| UCAS code | B140 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham/St Luke's |
| Discipline | Neuroscience |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
| UCAS code | B141 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham / St Luke's |
| Discipline | Neuroscience |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
Overview
- Explore neuroscience in the context of both normal physiology and disease
- Boost your employability with an optional professional placement in the UK or abroad and gain valuable experience working as part of a leading research team
- Develop your critical-thinking by working in small groups with expert facilitators
- Gain in-demand transferrable skills in statistical methods, analysis, and effective communication across a range of media
- Take an active part in scientific discovery within our world-renowned research community, working with researchers on current research
Small group learning
independent learning, teamwork, collaboration and communication
Professional Placement in the UK or abroad
open to all students
Research-inspired teaching
part of our research community from day one
Interdisciplinary learning
Neuroscience, Medical Sciences and Biosciences
Small group learning
independent learning, teamwork, collaboration and communication
Professional Placement in the UK or abroad
open to all students
Research-inspired teaching
part of our research community from day one
Interdisciplinary learning
Neuroscience, Medical Sciences and Biosciences
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB |
At least one grade A and one grade B in two GCE A-Level science subjects.
GCE AL/AS science includes: Biology/Human Biology*; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths*; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics. *If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one ‘science’. |
| IB | 32/655 | HL 6 and HL 5 in two Science subjects. |
| BTEC | DDM | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma will also require one grade A and one grade B in two GCE A-Level science subjects. |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | 15 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in suitable science subject areas. |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: ABC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Helping you to apply
Will there be an interview?
No – we don’t interview for this programme.
What happens next?
If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer-holder visit day where you can find out more about the programme from our current students and meet the academics who will be teaching you.
Course content
Our BSc in Neuroscience has been carefully designed to help you understand the human body and the world around us, using the latest ideas about biological processes in nervous tissues.
Understanding these processes better could transform healthcare and illuminate what it means to be human. To do this, we use small-group teaching throughout the course to help you develop your subject knowledge and capacity for critical thinking.
You’ll be given an introduction to neuroscience in your first year, including the practical and theoretical grounding needed to appreciate contemporary neuroscience research in context. You’ll then be able specialise your degree to your career ambitions in the following years.
If you choose the professional placement for this course, it will take place between your second and third (final) year.
Underpinning this is our commitment to research-engaged teaching. Alongside formal teaching sessions, we encourage you to take an active part in the process of scientific discovery within in our interdisciplinary community. Right from the start of your degree you’ll have the opportunity to do your own hands-on research.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules
The aim for the first year is to set the nervous system - the real focus of Neuroscience - in a broader biological context. We believe that this provides a genuinely secure foundation for future work.
The centrepiece of this is the Methods in Neuroscience module, which provides you with the practical and theoretical grounding needed to begin to appreciate contemporary neuroscience research in context. Other compulsory modules, which have all been designed to introduce additional material of particular interest to those studying neuroscience, include: Medical Cell Biology, Chemistry of Life, and Introduction to Genetics.
In terms of specific Neuroscience content, the Introduction to Neuroscience module introduces key knowledge related to the form and function of nervous systems. It has a particular focus on how signals pass within and between nerve cells, but also considers how nervous systems develop, and the most important anatomical features of their mature form. Finally, our Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience module begins to lay the foundations needed to understand the complex and intricate processes that make us unique as humans.
You will also be enrolled in the zero credit “Academic Support and Development” module (NEU1095) as a compulsory requirement. During this module you will receive regular academic support from a tutor and begin to develop a personal development portfolio.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEU1010 | Methods in Neuroscience | 30 |
| NEU1006 | Introduction to Neuroscience | 15 |
| NEU1007 | Introduction to Genetics | 15 |
| NEU1008 | Medical Cell Biology | 15 |
| NEU1009 | Chemistry of Life | 15 |
| NEU1011 | Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience | 15 |
| CSC1012 | Fundamentals of Pharmacology | 15 |
Stage 2
90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules
During the second year compulsory modules are dedicated to Neuroscience. Building on the solid foundation built in the first year, the Advance Methods in Neuroscience module enables you to take the next steps in developing your skills and knowledge to understand contemporary neuroscience research. The Neuropharmacology module explores the role of receptors by examining how drug-induced changes in signalling lead to changes in physiology and behaviour – with both beneficial and detrimental consequences for human health. A key part of this is exploring why some substances that were historically used as therapeutics are now used recreationally. Alongside this, the Neural Circuits module considers how the electro-chemical interconnections between cells, which are both extensive and intensive, hold a key to understanding the operation of nervous systems. This module examines in detail our current understanding of neural circuits, placing in a clear contemporary context many of the cell-types and basic principles which you encounter in the first year. Thus, you study how circuits become connected, can be studied, and may dysfunction in disease.
