Course overview

Designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Neuroscience, the BSc (Hons) Neuroscience programme enables you to explore 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.

As a neuroscientist, you will take an interdisciplinary approach, investigating the brain using many different approaches: from mathematics to molecular biology and from artificial intelligence to electrophysiology.

Why Neuroscience at Aston University?

High level on-site facilities

State-of-the-art neuroscience laboratory equipment, including research-grade brain slice recording systems

Professional experience

Optional placement year, designed to set your studies in a real-world context and boost your employability

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded triple Gold - the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Top 5 Ranking

Ranked 4th in the UK (Anatomy and Physiology: Neuroscience) Guardian, 2025

Career prospects

Ranked 5th in the UK for career prospects (Guardian, 2026)

Nueroscience BSc student testimonial photo

"One of my favourite aspects of the course was gaining exposure to the lab, especially neuroimaging techniques, as I became immersed with using the EEG and visualising activity in different brain regions. I also got to visit the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment on campus to learn more about the research my lecturers have been conducting in the MEG and gain an insight into something beyond the course."

Eshika Kaypee

BSc (Hons) Neuroscience

Hear from Amarpreet Sahi, a final year BSc (Hons) Neuroscience student

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Course description

BSc (Hons) Neuroscience

Our neuroscience degree at Aston follows a hands-on approach, giving you access to high-tech laboratory equipment and enabling you to engage with techniques in basic and applied research.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience; years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

Throughout the course you have the opportunity to hear from leading scientists and clinicians in our guest lectures and understand how research conducted at Aston University into areas like autism, dyslexia, epilepsy and developmental neuroscience impacts the scientific field and the lives of a wide range of people.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understand that intelligence and success come from applying yourself, you must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
As a student in our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience programme, you will work closely with active 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. Get hands-on experience of how research is done through a broad range of practical classes, and sharpen your critical thinking with our tutorials and workshops based on problem-solving and scientific understanding.

Optional placement year
You can choose to gain real-world experience with our integrated placement year, designed to help you stand out in the graduate crowd. You can complete this exciting year in a variety of settings, from research laboratories to the pharmaceutical industry, charities, or any suitable business which will help you grow as a professional.

Career prospects
Studying neuroscience opens up a huge range of opportunities for graduates in the UK and internationally, and with our industry links graduate can go on to work for reputable companies in areas such as: clinical neurophysiology, big data, artificial intelligence, medical writing and more.

How you will learn

Our course differs from many undergraduate neuroscience courses in the UK, with a key focus on acquiring practical and critical thinking skills - an advantage that will set you apart from the graduate crowd. It is also self-contained, with every module designed for the course. You’ll learn the basics alongside our Pharmacology cohort, and then specialise as you go further through your degree, including optional modules that shape your final year the way you want it.

Your time will be structured around conceptual blocks of learning, with the timetable arranged so that topics are covered in a coordinated, intensive manner. Practical classes will be aligned to the current topics so that you are able to put what you have studied into practice within the laboratory. Lectures and seminars will be supported by workshops and tutorials, so you will be guided in your reading and independent study and can demonstrate what you have learned. This method of learning also helps identify any areas where you need extra material or more help understanding key concepts during the term, so that everyone’s learning pace and style can be supported in the best possible way.

Throughout your first and second year, you will learn alongside our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology students to gain a fundamental understanding of the science behind pharmacology research and drug development. You’ll be supported with dedicated key skills modules to provide you with the analytical and critical thinking abilities to tackle a wide range of scientific problems and enable you to put those skills to use in your future careers in a wide range of areas.

Learning is delivered in intensive, topic-based blocks with interactive lectures, small-group tutorials, and practical lab sessions. You'll benefit from modern assessment methods focused on problem-solving and real-world application, with final-year project options in lab research, systematic reviews, or grant writing.

At Aston, our course follows a hands-on approach, giving you access to high-tech laboratory equipment and enabling you to engage with techniques in basic and applied research. Our course is designed to provide you with the perfect first step towards a career in one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of life and medical sciences.

What you will learn

Our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience will enable you to unlock your understanding of the brain and nervous system from the microscopic level to the whole organism. During the course, you will get the opportunity to learn neuropharmacology 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 and discover more about the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system.

Year 1
Experience a thorough and ‘hands-on’ grounding in the core principles and techniques used in Neuroscience through a mixture of lectures and practical experience. Learn how the molecular powerhouses of our cells work, how receptors and signalling cascades control our bodies’ development and function, and how all this comes together to enable our sensory systems and combat infection.

