Neuroscience Lancaster University

Our Neuroscience MSci will provide you with a deep understanding of the nervous system.

You will study its role in human behaviour and brain disorders including schizophrenia, autism, mood disorders and dementia.

Discover the mysteries of the brain

Our brains and nervous systems work together to enable us to make sense of the world around us. They coordinate our body, create emotions and sensations and ultimately determine our behaviour.

Our four-year Neuroscience degree with an integrated master’s (MSci) will give you the biological and psychological grounding to explore the brain, nervous system and how the body works.

You will explore how this insight, and recent scientific advances in these areas, provide a gateway to life-changing treatments and interventions for common conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, mood disorders and dementia.

This research-led integrated master’s degree (MSci) in neuroscience will be an ideal basis for a host of exciting careers across the academic, pharmaceutical, health and biotechnology sectors. Your advanced skills and research experience will help to give you an edge in a competitive job market, both within the field of neuroscience and beyond.

And, because you will build your skills and competence in experimental design, data recording, analysis, presentations, effective project management, teamwork and communication, you will have the highly-transferable skills valued by employers both within the sciences and in broader fields such as marketing, finance and management.

Your journey through neuroscience

You will begin, in Year 1, by studying the core principles of neuroscience, pharmacology, genetics and psychology. This will provide you with a firm foundation for the future years of your degree.

In Years 2 and 3 you will develop a deeper insight into the subject by studying themes such as fundamental neuroscience, translational neuroscience and cognitive psychology. You will explore molecules and cells in more depth, get to grips with circuits and systems and build an understanding of drug development.

In Year 3, you will also put your learning into practice with an independent research project, working alongside our research-active academics to tackle global healthcare challenges through neuroscience. This means that you will graduate equipped with a professional profile ready to embark on a successful career or further study.

As an MSci student, Year 4 will elevate your learning even further with master’s-level study, covering a range of topics and the most recent advances in neuroscience. You will also gain advanced research skills by undertaking an extended independent research project, working alongside our world-class researchers to tackle global healthcare challenges through neuroscience.

This additional experience will be invaluable in a future career, particularly if you go on to a research-based role in the health, pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors, or further study.

You will also join the broader UK neuroscience community by becoming a member of the British Neuroscience Association (BNA), offering additional career development opportunities.

A hands-on degree

As a neuroscience student at Lancaster, you will get a practical education - putting your learning into practice and becoming skilled in using equipment and techniques to understand the brain from a biological and psychological perspective.

You will benefit from the outstanding practical facilities across both biomedical and life sciences, and psychology, with access to our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.

In taught practical sessions and workshops, you will hone your skills in working as a team, planning and running experiments. Lab work is also a great way to make lasting friendships with your course-mates.

You will also undertake an independent research project on a subject that fascinates you, with the support of our academics.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAA. This should include Biology and one other science subject from: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, but you would need to meet the subject requirements.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

Only considered for entry to the BSc Hons course variant. Subject to academic progression and availability, students can transfer to the MSci course.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade A plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AA plus BTEC at D. This should include sufficient Biology and other science content. We will typically assess this on a case-by-case basis.

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in HL Biology and 6 in one further HL science subjects from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Not accepted

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 5/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.