Importantly, this stage of study also offers opportunities to complete additional optional Neuroscience or Medical Sciences modules according to your individual interests.
Students will also be enrolled in the zero credit “Academic Support and Development” module (NEU2095) as a compulsory requirement. During this module students will receive regular academic support from a tutor and continue to develop their personal development portfolio.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEU2001 | Advanced Methods in Neuroscience | 30 |
| NEU2018 | Neural Circuits | 15 |
| NEU2019 | Neuropharmacology | 15 |
Optional modules
Notes:
a) Students must choose at least two of, NEU2002 Brain and Behaviour, NEU2005 Cognitive Neuroscience, or NEU2004 Neuroanatomy
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEU2002 | Brain and Behaviour (See note a) | 15 |
| NEU2004 | Neuroanatomy (See note a) | 15 |
| CSC2004 | Medical Genetics | 15 |
| CSC2005 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 15 |
| CSC2008 | Immunopathology | 15 |
| CSC2020 | Coding for Medical Scientists | 15 |
| CSC2026 | The Biology of Cancer | 15 |
| CSC2025 | Decolonising Medicine, An Introduction | 15 |
| NEU2005 | Cognitive Neuroscience (See note a) | 15 |
| NEU1011 | Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience | 15 |
Stage 3
75 credits of compulsory modules and 45 credits of optional modules
The centrepiece of the final year is the Frontiers in Neuroscience module, which focuses on the neurobiology of nervous system disorders. Each of the disorders is presented by an expert in the field, giving you a chance to engage with the very latest research; speakers show first-hand how research has answered important questions about the operation of the nervous system, and ushered in new questions.
Alongside this, you can choose three additional Neuroscience or Medical Sciences modules – providing an excellent chance to explore the aspects of Neuroscience or related areas which interest you most. The content of the modules differs, but they are all centre on interactive and group teaching.
During your final year, you will complete your own independent research project. This immersive experience, which accounts for roughly one third of your time in the final year, is an important opportunity for you to make your own original contribution to our neuroscientific understanding of biological phenomena. Should you discover something, as many have before, then we will help you to present your work at conferences and through publication.
You will also be enrolled in the zero credit “Academic Support and Development” module (NEU3095) as a compulsory requirement. During this module you will receive regular academic support from a tutor and continue to develop your personal development portfolio.
In making your module choices, please note you will need a minimum of 90 credits at stage 3 (level 6), which can comprise the following modules:
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEU3001 | Neuroscience Research Project | 45 |
| NEU3008 | Frontiers in Neuroscience | 30 |
Optional modules
Notes:
b) These modules can only be taken at stage 3 if they have not been taken at stage 2.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NEU3003 | Psychology Applied to Health | 15 |
| NEU3023 | Neuroendocrinology | 15 |
| NEU3030 | Neuroimmunology | 15 |
| NEU3028 | Science Communication | 15 |
| NEU3029 | Pain, the Brain and Analgesia | 15 |
| NEU2002 | Brain and Behaviour (See note b) | 15 |
| NEU2005 | Cognitive Neuroscience (See note b) | 15 |
| NEU2004 | Neuroanatomy (See note b) | 15 |
| CSC3009 | Pharmacogenomics | 15 |
| CSC3010 | Rational Drug Design | 15 |
| NEU3009 | Neurodevelopment | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: B141
You can choose to, and we actively support and encourage you to, undertake a professional placement. The professional placement provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain invaluable experience of working as part of a leading research team. This gives you the chance to discover what it is like to work in a real research environment or a health intervention setting and will enhance your career prospects. You will contribute to a medical or health related project, and may have the opportunity to attend a national or international science conference to present your research data, or co-author a research paper.