Year 2
Build upon the knowledge that you gained in your first year by studying the foundations of Neuroscience in greater depth, along with a range of specialist subjects. Explore how our brains and organs function on a cellular and systems level and, in a large dedicated module at the end of the year, learn how the systems and areas of our brain communicate and co-ordinate with each other to make decisions, process information and create new ideas.

Optional Placement year (4-year programme)
Boost your future employability, make valuable professional connections and develop a range of valuable skills as you experience the world of work, with support from our academic team and our careers and placements advisors.

Final Year
Take an in-depth look at the processes, progression and treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders in our core final year Neuroscience module. Study dementias, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and more to apply your fundamental knowledge of neuroscience to real-world issues.

Choose a range of optional modules led by researchers in the field – from how oscillations drive conditions such as schizophrenia and epilepsy to how stress can shape our brain’s development. Follow your interests and make your degree tailored to you.

Finally, you’ll be supported to deliver a dissertation project from a wide range of topics. You can do this in the laboratory or, if you prefer, as a systematic literature review that takes in results from across your chosen field.

Facilities

Our pharmacology and neuroscience laboratories are among the best in the UK higher education sector, designed to give you hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in modern drug discovery and disease research.

You'll work with organ-bath rigs to explore drug- action studies, brain slice rigs for advanced neuropharmacology studies, and human EEG and EMG recording systems to investigate nervous system activity. Our labs are also equipped with a wide range of molecular biology equipment, giving you the opportunity to learn the same skills scientists use to uncover disease mechanisms and develop new drug treatments.

To support your studies, you'll have access to a wide range of dedicated software, well-equipped computer labs and extensive library collections to make sure you’ve got the resources needed to follow your intellectual curiosity. Many of our academic staff are world-leading researchers, working in high-spec, cutting-edge laboratories. You’ll gain insight not only into the theory of pharmacology but also how it’s applied in real scientific discovery and innovation.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through a range of learning experiences.
Encourages you, through a practical approach, to have a passion for neuroscience and an enthusiasm for learning.
To provide you with an excellent learning experience that draws on the research of Aston academic staff.
To develop your skills and abilities in research and enquiry, information literacy, personal and intellectual autonomy, and ethical, social and professional understanding and empathy.
To produce graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgement and reasoning to their chosen occupation and who are capable of applying and disseminating knowledge.
To provide you with an intellectually rigorous and up-to-date education in neuroscience, including anatomical, pharmacological, physiological, molecular biological, developmental, behavioural and psychological based understandings of the structure and functions of the nervous system.
To produce graduates who understand the linkage between different areas of neuroscience.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Receptor Theory and Toxins: Learn how body systems function through the exploration of the role of receptors in communication and the use of drugs and toxins to uncover physiological function.	15
Biochemistry and Cell Biology: Learn how our cells function, how neurons communicate with each other, and how drugs work.	15
Cellular Neurobiology: Develop an understanding of how neurons function through the exploration of neural communication and the use of drugs and toxins to uncover physiological function.	15
Immunobiology: An overview of the key cells, molecules and systems to give an understanding of the immune system.	15
Systems Biology: An introduction to the integration and interdependence of systems in neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology.	30
Key Skills 1: Transferable skills development including data literacy, critical thinking, and personal development.	30
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Explain and evaluate knowledge and hypotheses concerning cellular and systems biology as applied to neuroscience.
Apply oral, written and group presentation skills for the purpose of scientific communication.
Apply practical laboratory skills including pragmatics of data collection and associated record keeping; begin to critically evaluate research design and data presentation, including basic formulations, descriptive statistics, and data visualisation.

Year 2 modules

In your second year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Peripheral Pharmacology: Develop an understanding of the function and dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system.	15
Neuropharmacology: Develop your knowledge of key cells, molecules, neurotransmitters and neuromodulators involved in the central nervous system (CNS) and the main pharmacological interventions in brain function such as antidepressants, sedatives and anaesthetics.	15
Personalised Medicine: This module focuses on how advances in genomic and immune system understanding have led to therapies for previously intractable autoimmune diseases, cancers, and introduces you to pharmacogenomics and pharmacoepidemiology, two powerful emerging disciplines which factor in race, ethnicity age and sex into pharmacotherapeutics.	15
Molecular Neurobiology: An exploration of how the complex interplay of molecules in neurons leads to fundamental processes such as memory formation, and how new developments in our understanding of molecular biology provides new and powerful targets for drug development.	15
Advanced Systems Neurobiology: Bring your knowledge of molecules, cells and networks together to understand how the key systems in our brain communicate and co-ordinate to create something greater than the sum of its parts.	30
Key Skills 2: Further develops your transferable skillset necessary to stand out in today’s graduate job market. Enhance your skills in CV writing, job application and interview skills, alongside scientific writing, and funding research.	30
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Explain and evaluate knowledge and hypotheses concerning cellular and systems biology as applied to neuroscience
Apply oral, written and group presentation skills for the purpose of scientific communication.
Apply practical laboratory skills including pragmatics of data collection and associated record keeping; begin to critically evaluate research design and data presentation, including basic formulations, descriptive statistics, and data visualisation.

