Neuroscience
Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: B140 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: B140 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
BBB in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. BBC in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics plus grade B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths. BCC in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics for Contextual Offer students (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). RESITS: We welcome applications from students who have retaken exams to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered and resit applications are treated the same as all others. PREDICTIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: At Aston University, we are committed to an inclusive admissions process, ensuring every applicant has the best possible opportunity. While our listed grades are the official entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are estimates. We typically offer candidates predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This approach gives applicants the opportunity to improve upon their predicted grades. However, the offer made will contain the listed grade requirements. We also consider applications from students who have already achieved at least CCC in their A Levels. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the strength of the application, a strong academic reference, and any explanations for gaps in academic history.
Access to HE Diploma
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification so you must meet the GCSE entry requirements. Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above which must include Mathematics and English. Please note that we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
STANDARD: 31 Overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 5, 5 which must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Maths and English Language. OR CONTEXTUAL: 28 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 4, 4 which must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with 5 subjects at Higher Level. Must achieve H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 and includes one core science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics at grade H3 or above.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grade B at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grade C at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels, including one science subject in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC, you must also achieve grades BC in two A Levels, including one science subject in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
STANDARD: This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science with grades DDD (you do not require an additional A Level). CONTEXTUAL: This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science with grades DDM (you do not require an additional A Level). ___________________ STANDARD: This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science with grades DDD plus grade B at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science with grades DDD plus grade C at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready. ___________________ STANDARD: If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC, which is QCF or RQF National then you must achieve grades DDD and grade B at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC, which is QCF or RQF National, then you must achieve grades DDD and grade C at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready. _______________ *(QCF – Qualification Credit Framework, RQF – Regulated Qualification Framework) If you are unsure of the exact BTEC qualification name, please contact your school or college provider to confirm.
Scottish Advanced Higher
must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
Scottish Higher
must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
This will accepted in place of one A Level but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
**Course overview**
Neuroscientists study the development and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system and ask important questions about what makes us think and feel, how our brains process information and what brain cells and synapses do. They investigate brain disorders and disease to uncover the processes that occur in both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration."
This interdisciplinary science liaises closely with other disciplines such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology and medicine.
At Aston University, our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience course follows a practical and hands-on approach, giving you access to the most up-to-date and high-tech equipment, enabling you to engage with the newest techniques in basic and applied research. It has been designed to provide you with the perfect first step towards a future career in one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of life and medical sciences.
**What is studying Neuroscience at Aston University really like?**
Our course differs from many undergraduate neuroscience courses in the UK, with a key focus on acquiring practical skills - an advantage that will set you apart from the graduate crowd.
You’ll work closely with active neuroscience researchers working on ground-breaking projects and study a range of modules designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of brain function.
During the course you will get the opportunity to:
- Learn pharmacology through tissue bath experiments.
- Perform EEG and EMG recordings and analyse the data with research-grade tools.
- Undertake complex brain-slice recordings to discover how drugs work and how our brains are organised and function.
- Explore how natural toxins and nerve agents are used in the research lab to discover how our brain cells talk to each other.
- Discover more about the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
- Hear from leading clinicians in our guest lectures.
- Understand how research conducted at Aston University into areas like Parkinson’s, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy and developmental cognitive neuroscience is impacting the wider field of study.
**Key course benefits:**
- Access to state-of-the-art neuroscience laboratory equipped with research-grade brain slice recording systems.
- Unlock your understanding of the brain and nervous system, from the microscope to the whole organism.
- 4th in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology (Neuroscience) (Guardian University Guide 2025).
- 91% of students felt positive about academic support on their course (NSS 2024)
- Complete an integrated placement year, designed to set your studies in a real-world context and boost your employability, meaning you’ll not only learn a wide range of skills and knowledge, but you’ll also gain first-hand experience before you’ve even graduated.
- Students have undertaken placements in companies such as Janssen, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Cerebra, Riche Pharmaceuticals, and neuroscience laboratories across the UK.
**Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at admissions review stage.**
Modules
For a full list of modules and course objectives, visit the course page on Aston University's website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/neuroscience-bsc/
Assessment methods
Our Neuroscience curriculum utilises a range of different assessment types and the assessment strategy reflects the national educational requirements in the FHEQ including examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple choice questions), essays, practical reports (group or individual), presentations, viva voce, laboratory reports, project work, computer-based assessment, and peer assessments.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding
The Uni
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Pharmacy School
What students say
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Biomedical sciences (non-specific)
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£24k
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£32k
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