Program Overview

---

Neuroscience BSc (Hons)

Year of Entry

• 2026 - for 2026 entry see here - for 2025 entry see here

UCAS Code

• B141

Duration of Study

• 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year

Course Summary

Combine skills in science and research to explore the fascinating complexity of the human brain, from memory and learning to health and disease. Our programme is designed to equip you with the multidisciplinary skills, knowledge, and understanding of genetics, human physiology, and the nervous system, ready to embark on an advanced career in science, research, and beyond.

Why Study Neuroscience at Keele University?

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
• 20th in England for Neuroscience, Guardian University Guide 2025
• Develop core practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories (CSL)
• Engage with an enriching placement year or international year to excel in your career

Course Overview

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our Neuroscience BSc at Keele introduces you to the anatomy and function of the nervous system, investigating complex interactions that enable motor control, sensory perception, and stability. You will study cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and human physiology to examine the brain, from how it senses and moves through the environment, to degeneration in health and in disease.

Explore physiological systems, including the digestive, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems, and how they are controlled by the brain. With insights into key concepts in neuroscience, you'll examine how the brain develops, the mechanisms underlying learning and memory, how drugs affect the nervous system, and how electrical activity in the brain works to control human functions.

You will investigate this further through the exploration of behavior and how sensory systems work. We will help you understand technological advances, which may repair and regenerate the brain after damage.

Throughout the programme, you will develop a range of practical laboratory skills that can be applied to design and carry out experiments to understand more about the brain and nervous system, involving research design, practical techniques, and data analysis to put your learning into practice. This will involve learning in our state-of-the-art David Attenborough and Central Science Laboratories, as well as the opportunity to gain practical experience of human neural anatomy in Keele Medical School's Anatomy Suite. Your theoretical knowledge and practical skills combined will allow you to apply your learning to a wide range of careers in science and biological sciences.

At Keele, you can embark on an exciting journey to enhance your career prospects through studying abroad and building your cultural awareness or completing a work placement year for industry experience. You can tailor your degree programme to excel in areas of your choice and develop your personal and professional skills in preparation for employment.

Entry Requirements

A Level

• ABB in three A Levels, including B in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
• Contextual Offer: BBC in three A Levels, including B in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
• You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification.

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

• DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Health and Social Care.
• Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Health and Social Care.
• You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 655 in Higher Levels, including two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List at Higher Level, or 32 points including two Higher Level Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
• Contextual Offer: 554 in Higher Levels, including 5 in two Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List at Higher Level, or 29 including 5 in two Higher Level Science subjects from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
• You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

• UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
• International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Additional Opportunities

Work Placement Year

• During your studies, you will have the opportunity to opt for a Work Placement Year in the School of Life Sciences between Year 2 and Year 3, or to take a Work Placement Module.
• This valuable character-building experience will help you prepare for the workplace by spending time in industry, developing personal and professional skills.

International Year

• In between years two and three of your studies, you can choose to spend a year studying abroad.
• This exciting opportunity enables you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks.

Supporting You

Student Support

• We pride ourselves on our multi-layered student support structure.
• You will have access to an academic mentor, academic support team, and disability officer.
• A careers tutor and member of Keele’s Student Experience and Support team will also be dedicated to the School of Life Sciences if you need any additional support, or someone to talk to, whether about your degree programme or life outside of your studies.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

How You'll Be Taught

• We offer a diverse mix of teaching methods to enable you to build advanced skills with theoretical knowledge and practical learning.
• Throughout the programme, you will cover core topics in neuroscience, preparing you to specialize in an area of your choice for your final year research project (laboratory or computer-based), supervised by teaching staff in the School of Life Sciences.

How You'll Be Assessed

• Our assessments encourage you to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise gained throughout the programme.
• With a range of assessment styles, you'll be able to develop skills that meet academic, professional, and employment attributes, ready to embark on a career of your interest.

Facilities

Central Science Laboratories

• Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories.
• Our CSL laboratory will also make a significant contribution to the Global Health Initiative at Keele and will be home to researchers working on neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, spinal injury, oncology, viral infections, and carbohydrate biochemistry.

Foundation Year

Foundation Year Overview

• Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.
• This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.

Course Content

• Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond.
• Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Research-Active Academics

All Contributors to Our Neuroscience Course

• Are practicing academics, including researchers in neuroscience and academics from across the School themes of research.
• This means you will benefit from studying modules that have been informed by the diverse research topics and active work they are undertaking in their field of expertise.
• We actively encourage students to explore our research themes, as there may be opportunities to work alongside us on secondment.

Your Future Career

Graduating with a Degree in Neuroscience

• Will equip you with the knowledge and skills applicable to a wide range of neuroscience and biological sciences careers.
• You will build key skills in data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and laboratory techniques.
• These will prepare you for various roles in academia, clinical sciences, biotechnology, and more.

Enhance Your Employability

• Keele’s Careers and Employability team offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.
• From mock interviews, careers guidance, and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring, and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.