Year 3 modules [Optional placement year]

In your third year, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Placement: Gain vital work experience in academia, industry or through our study abroad schemes to broaden your knowledge, develop your transferable skills and really stand out in the post-graduate job market.	120
Total	120

Year 3 outcomes

On successful completion of the third year, you will be able to:

Gain valuable career-boosting experience by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals
The Aston placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and is compulsory for all home students.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Neurological Disorders: This module will cover a range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, looking at how changes in molecules, cells and networks leads to conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, depression and epilepsy.	30
Final Year Research Project: You'll undertake an extended piece of research and present your findings to a scientifically engaged audience. We offer a wide range of project choices, supervised by experienced Neuroscience researchers.	45
Total	75

In addition, As choose three 15-credit optional modules from those below:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced and Applied Synaptic Plasticity: Learn how synaptic plasticity guides brain development, and how this can go wrong in disease states. Teaching is based around discussions of the latest literature in the field.	15
Abnormal Neuronal Networks: Using a combination of in-depth reading, group presentation of journal articles and directed discussion, this module explores how changes in neuronal connectivity and synaptic function underlie the development of epilepsy and schizophrenia.	15
Hacking the Brain: Various methods to enhance cognitive function will be discussed, including an array of pharmacological interventions, genetic manipulations, neural implants, and altered states of consciousness.	15
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Movement: The students will discuss the physiology of muscle coordination to achieve movements. The module will provide insight into the pathophysiology of movement control after stroke and spinal cord injury.	15
Computational Neuroscience: Learn from in-depth lectures and discussions, as well as hands-on coding workshops, the various approaches used to model the human brain in silico, from simple neurons to large-scale networks.	15
Modelling Repair and Regeneration in the Injured Central Nervous System: Through active reading, journal presentation and critical evaluation, you will investigate basic concepts of traumatic injury to the CNS; the research concept of modelling repair and regeneration following injury and future therapeutic interventions.	15
Early Life Stress and Neurodevelopment is known to affect brain development and function and is linked with the development of psychiatric disorders. This module will cover what is currently known about how early life stress modulates brain development and function, including studies of humans and animal models, and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms linking stress and pathology.	15
Imaging Studies in Neurodevelopment: Through in-depth analysis and discussion of the literature, this module investigates how the wide variety of neuroimaging approaches (MRI, fMRI, MRS and MEG) may be used to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism and the consequences of drug-induced neurodevelopmental changes, for example, foetal-valproate syndrome.	15
Prion and Protein Misfolding Diseases: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific literature surrounding protein misfolding disorders, including prion diseases. Students will learn to navigate, interpret, and synthesize a wide range of primary research studies, enabling them to assess the breadth and depth of evidence in this evolving field. Through structured engagement with current literature, the module fosters scientific literacy, analytical thinking, and effective organisation of complex information.	15
Total for three optional modules	45

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions and data concerning current research into neurological diseases and explain and evaluate current hypotheses about the development and treatment of brain disease.
Critically evaluate, criticise and understand in depth the latest research and understanding in two chosen optional subject areas of neuroscience.
Research, analyse and present data in the form of a formal scientific dissertation on a topic in neuroscience.
Devise and sustain arguments and solve problems related to neuroscientific enquiry.
Communicate ideas and information to others (lay and scientific).

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

There may be some change to some of the modules on this course for 2026/27 entry. We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course web pages. We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations.

The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

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Entry requirements

A Levels

BBB in three A Level subjects, which must include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
BBC in three A Level subjects, which must include at least one science from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics plus B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths.
BCC in three A Level subjects which must include at least one science from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics for contextual offer students.*

Resit Applicants

We welcome applications from students who are resitting to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered, and resit applications are treated the same as all others.

Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Please note: International BTEC (RQF) qualifications are also accepted and are considered equivalent in size and level to the UK BTEC (RQF) qualifications listed below. If you are unsure which qualification you are taking, please contact your school or college provider to confirm. D refers to Distinction and M refers to Merit.

