Program Overview

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MSci Psychology and Neuroscience (CB81)

2026 entry

Course summary

This course will equip you to combine the critical, theoretical and practical skills central to psychology with a cellular, synaptic and systems-level understanding of brain function from neuroscience. The course emphasises the empirical study of the nervous system, mind and behaviour. We want our students to share a sense of fun and adventure in exploring and combining these different perspectives.

MSci Psychology and Neuroscience are taught by experts who are enthusiastic about teaching students the latest developments in the field based on the research that they are conducting. In Psychology, use a variety of teaching methods (for example: lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes, group work) and assessment formats (for example: essays, research reports, in-class presentations, examinations). This variety of learning experiences caters for variations in students' learning styles and it is accredited by the British Psychological Society. It provides you with a pathway to becoming a professional psychologist. More generally, it provides you with knowledge and skills from both disciplines, which you can apply in a wide range of careers.

In the first year, you will be introduced to what psychology can reveal about the mind and human behaviour, and the neuroanatomical pathways and cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying brain function.

In the second year, you will continue to develop your understanding of biological, cognitive, social, developmental and individual differences in psychology, alongside the different techniques used to study the nervous system.

The third year will continue your training in research design and analysis. You will also have the opportunity to focus on specific research areas, such as neurological and psychiatric disorders or interdisciplinary areas, such as behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.

The knowledge and skills you acquire culminate in your final year project, in which you will complete a substantial piece of original psychological research. In addition to subject-specific knowledge and skills, you will develop transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, scientific literacy, research skills, and both oral and written communication skills (including the skills involved in presenting to an audience). These skills are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries. They will also help prepare you for postgraduate study in psychology, neuroscience and beyond.

Accreditations

Our Psychology and Neuroscience MSci is accredited by BPS.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: A*AA
• A-level contextual offer: AAB
• 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: CB81)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £32500 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

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

• A*AA including two core science/maths subjects.
• Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

A-level contextual offer

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

BTEC

• D*DD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two core science/maths subjects.
• Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

European Baccalaureate

• 88% overall, with 8.5 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in two core science/maths subjects, and Standard Higher: AAAAB.
• Core science/maths 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 Psychology and Neuroscience can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

GCSE profile requirements

• Higher numeracy requirement (6 or B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent)
• 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 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing and 6.5 in all other skills
  • GCSE English Language grade B or 6
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level B.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.