Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
Designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Neuroscience, the Aston BSc (Hons) Neuroscience programme explores 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. As a neuroscientist, you will take an interdisciplinary approach, investigating the brain using many different approaches: from mathematics to molecular biology and from artificial intelligence to electrophysiology.
Develop an und...
Designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Neuroscience, the Aston BSc (Hons) Neuroscience programme explores 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. As a neuroscientist, you will take an interdisciplinary approach, investigating the brain using many different approaches: from mathematics to molecular biology and from artificial intelligence to electrophysiology. <br/><br/>Develop an understanding of the brain and nervous system from the microscopic level to the whole organism. The course will give you an opportunity to learn neuropharmacology through tissue bath experiments, perform EEG and EMG recordings and analyse the data with research-grade tools, undertake complex brain-slice recordings to discover how drugs work and how our brains are organised and function, explore how natural toxins and nerve agents are used in the research lab to discover how our brain cells talk to each other and discover more about the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system. <br/><br/><strong>Year 1</strong><br/>Experience a thorough and ‘hands-on’ grounding in the core principles and techniques used in neuroscience through a mixture of lectures and practical experience. Learn how the molecular powerhouses of our cells work, how receptors and signalling cascades control our bodies’ development and function, and how all this comes together to enable our sensory systems and combat infection.<br/><br/><strong>Year 2</strong><br/>Further develop your Year-1 knowledge by studying the foundations of neuroscience in greater depth, along with a range of specialist subjects. Explore how our brains and organs function on a cellular and systems level and, in a large dedicated module at the end of the year, learn how the systems and areas of our brain communicate and co-ordinate with each other to make decisions, process information and create new ideas.<br/><br/><strong>Optional placement year</strong><br/>Enhance your employability and build professional connections with a year in industry, supported by our careers and placements team.<br/><br/><strong>Final Year</strong><br/>Take an in-depth look at the processes, progression and treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders. Study dementias, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and more, to apply your fundamental knowledge of neuroscience to real-world issues.<br/><br/>Choose a range of optional modules led by researchers in the field, from how oscillations drive conditions such as schizophrenia and epilepsy to how stress can shape our brains development.<br/><br/><strong>Facilities</strong><br/>Astons laboratories are among the best in the UK higher education sector, designed to give hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in modern drug discovery and disease research.<br/><br/>Youll work with organ-bath rigs to explore drug- action studies, brain slice rigs for advanced neuropharmacology studies, and human EEG and EMG recording systems to investigate nervous system activity. Labs are also equipped with a wide range of molecular biology equipment, providing the opportunity to learn the same skills scientists use to uncover disease mechanisms and develop new drug treatments. Youll also have access to a wide range of dedicated software, well-equipped computer labs and extensive library collections to make sure you’ve got the resources needed to follow your intellectual curiosity. Many of Astons academic staff are world-leading researchers, working in high-spec, cutting-edge laboratories. <br/><br/><strong>Career prospects</strong><br/>Neuroscience graduates enjoy broad opportunities in the UK and abroad, in neurophysiology, AI, big data, medical writing, and more, supported by strong industry links.<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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