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Neuroscience

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Course summary

About this course
Explore all aspects of the nervous system, from the molecular to the behavioural, the processes behind neurological disorders, and the wider aspects of physiology, pharmacology and the immune system. You'll understand the vital role neuroscience plays in the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and delve into one of science’s greatest challenges - the human nervous system.

After expert training and guidance in subjects as diverse as cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry, you'll graduate equipped with the fundamental sciences to tackle this truly interdisciplinary subject matter and ready to start your career - many of our graduates progress into careers including scientific or clinically-related postgraduate research, roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and even into postgraduate medicine study.

Key features of the course:

  • Study in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building, surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-chaning research

  • Develop laboratory and research skills under the guidance of staff who are actively researching in the Neuroscience, operating at the cutting-edge of modern advancements that are actively shaping the world around us

  • Pursue opportunities beyond the curriculum on a semester abroad or in a Year in Employment, such as in a role within the pharmaceutical industry, to enrich your degree and help you stand out to future employers.

  • Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support
From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study.

Further information
Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.

Modules

Course Modules

Throughout this course, you'll delve into the full spectrum of neuroscience, combining a core curriculum with flexible pathways that empower you to shape your degree around your personal interests and career aspirations.
Year 1: Exploration of key biological sciences alongside the development of critical thinking and practical laboratory competencies, laying a strong foundation for neuroscience.
Year 2: A deeper dive into neuroscience concepts, taught by leading researchers, with opportunities to build advanced analytical and research skills.
Year 3: Specialised modules reflecting our cutting-edge research across molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience. You’ll refine your interests through selected topics and undertake a substantial independent research project.
Year 4: For those undertaking the MSci in Neuroscience. Further specialisation in modules such as Advanced Neuroscience where you will gain insight and hands-on experience into the latest methodologies used to understand the nervous system in health and disease. An independent research project is also carried out under the direct supervision of one of our research staff.
You’ll also benefit from opportunities to enhance your learning through study abroad programmes and industry placements during the 2nd year if you choose to, boosting your academic experience and future employability. Course modules may be updated to reflect the latest innovations and discoveries in the field.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating.

The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning.

The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
B141
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

ABB to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in suitable science subjects and in conjunction with one A-level in Biology or Chemistry. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + B at A-Level to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed

Extended Project
A

BBB in 3 A-levels to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject.
Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology.

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered.

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

AB from two A-Levels, to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H3H3H3H3H3

H2, H3, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D + AB at A-Level to include A-level Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D + AB at A-Level to include A-level Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3M2M2

D3, M2, M2 to include Biology or Chemistry and one further science subject.

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4). https://www.southampton.ac.uk/biosci/undergraduate/courses/c700_bsc_biochemistry.page#entry_requirements

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

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.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

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

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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