BSc Hons UCAS Code
Would you like to understand neurological diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s?
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.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the brain, spinal cord, and neurological diseases, with an accredited neuroscience degree, preparing you for a career in clinical research, pharmaceuticals, or academic science.
Would you like to understand neurological diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s?
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.
You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the brain, spinal cord, and neurological diseases, with an accredited neuroscience degree, preparing you for a career in clinical research, pharmaceuticals, or academic science.
Our degree programme convers concepts from the genome through to human based clinical neuroscience. Topics studied will include:
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.
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.
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.
Approximately 20 hours of contact time per week. Class sizes vary with module.
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.
This module provides an overview of the structure and function of the major systems of the human body in health and disease. This will give you a comprehensive introduction to human anatomy and physiology.
Practical classes will apply your learning to dynamic processes of some key body systems.
In this module, you’ll explore the fascinating world of cellular and molecular biology. You’ll delve into topics such as the intricate structure and function of cells and their organelles, the workings of proteins and enzymes, and the essential roles of DNA, transcription, and translation. You’ll also examine how genes are organised and regulated, alongside the metabolism of macromolecules and the architecture of cell membranes.
To deepen your understanding, practical classes will complement the theoretical content, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in a hands-on setting. This combination of detailed study and experiential learning will equip you with a solid foundation in cellular and molecular biology.
This module will introduce you to the essential skills required for your career and provide hands-on experience of the basic techniques required for life scientists. We’ll cover statistical methods for data analysis, provide an introduction to digital competencies for life scientists and investigate ethical standards in research.
You will also explore data acquisition techniques and enhance your ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature. The module emphasises effective communication of scientific material through various media and will encourage reflective practice in the development of these, and other skills.
The module will also explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, considering global challenges through scientific innovation and responsibility.
This module provides an introductory overview of drug action and pharmacokinetics within the human body. You will explore the main drug targets and learn how drug effects at these targets can be measured. The module also covers the key processes that influence how drug concentrations change in the body after administration, including how optimal concentrations are achieved at the site of action. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and laboratory practicals, you will develop essential skills in pharmacological data analysis using computational tools. The module also encourages you to consider the ethical and sustainability issues associated with the practice of pharmacology.
In this module, you’ll explore how the human body processes the nutrients it needs to function. From obtaining and digesting to absorbing and metabolising macronutrients and micronutrients, you’ll gain a solid understanding of these essential processes. You’ll also examine the intricate relationship between nutrition and energy metabolism, delving into their effects on energy balance, body weight regulation, and body composition.
The module further investigates the tissue-specific regulation of macronutrient metabolism, giving you deeper insights into the complexities of the human body. By building this foundation, you’ll be better equipped to understand the science behind nutrition and its role in maintaining health and well-being.
This module provides a foundational understanding of organic chemistry with a focus on biomolecules essential to life, such as amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides. You’ll explore how biological systems synthesise and utilise these molecules, examining key chemical reactions, pathways, and the critical role of stereochemistry in biological processes.
Additionally, the module introduces the chemical principles underlying therapeutically relevant drug molecules, including their design, structure, and interactions with biological targets. By bridging biochemistry and organic chemistry, this module equips you with the essential knowledge needed for advanced studies in the life sciences.
This module explores how the external physical environment impacts brain health, function and behaviour. We will study the primary neurobiological mechanisms involved in the direct deleterious effects of physical, chemical and biological agents, such as heavy metals, forever chemicals and parasite infestation.
Moreover, we will examine the secondary neurobiological mechanisms implicated in the indirect and often interactional outcomes of ethnicity, lifestyle and early life factors, such as genotype, exercise and husbandry. In doing so the impact, diversity and types of environmental challenges that the nervous system may encounter during its lifespan and their deleterious effects will be reviewed.
This module focuses on advancing the essential skills needed by life science students for your academic and professional development. Building on fundamental skills training in year one, it develops understanding of experimental design, statistical methods for data analysis, enhances digital competencies relevant to life sciences, and continues to examine ethical standards in research. You will delve deeper into data acquisition, computational techniques and the critical evaluation of research and scientific literature.
The module places a strong emphasis on effectively communicating scientific concepts across various media while fostering reflective practices for skill development. Additionally, it addresses global challenges through the lens of scientific innovation and responsibility. Practical and workshop classes will provide hands-on experience with techniques essential for life science professionals. Teaching sessions and assessments will be tailored to different student degree groups: Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Sports & Exercise Science.s.
