Program Overview

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MSci Neuroscience (B141)

2026 entry

Course summary

The MSci Neuroscience is a four-year degree with an extended project in the final year. The course provides an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how to plan and perform experimental research in a specialised subject area. The final year provides valuable experience in research and you will develop the skills required to embark on a career as a researcher.

The first three years follow the BSc Neuroscience course. In the first and second years, you will explore many aspects of neuroscience, including the neurophysiology of the central nervous system; the pharmacology of drugs that affect the nervous system; and the techniques that have enabled advances in understanding the nervous system.

Alongside neuroscience, you will also learn about how other specialised body systems work and will have the opportunity to study complementary subject areas, including psychology and anatomical science, broadening your knowledge of biomedical sciences.

By the third year, you will be learning at the forefront of current research, taking units such as Synaptic Plasticity; Brain and Behaviour; and Neuropsychiatric Diseases. You will also spend a total of 30 days on a research project.

The majority of your fourth year will focus on an extended research project in a laboratory environment. You will also develop valuable skills in communicating science to the public and will develop a portfolio of public engagement activities. This final year will instil a range of skills essential for understanding how to plan and conduct research projects; these skills are widely applicable to future employment and will benefit those considering future PhD training.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: ABB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course.

Application method

• UCAS (Code: B141)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £32500 per year, international students

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA including two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

A-level contextual offer

• ABB including AB in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

BTEC

• DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two core science/mathematics subjects. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

European Baccalaureate

• 85% overall, with 8.5 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in two core science/mathematics subjects, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics).

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from one of the following, and 12 credits (including 9 at Distinction) in another: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Neuroscience can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Related courses

• See a list of all Neuroscience degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.
• BSc Neuroscience
• BSc Neuroscience with Study in Industry
• MSci Psychology and Neuroscience

Related Subjects

• Pharmacology
• Physiological Science
• Psychology