If you choose a professional placement, it will take place after your second year of study, and your degree will take four years to complete.
Why choose a professional placement?
Undertaking a professional placement will enhance your professionalism, independence and confidence; increase your subject knowledge and research skills; improve your problem-solving, team-working, leadership, communication and project management skills; and prepare you for working in a professional work environment.
How is the professional placement organised?
You apply for a professional placement during your second year of study and are supported to apply for positions with guidance from our staff. During your professional placement you are closely support by both your workplace supervisor and visiting professional placement tutor.
How do I apply?
You can apply directly to one of these options using the UCAS codes below, or you can apply to the standard BSc Neuroscience course and transfer onto the professional placement option at the end of your first year.
| Option | UCAS Code |
|---|---|
| BSc Neuroscience (standard course) | B140 |
| BSc Neuroscience with Professional Placement | B141 |
How does it affect my tuition fee?
If, as part of your four-year degree programme, you spend a full academic year studying or working abroad you will pay a reduced fee of £1,350 (or 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year). If you spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK) you will pay a reduced fee of £1,800 (or 20 per cent of the maximum fee).
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
Throughout the programme, you benefit from a careful blend of innovative and traditional teaching methods. A variety of stimulating, cutting-edge resources are also available to support your learning.
In tutor-led groups of 8-12 students you will investigate key scientific concepts and systems presented in the form of triggers. The style of trigger varies week by week but will include patient-based clinical case studies, current media-worthy medical science breakthroughs and extracts from research papers.
Life Sciences Resource Centre activities
You’ll be supported in your exploration of the human biomedical science that is presented in your small group sessions by the rich variety of state-of-the-art resources available in the Life Sciences Resource Centre. These resources include anatomical models, multimedia and IT resources, and a well-stocked library. Tutor-led activities will drive your engagement with selected resources in order to increase your understanding of the small group triggers.
Lectures and seminars
Large group lectures and cutting-edge research seminars delivered by academics as well as external speakers will complement your studies. Lectures may contain students from a variety of different programmes for which the lecture content is relevant.
Practical laboratory sessions
You will develop your laboratory skills in the biosciences teaching laboratory on the Streatham Campus and the new teaching lab at the St Luke’s campus, which are equipped with instruments for observational, experimental and numerical aspects of biosciences including a range of biochemical, molecular, physiological and electronic apparatus.
Online learning
Your learning will be supported by the University’s virtual learning environment. You will have individual access to electronic journals, content-rich study guides, and interactive online learning materials covering various science disciplines, formative online assessments and group discussion forums.
Assessment
Regular assessment is used to help provide you with frequent feedback, enabling you to identify your strengths, as well as areas for improvement. Feedback is provided in a number of different ways including online written feedback and self, peer, tutor or small group feedback. Assessment formats include multiple-choice tests, essays, structured practical exams, reflective essays, oral and poster presentations, scientific report writing, short-answer question tests and independent project work.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in specified subjects, you may have the words 'with proficiency in’ added to your degree title when you graduate.
Your future
This course prioritises your development of the range of skills needed for scientific research. Critical thinking forms the core of this, with a focus on helping you to communicate effectively across a range of media. You’ll expand your numeracy and knowledge of statistical methods, with the option to specialise further in mathematics and computation.
A clear focus on these skills means that our Neuroscience course will prepare you for employment in a wide variety of careers, including:
- Postgraduate study: MSc or PhD
- NHS-entry: Scientist Training Programme (STP), or Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS)
- Industry: Research and Development; Clinical Trials; Sales and Marketing
- Scientific Officer or Public, Private or Third Sector
- Graduate entry to Medicine or Dentistry
"The course at Exeter stood out for me as I liked the idea of studying modules that explored human physiology and its relation to the nervous system. After visiting Exeter on one of their open days, I was sure that this is where I wanted to spend my 3 years. The size of the city is well-suited for student living and the quality of both the teaching and their research was something that inspired me.
After my degree, I am looking to study Medicine, as the experience I have gained from the Neuroscience course has furthered my interest in both science and healthcare.”
Hana
studying Neuroscience
