several common CNS disorders and the neuropharmacology of currently available medication. You will learn about the neurotransmitters and pathways involved in normal brain function and how changes in these contribute to abnormal function. You will also decipher the pharmacological mechanisms of drugs used to treat these CNS disorders. You will cover numerous human diseases including those with great significance such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism.
A comprehensive introduction to the study of animal behaviour, from the physiological and genetic bases of behaviour to its development through learning and its adaptive significance in the natural environment. Through practical classes, you will learn about the physiological basis of fundamental behaviours. Using examples from across the animal kingdom, you will learn how predictive modelling, experimental and observational approaches integrate to explain how and why animals behave as they do.
This module will provide an in-depth analysis of drug action, and its application to the design and use of current therapeutics. You will learn to define what drugs are, the different ways they act at the cellular and molecular level, and the pharmacokinetic principles underlying drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. You will explore examples in cardiovascular and respiratory disease, diabetes and obesity, CNS disorders, cancer and infectious disease. Overall, you will develop a deep understanding of what the discipline of pharmacology represents, and its application to both basic biological research and current and future medical advances.
The research project is a year-long module. Preparatory work including a literature review and familiarisation with laboratory techniques and protocols occurs in the autumn semester, with the bulk of the practical work in the spring semester. You will choose the topic of your project from a list of suggestions and will finalise the experimental plan after consultation with your supervisor. Each project will involve collection of data by means such as experiment, questionnaire or observation, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the data in the context of previous work.
This module has been designed to provide final year undergraduate students (both BSc and MSci levels) a detailed overview of the sensory systems, in addition to the most up-to-date information regarding recent developments in sensory neuroscience research. The topics covered in the module are wide-ranging and will include experimental methods used to study the anatomy and physiology of the special senses. Particular attention will be given to Pain research and related areas of sensory neuroscience. Topics will also cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive dysfunctions in sensory neural networks and their relevance to the development and persistence of sensory disorders of the nervous systems.
Considers ion channels at the molecular level, with topics including the structure and function of different ion channel groups and their modulation by drugs, pesticides and natural toxins. You will also consider the synthesis and transport of neurotransmitters and the formation and release of synaptic vesicles. This module involves one three hour session per week incorporating eight lectures and two practical sessions.
The research project is a year-long module. Preparatory work including a literature review and familiarisation with laboratory techniques and protocols occurs in the autumn semester, with the bulk of the practical work in the spring semester. You will choose the topic of your project from a list of suggestions and will finalise the experimental plan after consultation with your supervisor. Each project will involve collection of data by means such as experiment, questionnaire or observation, as well as the analysis and interpretation of the data in the context of previous work.
TBC
This module provides an overview of the processing of sensory information by the nervous system, examining the function of the somatosensory, chemosensory, visual and auditory systems. You will also develop your scientific research and evaluation skills. The module is delivered through lectures and seminar-based workshops.
Teaching methods
Exams happen twice a year at the end of each semester. Coursework runs throughout each year and exists in many different formats.
Find out more about our teaching on our school website.
Assessment methods
Approximately 20 hours of contact time per week. Class sizes vary with module.
Graduates from our course have developed careers in scientific research in the pharmaceutical industry and academia. Other careers have included management, scientific writing, professions allied to medicine, teaching and graduate entry medicine.
Recent graduate destinations include:
Find out more about the career options open to neuroscience graduates.
Average starting salary and career progression
93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.
HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.
Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.
Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.
Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.
The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).
University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
3 years full-time
Qualification
BSc Hons
Entry requirements
AAB
UCAS code
B140
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
5 years full-time
Qualification
BMBS
Entry requirements
AAA
UCAS code
A100
Our webpages contain detailed information about all processes in your student journey. Check them out alongside our student enquiry centre to find the information you need. If you’re still struggling, head to our help page where you can find details of how to contact us in-person and online.