In this module, you’ll delve into the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable communication within the nervous system. You’ll gain a deep understanding of how neurons and glial cells work together to process and transmit biochemical signals, as well as how they interact with target tissues to regulate essential functions.
Your studies will focus on the molecular and cellular levels, exploring intercellular and intracellular signalling along with the pathways and cascades involved. This detailed examination offers valuable insights into the fundamental processes that underpin nervous system communication, equipping you with a strong foundation in this essential area of neuroscience.
This module introduces you to the neurobiology of animal behaviour. Using an evolutionary framework, you will examine topics such as navigation, foraging, fear and threat avoidance, and interaction with conspecifics, including reproductive and parenting behaviours.
Practical classes will demonstrate the neurobiological basis of fundamental behaviours. Using examples across the animal kingdom, the module demonstrates how experimental, observational and modelling approaches integrate to explain how and why animals behave as they do.
In this module, you’ll delve into the development and organisation of the nervous system, examining its complexities through comparative studies of invertebrates and vertebrates. You’ll explore evolutionary concepts and analyse the nervous system at molecular, cellular, and organismal levels, gaining insights into how it develops, functions, and supports life.
The module places a strong focus on the mammalian brain, offering a detailed understanding of its structure and function. Through this comprehensive exploration, you’ll uncover the intricate processes that shape the nervous system and its remarkable adaptations across different species.
This module will explore the neurobiological changes underlying neurodivergent syndromes and disorders of the nervous system. These include neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases that become evident in early, middle and later life, respectively.
Taught content will cover the biology of relevant neurotransmitter systems in healthy individuals, genetic and environmental risks for illness, and resulting cellular, neurochemical and behavioural consequences. It will also cover the pharmacological basis of treatments and common experimental techniques used in neuroscience research. Practical classes will enable you to apply your knowledge related to the study of disorders of the nervous system.
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.
The module includes lecture content to consider the background, need for, and potential of ‘entrepreneurship for social change’. This includes reviewing
Further, the module introduces a series of concepts and engages you in using practice tools/ frameworks for entrepreneurship for social change, at times these will be anchored by the UN’s SDGs.
In this module, you'll explore the science behind mental health, starting with the brain's structure and function, and the role of neurotransmitter systems in behaviour and mental well-being. You'll examine how early-life stressors affect brain development and mental health in later life, and critically discuss risk factors for psychiatric disorders, including genetics, the gut microbiome, and substance misuse. The module also covers traditional treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and the latest in psychedelic pharmacology, as well as the non-medicinal use of brain-affecting drugs.
You'll delve into real-world applications and societal impacts, learning how biological insights can lead to improved treatments. By the end of the module, you'll understand the ethical considerations surrounding psychiatric treatments and gain a deep appreciation of the latest research driving the field forward. This comprehensive overview will equip you with a thorough understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental health and the advancements in psychiatric care.
This module delves into the genetic, biochemical, and pathophysiological foundations of neurological disorders, shedding light on how dysfunction arises in the brain and nervous system. You’ll explore key topics such as neuron-glial cell interactions, neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier dysregulation. Additional focus will be placed on molecular mechanisms like protein misfolding, cellular stress, and synaptic dysfunction that contribute to neurodegeneration.
The module also examines interdisciplinary fields like neuroimmunology and neuro-oncology, investigating immune interactions in autoimmune diseases and brain cancers. Emphasising real-world applications, it highlights how scientific discoveries drive advancements in diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, and improved patient outcomes. By understanding these complex mechanisms, you’ll appreciate the pivotal role of research in addressing neurological disorders and shaping healthcare.
In this module, you’ll explore the biological processes of ageing and disease, and their impacts on human physiology, disease, and frailty.
Delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing and their effects on whole body function, with a focus on age-related diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and liver diseases.
We’ll also investigate the interplay of nutrition and exercise in regulating human metabolism and mitigating disease risks. A key component examines the dual role of exercise and nutrition in influencing disease prevention and progression and serving as therapeutic interventions.
You’ll also have the opportunity to evaluate strategies to promote healthy ageing, and disease prevention and management.
