Course overview

The MRes Neuropharmacology at Aston University explores how drugs and other substances interact with the nervous system to shape its function and influence behaviour.

As a rapidly evolving field, neuropharmacology is essential to advancing our understanding of the brain and nervous system, identifying novel therapeutic targets, and developing new treatments for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

This interdisciplinary programme draws on expertise from pharmacology, neuroscience, chemistry, psychology, and medicine, equipping you with the skills to investigate complex questions around drug interactions with the nervous system and contribute to cutting-edge biomedical research.

“We want our students to become active members of academic and industrial research communities in the field of neuroscience and drug discovery, learning state-of-the-art approaches in our facilities and joining us in pursuit of new understanding and treatments that make a difference.”

Professor Gavin Woodhall

Professor of Neuroscience for Drug Discovery and Co-Director of Aston Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment

Why Neuropharmacology at Aston University?

Internationally recognised research

We are ranked 10th in the UK for research in Allied Health Professionals in terms of Research Power (REF, 2021)

Research active staff

Learn from active neuroscience researchers who specialise in areas such as epilepsy, Parkinson's, dyslexia, autism, learning and development

Specialist equipment and knowledge

Study in research-level laboratories with expert researchers in neuroscience and pharmacology

Course description

Neuropharmacology MRes

Aston University’s Neuropharmacology MRes gives you the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research projects while working alongside research-active experts in the field. You’ll collaborate with passionate academics who are advancing knowledge in drug–nervous system interactions and developing new approaches to treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

What we will provide
As a postgraduate student and active researcher in this field, you will join an exciting body of scientists aiming to enhance our understanding Neuropharmacology. Our Neuropharmacology MRes programme offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the field of Neuropharmacology.

What you will provide
As a postgraduate student, you will be required to balance academic work and research projects. You will be expected to engage with teaching materials, online lectures, and in-person sessions. 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
In addition to core neuroscience theory and advanced neuroscience laboratory skills, the Neuropharmacology programme places an emphasis on professional development and research-related communication skills, with a dedicated Professional Development for Neuroscientists module. Here you will develop your abilities in areas such as oral and written presentation, personal promotion and employability, intellectual property, scientific writing, systematic review and meta-analysis, and research ethics.

Career prospects
Our teaching is research-led and prepares graduates for careers across a variety of sectors including academic research, pharmaceutical, medical, and clinical roles, and wider scientific professionalism.

How you will learn

During your year at Aston, you will study specialist modules that combine theory and practice through small group tutorials, lectures and hands-on laboratory sessions in bespoke, highly-equipped teaching and research laboratories. You’ll complete a core curriculum of three taught modules which will provide you with a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary research and analysis methods used in Neuroscience.

You will access theoretical learning materials for general study, revision and assessment through our virtual learning platform blackboard. This platform allows you to access a comprehensive range of study materials, recorded lectures, online tutorials, scientific journals, e-journals, databases and much more.

What you will learn

You will have the opportunity to complete research practicals using some of the advanced technologies of Neuroscience, including real-time recording of brain cells using research-grade in vitro set-ups, receptor pharmacology experiments, molecular neuroscience techniques and EEG and EMG.

These sessions are supported by training in core research skills such as formulating a scientific research question, scoping and implementing research designs, and advanced programming and data analysis

Research project

The dissertation research project is a substantial part of the Neuropharmacology MRes programme, which will enable you to conduct original and in-depth research in the field of neuropharmacology in a research laboratory. You will develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research with the support of a research active supervisor.

Research projects

Facilities

As an MRes Neuropharmacology student, you will benefit from access to state-of-the-art research laboratories equipped with advanced neuroscience facilities. These include multiple neuroscience recording systems for real-time monitoring of brain cells in vitro, EEG and EMG technologies, and specialist instrumentation for molecular biology, cell culture, neuroimaging, and drug screening.

Beyond the labs, you will have full access to Aston University’s wider facilities, including the modern library with extensive digital resources, dedicated study spaces, collaborative labs, cafés, and social areas—all designed to support both your research and student experience.

