Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
Course overview
Neuroscientists study the development and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system and ask important questions about what makes us think and feel, how our brains process information and what brain cells and synapses do. They investigate brain disorders and disease to uncover the processes that occur in both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.”
This interdisciplinary science liaises closely with other disciplines such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology ...
<strong>Course overview</strong><br/>Neuroscientists study the development and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system and ask important questions about what makes us think and feel, how our brains process information and what brain cells and synapses do. They investigate brain disorders and disease to uncover the processes that occur in both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.”<br/><br/>This interdisciplinary science liaises closely with other disciplines such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology and medicine.<br/><br/>At Aston University, our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience course follows a practical and hands-on approach, giving you access to the most up-to-date and high-tech equipment, enabling you to engage with the newest techniques in basic and applied research. It has been designed to provide you with the perfect first step towards a future career in one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of life and medical sciences.<br/><br/><strong>What is studying Neuroscience at Aston University really like?</strong><br/>Our course differs from many undergraduate neuroscience courses in the UK, with a key focus on acquiring practical skills - an advantage that will set you apart from the graduate crowd.<br/><br/>You’ll work closely with active neuroscience researchers working on ground-breaking projects and study a range of modules designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of brain function.<br/><br/>During the course you will get the opportunity to:<br/><br/><br/>• Learn pharmacology through tissue bath experiments.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Perform EEG and EMG recordings and analyse the data with research-grade tools.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Undertake complex brain-slice recordings to discover how drugs work and how our brains are organised and function.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Explore how natural toxins and nerve agents are used in the research lab to discover how our brain cells talk to each other.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Discover more about the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Hear from leading clinicians in our guest lectures.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Understand how research conducted at Aston University into areas like Parkinson’s, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy and developmental cognitive neuroscience is impacting the wider field of study. <br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Key course benefits:</strong><br/><br/><br/>• Access to state-of-the-art neuroscience laboratory equipped with research-grade brain slice recording systems.<br/><br/><br/><br/>• Unlock your understanding of the brain and nervous system, from the microscope to the whole organism.<br/><br/><br/><br/>- 4th in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology (Neuroscience) (Guardian University Guide 2025).<br/><br/><br/>- 91% of students felt positive about academic support on their course (NSS 2024) <br/><br/><br/>• Complete an integrated placement year, designed to set your studies in a real-world context and boost your employability, meaning you’ll not only learn a wide range of skills and knowledge, but you’ll also gain first-hand experience before you’ve even graduated. <br/><br/><br/><br/>• Students have undertaken placements in companies such as Janssen, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Cerebra, Riche Pharmaceuticals, and neuroscience laboratories across the UK.<br/><br/><br/><br/><strong>Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at admissions review stage.</strong>
Course Information
2 options available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Sandwich
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B140
Institution Code
A80
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
B,B,B,C,C
must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Access to HE Diploma
D:15,M:30,P:0
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification so you must meet the GCSE entry requirements. Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
31
28
STANDARD: 31 Overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 5, 5 which must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Maths and English Language. OR CONTEXTUAL: 28 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 4, 4 which must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD
DDM
National Extended Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in Applied Science Standard - DDD Contextual - DDM
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with 5 subjects at Higher Level. Must achieve H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 and includes one core science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics at grade H3 or above.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language/Literature. Please note that we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
Diploma (QCF) in any subject: STANDARD - DD + one A-Level at grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL - DD + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
DDD
DDM
Extended Diploma (QCF) in Applied Science: Standard - DDD + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual - DDM + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Extended Diploma (QCF) in any subject): Standard - DDD + one A-Level at grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual - DDD + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
National Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - DD + one A-Level at grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual - DD + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Higher
C,C,C
must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) in any subject: STANDARD - D + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL - D + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
National Extended Certificate (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - D + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual - D + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Not Accepted
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
DD
90 Credit Diploma (QCF) in any subject: STANDARD - DD + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL - DD + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Not Accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D
National Foundation Diploma (RQF/AAQ) in any subject: Standard - D + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual - D + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
A level
B,B,B
B,C,C
BBB in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. BBC in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics plus grade B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths. BCC in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics for Contextual Offer students (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). RESIT APPLICANTS: We welcome applications from students who are resitting to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered, and resit applications are treated the same as all others. PREDICTIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: At Aston University, we are committed to an inclusive admissions process, ensuring every applicant has the best possible opportunity. While our listed grades are the official entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only estimates. We may consider applicants predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This allows applicants the opportunity to improve on their predicted grades. However, any offer made will contain the listed grade requiremen
T Level
Not Accepted
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
This will be accepted in place of one A Level, but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
This will be accepted in place of one A Level, but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £22,575 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
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