This course is designed to equip us with the ability to think logically and clearly and to analyse the merits and drawbacks of scientific arguments. It focuses on the most complex organs in the body, the brain and the nervous system. It is a fascinating area of study, concentrating on the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system in terms of their function and dysfunction.

Students will gain an appreciation of the neural mechanisms underlying our thoughts and actions, as well as acquiring transferable skills in areas such as numeracy, analytical thinking, data handling, and creativity in problem solving, all of which are valuable to jobs in non-scientific careers.

This degree course will prepare you for further education or research in neuroscience by giving you a thorough understanding of the scientific methods and critical approach required for problem solving and research literature. Students will learn about independent scientific research and develop important skills for future employment in areas such as Medical & Pharmaceutical Science, Forensic Science, Patent Work, Teaching, and Library, Archives & Information Management.

This subject is an ideal launch pad for graduates to go into the medical and healthcare professions,  research in the pharmaceutical and related industries or academia. In an increasingly competitive employment market it is vital to be well-informed, subsequently many universities who run this course also hold regular career workshops designed especially for neuroscience students to help them identify career opportunities and find out about possible career avenues.

Neuroscience degree course overview

Courses tend to be highly interdisciplinary and provide students with practical experience, a breadth of perspective and an opportunity to tailor the later part of the degree according their interests. On many courses, usually towards the end of their studies, students can choose individual projects from a wide range of topics to suit their interests and career aspirations.

Lectures will cover more than just neuroscience, with students having the chance to study a whole range of topics, including Endocrinology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, to name but a few. Classes are very engaging and well-structured, coming together to form a really comprehensive overview of the topic.

Students will be exposed to a wide range of laboratory techniques, as well as basic organisational and research skills. Lab work will take up a considerable portion of your studies and the practical sessions in them are designed to help you understand the lecture material you have studied and also to help you learn new experimental techniques.

Graduates will leave university with a broad understanding of neuroscience and will have a wide range of transferable skills in presentation, communication, IT, analysis and presentation of data, and independent study.

Assessment is typically through a combination of exams, coursework and project work throughout the academic year.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a Neuroscience Degree 

  • Biology of the Mind
  • Neurobiology
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Psychology
  • Biology
  • Cell Structure and Function
  • Biochemistry
  • Membranes and Cell Communication
  • Behavioural Neuroscience
  • Neural Modelling
  • Systems Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Behavioural Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neuroscience
  • Human Cells and Tissues
  • Human Organ Systems
  • Molecules, Membranes and Cells
  • Learning and Memory
  • Animal Behaviour
  • Genetic mechanisms and biochemical metabolism
  • Molecular pharmacology
  • Neuronal signalling
  • The Neurobiology of Pain
  • Brain Disease
  • Immunity, Parasites and Control of Parasitic Diseases
  • The Psychology Of Addiction

Students will learn about

  • How the brain shapes our thoughts, hopes, dreams and imagination.
  • Disorders of the nervous system.
  • Neurodegenerative diseases
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular disease.
  • Neuropathological disorders
  • Spinal cord injuries

Students will learn how to

  • Study the structure of the nervous system.
  • Be involved in in-depth technical discussions.
  • Research clinical issues.

Neuroscience personal statement

Below is a neuroscience personal statement written by one of our writers. You can use this example to gain an idea of how to structure and put together your own one. You are strongly advised not to copy or plagiarise it, instead use it as a resource to inspire your own creative writing.

Neuroscience personal statement example

“To me this is a field that encourages you to go well beyond the restrictions of the syllabus into areas that excite and interest both the students and the tutors. Neuroscience is a fascinating and thought-provoking study of the brain, which apart from being the  most complex organ of the body, it is also the one from which we still have the most to learn. Whilst this subject is academically intense, with a large amount of content to cover in what some would consider a relatively short period, it is also a very exciting and enjoyable course. The excitement comes from the challenge of balancing academic commitment while attempting to make a correct medical diagnosis, like with pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

I feel drawn to neuroscience because it attracts some of the best and brightest medical students, and they are a group of people who I really want to study and grow academically with. Another reason why I want to study this subject is because of a great mentor I had at college, who when I discussed with him what I wanted to do with my life, suggested studying neuroscience and introduced me to the subject. Upon looking more into it I became fascinated by what I saw. I also like the fact that neuroscience knowledge is of wide relevance to issues in today’s society, and studying this subject will lead to a wide range of financially rewarding career choices, indeed some of the highest paid physicians and healthcare professionals are in this field.

My experience at college was where I learnt a lot about biology, academic study and myself. I really enjoyed taking part in experiments, for me the laboratory sessions were opportunities to make textbook material come alive. All of this exposure helped push me towards a career in neuroscience research. I found the course material easy to follow, and am very proud of my achievements. Whilst there I received lots of support from my personal tutors, who were always available to speak to and happily replied to any questions via email or in person. I was part of a close-knit community that existed within the college, and this allowed me to socialise with people studying different subjects and in different year groups. I feel that my time at college has given me an excellent academic and scientific grounding from which I can now go on to higher education.

Like most professions, to study neuroscience successfully a student must have a multitude of talents, such as good communication skills, the ability to think outside the box and being able to pick things up pretty quickly. I feel I have all of these and more, with my strongest personal points being that I am an extremely level-headed, calm, and collected individual, who can cope well under extreme pressure. On top of this I already possess a comprehensive mechanistic and holistic knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system and how it applies to neural disorders and diseases.

My experiences to date have provided me with opportunities and abilities that have been invaluable to me in my academic life. They have given me the freedom to find out how to academically think and write.

I think above all that in a university the strongest aspect of any course is the opportunity to have your own ideas challenged and discussed by tutors who themselves may be world renowned experts in their respective fields.

I would like to study at your university because it has an excellent reputation amongst healthcare employers, great learning resources, and is well known for attracting increasing numbers of highly capable and motivated students. Your faculty is blessed with an exceptionally well-resourced library, lecture rooms, seminar rooms and a newly refurbished practice room block, so it’s always possible to find the resources and help I need. In my opinion the wealth of teaching and research expertise and state-of-the-art facilities provide for an outstanding student learning experience.”

 

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