This module delves into the transformative intersection of biology, data science, and computational techniques, showcasing how big data is reshaping modern biological research. You’ll explore the principles of bioinformatics and computational biology, learning how to analyse large-scale biological datasets using cutting-edge tools and algorithms. Key topics include data mining, machine learning applications in biology, and effective data visualisation methods.
In addition, the module addresses the ethical considerations of working with biological data, fostering a critical understanding of this rapidly evolving field. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, you’ll develop essential skills for navigating the complex world of biological big data.
In this module, you'll explore the fundamental basis and clinical impact of pain, from molecular, anatomical, and physiological processes in neurons, glia, and systemic immune systems, to the clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain. You'll learn about the psychological and pharmacological approaches to pain management, and how translational neuroscience supports the development of new drugs. The module provides essential knowledge on pain arising from musculoskeletal disease, cancer, surgery, and other conditions.
Through lectures and workshops, you'll gain insights into how pain affects different groups in society and how this influences pain processes and treatment. By understanding the diverse impacts of pain, you'll be better equipped to address the challenges in pain management and contribute to the development of effective treatments. This module offers a comprehensive overview of pain science, preparing you for a career in healthcare and research.
This module enables you to apply pharmacology, neuroscience and biochemistry to the process of drug discovery and development. You'll learn the drug discovery process, including an overview of the drug discovery/drug development process, target identification, high-throughput screening, target validation, safety pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics, linking through to clinical trials.
This will be linked to future/novel targets in cardiovascular disease, obesity, immune diseases, cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders, for example. You'll gain an understanding of the impact of disease on pharmacokinetic aspects of drugs and how the pathophysiology of diseases can lead to new therapeutic targets. You'll also learn how to interpret in vivo drug data and determine human dose prediction.
This module explores the principles, applications and advancements in imaging technologies across biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll understand the theoretical knowledge and applications of imaging techniques used in research and industry. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating the role of imaging in advancing our understanding of life sciences.
In this module, you'll integrate the scientific knowledge you've acquired throughout your degree, focusing on how this knowledge informs policy decisions and shapes societal outcomes through effective public engagement. You'll explore the intersection of science and policy, learning how to communicate complex scientific concepts to various stakeholders to foster positive societal impacts.
The module aims to further develop your transferable skills, including critical thinking, reflection, and presentation to both lay and professional audiences. You'll enhance your communication and teamwork abilities, learning to effectively convey scientific knowledge to different stakeholders. By the end of the module, you'll be well-equipped to use your scientific expertise to influence policy and engage with the public meaningfully.
Our Language Centre offers many languages, and you may start as a beginner or at a more advanced level and you may be able to choose to study a language as part of this degree.
Learning another language can open career opportunities around the globe and enriches your CV. It could also help you in your studies by being able to access learning materials in other languages. If you are planning to travel or work abroad it will help you to broaden your cultural understanding.
Find out more about learning a language as part of your degree.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.
A levels
AAB
IB
32 points overall
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.
GCSE English and maths at grade 4 are also required.
32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates
HL5 in biology or chemistry, and a second science
If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.
Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths.
If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.
Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
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.
Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction including 15 credits in biology and chemistry and 15 credits in an acceptable second science subject. The remaining 15 graded credits must be obtained at Merit or above.
We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades 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.
If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.
You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.
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.
You may have the opportunity to study abroad in your second year at one of our partner universities.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.
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.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
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'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
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.
Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. 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.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.
IB
32 points overall
A levels
AAB
32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates
HL5 in biology or chemistry, and a second science
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.
GCSE English and maths at grade 4 are also required.
If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.
Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.
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.
Access to HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 graded credits at Distinction including 15 credits in biology and chemistry and 15 credits in an acceptable second science subject. The remaining 15 graded credits must be obtained at Merit or above.
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.
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.
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.
You may have the opportunity to study abroad in your second year at one of our partner universities.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
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).
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.
All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.
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'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.
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.
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.
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 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
From financial support to student life and accommodation, discover more about the Nottingham experience.
You will study at both our University Park Campus and Queen's Medical Centre - one of the UK's largest and busiest hospitals, located directly next to University Park. With cutting-edge facilities, beautiful green spaces and vibrant communities, these locations provide the perfect settings for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.
Head to our Help and Support hub for frequently asked questions and details of how to get in touch.