BTEC Qualification	Standard Offer	Contextual Offer
National Extended Diploma (RQF) in Applied Science	DDD	DDM
Extended Diploma (QCF) in Applied Science	DDD + one A Level at grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics	DDM + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
Extended Diploma (QCF) / National Extended Diploma (RQF) in any subject	DDD + one A Level at grade B either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics	DDD + one A Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
Diploma (QCF) /National Diploma (RQF) in any subject	DD + one A-Level at grade B in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics	DD + one A-Level at grade C in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) /National Extended Certificate (RQF) in any subject	D + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics	D + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
90 Credit Diploma (QCF) in any subject	DD + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics	DD + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics
National Foundation Diploma (RQF) in any subject	D + two A-Levels at grades BB of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics	D + two A-Levels at grades BC of which one must be in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Standard offer: 31 Overall, HL 5, 5, 5 which must include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Maths and English Language.

Contextual offer: 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language for contextual offer students.*

We accept the QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions, 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 Professions, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences.

Please note, 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.

This qualification is not accepted for this programme.

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, which must include Maths and English Language or English Literature. We do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.

Year 1:
We may consider applications from students currently studying a degree in a related subject at another institution. To be considered, you must:

Have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.
have CCC at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
not have previously attempted the second year of the same degree programme.
applications must be made through UCAS as we do not accept direct applications.
a satisfactory academic reference must be provided from the institution you have studied/been studying your degree.
any gaps in your education history must be explained within your application form.
typical offer is to achieve 60% overall with 120 credits passed and you must not have failed or retaken any units or modules. Entry requirements may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis following a review of the programme’s specification and grading structure.

Year 2, 3 or Final:
We do not accept applications for Year 2, 3 or Final entry under any circumstances. This is because the course includes integrated placements beginning in Year 1, and the course content is accredited as a complete programme rather than by individual year.

View our Transfers Policy

External Foundation Programmes
We may consider applicants who are completing an external foundation programme in a related subject at another recognised university for entry into Year 1 of this course. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered, you must:

Have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.
have BCC in any subjects or CCC at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
submit your application through UCAS, we do not accept direct applications
provide a satisfactory academic reference from the institution where you are completing your foundation programme
ensure any gaps in your education history are explained within your application form.

A typical offer would require you to achieve minimum 60% overall with 120 credits passed and no failed or retaken modules. However, entry requirements may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis following a review of the programme’s specification and grading structure.

Applicants undertaking an International Foundation Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and entry requirements may differ from the standard UK foundation benchmark.

View our Transfers Policy

International applicants

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Age of qualifications

Applicants must normally have achieved their eligible academic qualifications for entry onto this course within the last three years, to ensure their subject knowledge and study skills are current. Qualifications achieved more than three years ago will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic Admissions Lead. Meeting this requirement does not guarantee an offer.

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 only estimates.

We may consider applicants predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This allows applicants the opportunity to improve on their predicted grades. However, any offer made will contain the listed grade requirements. If you are applying as a private resit candidate, we still require predicted grades from your school, college, private tutor or exam centre as part of your application.

We will also consider applicants who have already achieved at least CCC at A level. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the overall strength of the application, a strong academic reference, and any explanations for gaps in academic history.

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,790*
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:	£22,575
During placement year:	£2,500

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2026/7 is expected to be £9,790, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2026/27 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

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, laboratory reports, project work, computer-based assessment, and peer assessments.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, according to the 2023 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). This data shows that five years after graduation, employed Aston University graduates have the 15th highest median salary among all UK Higher Education Institutions, with a median salary of £36,100.

Studying neuroscience opens up a huge range of opportunities for graduates in the UK and internationally. This includes clinical neurophysiology, applied research in academia and industry, as well as undertaking roles in big data and artificial intelligence, policy and funding, patent law, medical writing, and postgraduate medicine.

Our industry links and placement opportunities will provide you with the skills, know-how and experience to be successful in:

academia (research and teaching)
clinical sciences
biotechnology and contract research
pharmaceutical industry
regulatory affairs, policy and research administration
science communication, museum work and public engagement

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Frequently asked questions

Why should I choose Aston to study Neuroscience?

At Aston, we work with active neuroscience researchers who specialise in areas such as Parkinson’s, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, processes underlying cognition, early life stress, Prion diseases and developmental neuroscience (e.g. ADHD). Our research feeds into our teaching, meaning you’ll be taught by experts in the field working on up-to-date studies.

Our mix of theoretical expertise and hands-on research work carried out in world-class facilities is perfect for setting you up for an exciting career in a wide range of enriching careers that make a difference.

What facilities will I get to use?

As an Aston neuroscience student, you will have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities including a newly refurbished dedicated neuroscience laboratory equipped with multiple neuroscience recording setups, to allow intracellular and extracellular recording of brain cells in vitro, as well as receptor pharmacology experiments.

What is studying in Birmingham like?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.