Clearing contact details
Clearing Contact Details
Course contact details
UG COGNEURO 2025
Email:ug.cogneuro@manchester.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)161 529 4563
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 21 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Our BSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology course combines major topics in experimental psychology and neuroscience to offer a broad grounding in this exciting field of behavioural science.
The psychology component covers topics including:
-
how humans think (cognitive processes);
-
how the world is sensed (perception);
-
comparative and developmental studies;
-
clinical psychology.
The neuroscience component of the course examines how the brain and nervous system work to generate behaviour, perception, movement, the action of drugs on the nervous system, sleep, memory and other key functions.
The course also covers new technological advances that have been at the forefront of recent breakthroughs in the field of cognitive neuroscience and psychology, as well as advances in our understanding of the biology of higher brain function and the pathogenesis of a variety of neurological disorders, such as mental health disorders and neurodegenerative disease eg Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
You can gain valuable experience through our work placement schemes, with an opportunity to take a year-long placement in Year 3 (subject to meeting progression requirements).
We also offer opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, depending on academic performance.
Our degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means as well as providing a solid foundation for a career in biological sciences, it constitutes your first step towards professional chartered psychologist status.
This course is available in Clearing. If you have submitted an application, you can add this course. If you haven’t sent us an application yet, you can do this until 24th September 2026.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 21 September 2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- BC18
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
- EU has vacancies
- Wales does not have vacancies
- England does not have vacancies
- International has vacancies
- Scotland does not have vacancies
- Northern Ireland does not have vacancies
- Republic of Ireland does not have vacancies
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- BC18
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS TariffNot accepted
A levelAAA - AAB
AAA-AAB:
- AAB including two core sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, or:
- AAA including one core science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths) and one of the following subjects: Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education.
Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
- AAB including two core sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, or:
- AAA including one core science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths) and one of the following subjects: Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education.
Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one core science A-level with grade A (i.e. Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics).
Access to HE Diploma
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.
We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade.
We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
Scottish Higher
We require grades AABBB (including two science core subjects) together with grade A in Advanced Higher Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher Level.
AS
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a core science (see list above) and a minimum of grade B in any other subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D*
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D* for entry when it is taken with two core science A-levels (minimum AA/AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D*
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D* for entry when it is taken with two core science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)Not accepted
Scottish Advanced Higher
We require grades AABBB (including two science core subjects) together with grade A in Advanced Higher Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme35 - 36 points
36 - 35 points overall. 6, 6, 6 to 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, but can include Physics, Geography, Psychology or Mathematics (AA and AI are both considered).
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview (if applicable). A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including at least five GCSEs at minimum grade 6/B, including English Language and Mathematics. If an applicant has a grade 5/C in either English Language or Mathematics, but has a grade 6/B in the other subject, we would advise they still apply. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
We consider the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two core science A-levels (minimum AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
We consider the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two core science A-levels (minimum AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
We consider the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D* or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA/AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We consider the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D* or above for entry when it is taken with two core science A-levels (minimum AA/AB required).
OCR Cambridge Technical CertificateNot accepted
T LevelNot accepted
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAA or 75% including two science subjects (preferably Biology and Chemistry) and an EAP score of A or 70% in every component.
All applicants resident or studying in the UK may be required to attend an interview.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
- All applicants who live in the EU are normally interviewed in person at the University. Applicants who live outside the EU may be interviewed either in person at the University, by Skype or by telephone.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in any component). |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/5. We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSE, or;
IELTS 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in any component), or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route Visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.
Acceptable Equivalent English Qualificationshttp://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.
Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
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