Course objectives

Provide students with the means to carry out an extensive laboratory-based project on a specific topic within Neuroscience.
Provide advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in a particular area within the field of Neuroscience research.
To provide expert-led training in Neuroscience laboratory skills
To develop a range of transferable skills (written and oral communication, time management, project management, team working, data collection and analysis) that will produce graduates who can bring qualities of critical judgement and reasoning to their chosen occupation and who are capable of applying and disseminating knowledge in a team-based environment.
Provide awareness of good laboratory practise and safety issues in a modern research laboratory.
Enable students to develop an informed and critical appreciation of the scientific developments within a particular area of Neuroscience research.
Produce graduates with the skills required to proceed to a more specialist higher degree at PhD level or a career in Neuroscience research.

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Advanced Neuroscience: A comprehensive and deep dive into the science of anatomy, physiology, cellular and molecular neuroscience. Learn how our brains work from the molecular level, increasing in complexity to whole organisms.	15
Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies: Explore key concepts for effective research design and implementation including safe working in the laboratory environment, health and safety risk assessments, experimental design and research planning, ethics in Neuroscience and data handling and analysis.	15
Professional Development for Neuroscience: Develop the translational and transferable skills required of Neuroscience postgraduates which will equip students with the skills required to undertake advanced senior level scientific careers.	30
Total	60

Dissertation stage modules

In the dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module Title	Credits
Neuroscience Project: Undertake an extensive and in-depth research project in a laboratory on a specific research theme within Neuroscience at Aston, producing an original and detailed dissertation on this area of research.	120
Total	120

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Student holding laptop in student study space

Gain the advantage

The Aston Global Advantage (AGA) is fully embedded into all postgraduate Health & Life Sciences programmes (of 180 credits), meaning you develop professional skills, teamwork abilities and real‑world experience as an integral part of your course.

Because each programme tailors the AGA to its discipline, you learn through authentic activities relevant to your field. This integrated approach enhances your readiness for a rapidly changing global workplace by helping you apply knowledge in practice, build confidence, and develop the competencies employers value most.

Aston Global Advantage

Entry requirements

Upper Second-class Honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) from a recognised university in a suitable science or medical science subject (e.g. Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medicine).

Applicants will be invited to select a suitable research project as part of the application process and attend a brief online interview to discuss their research plans with their prospective supervisor.

IELTS 6.0 minimum across all sub-bands with a 6.5 minimum overall.

International students

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

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

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

English language requirements

How to apply

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

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

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.

Masters Foundation 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.

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Read our guide to applying

Fees

Course fees

UK students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:

£12,500

International students
(2026/27)

Annual tuition fees:

£24,800

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

Assessment

We use a wide variety of assessment types, including as appropriate to the topic, coursework (such as essays), examinations, practical work, oral and written presentations, dissertation research project.

Career prospects

Our research-led teaching prepares graduates for diverse careers in academic research, pharmaceuticals, medicine, clinical practice, and the wider bioscience sector. Throughout the programme, you will develop the specialist expertise and transferable skills most valued by employers, including advanced research design and analysis, experimental and laboratory techniques, clinical trial research, scientific and medical writing, ethical and regulatory awareness, and strong project management capabilities.

Many students progress to become research scientists in academia, with a significant number continuing their journey through a PhD in neuropharmacology or a related discipline. Others build rewarding careers in industry and healthcare, taking on roles as clinical researchers, neuropharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists, drug discovery scientists, medical science liaisons, regulatory affairs specialists, biostatisticians, research and development managers, scientific writers, or consultants.

Graduates from Aston’s neuroscience programmes have gone on to work with leading organisations in the UK and internationally, including AstraZeneca, Novartis, Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific, the NHS, the Medical Research Council, Capgemini, and many more, where expertise in neuropharmacology and high-level research proficiency are highly sought after.

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 study Neuropharmacology MRes at Aston University?

Aston University is known for its academic excellence and commitment to research with a strong reputation in science. Our Neuropharmacology programme offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the field of Neuropharmacology. Our facilities have the latest equipment and technology, providing you with the very best research environment to conduct research.

If you are an international student, Aston University may provide various resources and support services to help with your transition and integration into the UK educational system.

When applying, choose from a research theme from our list of projects:

Research projects

What research could I do in my final project?

The dissertation research project is a substantial part of the Neuropharmacology MRes programme, which will enable you to conduct original and in-depth research in the field of neuropharmacology in a research laboratory. This provides you with the opportunity to develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research, and is completed with the support of a research active supervisor.

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.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

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