BSc Neuroscience
| UCAS code | B140 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham/St Luke's |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
| UCAS code | B141 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus |
Streatham / St Luke's |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: ABC |
Why study BSc Neuroscience at Exeter?
- 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
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.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Fundamentals of Pharmacology | 15 | |
| Introduction to Neuroscience | 15 | |
| Introduction to Genetics | 15 | |
| Medical Cell Biology | 15 | |
| Chemistry of Life | 15 | |
| Methods in Neuroscience | 30 | |
| Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
You must choose at least two of NEU2002 Brain and Behaviour, NEU2005 Cognitive Neuroscience or NEU2004 Neuroanatomy.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Advanced Methods in Neuroscience | 30 | |
| Neural Circuits | 15 | |
| Neuropharmacology | 15 | |
| Compulsory Choice 1 | ||
| Brain and Behaviour | 15 | |
| Neuroanatomy | 15 | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Medical Genetics | 15 | |
| The Biology of Cancer | 15 | |
| Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 15 | |
| Coding for Biomedical Scientists | 15 | |
| Diabetes: From Pathophysiology to Public Health | 15 | |
| Immunology of Infectious Diseases | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
75 credits of compulsory modules, 45 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Neuroscience Research Project | 45 | |
| Frontiers in Neuroscience | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Pharmacogenomics | 15 | |
| Rational Drug Design | 15 | |
| New Therapeutic Targets in Cancer | 15 | |
| Science Communication | 15 | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience | 15 | |
| Psychology Applied to Health | 15 | |
| Neurodevelopment | 15 | |
| Neuroendocrinology | 15 | |
| Pain, the Brain and Analgesia | 15 | |
| Neuroimmunology | 15 | |
Course variants
BSc Neuroscience with Professional Placement
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 you spend a full year on a work placement, you will pay a reduced tuition fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year. Visit the Tuition Fees page for more information.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £31,200 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is 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, including deadlines, apply. See our website 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.
Structured small group learning sessions
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.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
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
