BSc, 4 years, UCAS: C701
Typical A level offer: BCC
Subject overview
Why neuroscience?
Neuroscience is the study of the brain – or the biology of the mind. Our brains contain many billions of interconnected neurons. Neuroscientists are interested in how the activity of these cells underlies thought and action, and we also study molecular mechanisms of drug action. We examine the systems that control our movement, allow us to see, underlie our emotional responses, or are affected by addictive drugs.
Medical neuroscience addresses our understanding of brain disease and dysfunction – and highlights the enormous scope for progress. How can discoveries in molecular genetics and neuropharmacology, and advances in techniques such as brain imaging and nanotechnology, lead to new treatments?
Neuroscience and artificial intelligence have much to learn from one another. They tackle related problems, such as understanding how – if at all – the human brain differs fundamentally from that of other animals, attempting to construct a conscious computer, or building a flying robot.
Why neuroscience at Sussex?
Neuroscience at Sussex scored 91 per cent in the teaching category of the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Rated 8th in the UK for ‘Pre-clinical and Human Biological Sciences’ research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 85 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and over half rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Neuroscience at Sussex ranked 6th in the UK for 'Anatomy and Physiology' in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and 21st in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2014.
Our degrees integrate basic biology with cognitive psychology. They offer a comprehensive grounding in neuroscience and you get the chance to do substantial practical work, with the final-year research project offering the opportunity to work in a leading research laboratory.
Our status as a leading centre for neuroscience is reflected in the wide range of options we offer. There are specialised modules in areas such as intelligence, genetic and molecular processes of neural development, learning and memory.
Teaching is informed by our cutting-edge research. Our recent discoveries have included understanding the basic mechanisms of hearing and how genetic defects of the ear lead to deafness; revealing the genetic controls whose malfunction leads to the development of brain tumours; and applying information from genomics to unravel the neuronal signalling in the brain.
Our academic environment emphasises small-group teaching and close interactions between students, their teachers and other scientists.
Programme content
The foundation year is taught at Chichester College.
This four-year course is designed for those who want to study the biological sciences at a top-rated university but lack the qualifications necessary for direct entry to one of our other degree courses. Typical entrants include those with non-science A levels, mature students, overseas applicants and students whose science A level performance fell below expectations.
The foundation year is specifically designed for the needs of students who will subsequently transfer to one of the degree courses offered by the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex. Introductory modules in biology and chemistry each make up 40 per cent of the study content. Practical work is an important element of these modules. The remaining 20 per cent of time is split between mathematics and study skills, including IT.
Teaching is by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom discussions and exercise classes. Small-group teaching is emphasised throughout. All modules run in parallel throughout the year and assessment is by coursework and exams.
After successful completion of the foundation year you are guaranteed a place on one of the following BSc courses at the University of Sussex: Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Ecology and Environment, or Neuroscience. Other BSc courses may also be available. Your final overall pass mark will determine which BSc course you can progress to.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2013 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
How will I learn?
Each module lasts a term, and usually includes two or three lectures a week, practical classes and tutorials. Tutorial classes have four to six students. They are informal and usually based around reading a research paper or review. You also present your own work and discuss ideas and questions. You are taught by lecturers who are involved in cutting-edge research.
Alongside lectures, your tutorial, practical and seminar learning are essential elements of our courses that enable you to work independently and in groups.
Assessment is by coursework and unseen exams.The intellectual concepts and experimental methods that underlie neuroscience are as important as specific items of information. We encourage you to develop your interests by reading scientific literature and by writing essays. Communication skills are essential: we teach you to write essays and practical reports in the clear style required in science, while you learn in seminars to communicate directly with an audience.
At Sussex, the scheduled contact time you receive is made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes, laboratory and practical work, and group work; the exact mix depends on the subject you are studying. This scheduled contact time is reflected in the Key Information Set (KIS) for this course. In addition to this, you will have further contact time with teaching staff on an individual basis to help you develop your learning and skills, and to provide academic guidance and advice to support your independent study.
For more information on what it's like to study at Sussex, refer to Study support.
What will I achieve?
- You will develop the skills and knowledge to exploit career opportunities fully. Neuroscience is a key part of modern biomedical science, and our degrees open routes into careers in basic and clinical research, and to clinical and industrial careers.
- You will learn about the techniques of modern biomedical science, and the insights that it can bring to understanding the mind and its limitations. You will be able to assimilate data and ideas from technical literature, and summarise and communicate this material in clear prose.
- Alongside lectures, your tutorial, practical and seminar learning are essential elements of our courses that will enable you to work independently and in groups.
- We encourage clear thought and expression, and stimulate inquiry and originality.
- The ability to convey complex ideas orally and in writing, and to understand scientific research and its literature.
- In laboratory and project work you learn to devise, conduct and analyse experiments, and show how these advance our knowledge or test current theories.
Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.
Biology - Foundation Year Module
48 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Chemistry - Foundation Year Module
48 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Mathematics - Foundation Year Module
12 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Study Skills/Science IT - Foundation Year Module
12 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
A level
Typical offer: BCC
Specific entry requirements: Some science is desirable, but good grades in non-science subjects will be considered. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 28 points overall
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
Other qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
Specific entry requirements: Access applicants welcomed (although the foundation is itself an alternative to taking an Access to HE Diploma in Science). The foundation may be suited to applicants who took an Access to HE Diploma which lacked sufficient Level 3 credit in science or was in a non-science area, where the applicant now wishes to change discipline. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, grade C, also required.
For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.
Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Pass with grade B or C in the Diploma and C in the Additional and Specialist Learning
Specific entry requirements: Ideally the Additional and Specialist Learning would be a science A-level. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.
For more information refer to Advanced Diploma.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Typical offer: DMM
Specific entry requirements: GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.
For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
European Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 70% overall
For more information refer to European Baccalaureate.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level)
Typical offer: BBCCCC
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Typical offer: BBBCC
Specific entry requirements: Applicants will also need Maths and English at Standard Grade, grade 1 or 2.
For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,0002
Overseas students: £13,0003,4
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
4The foundation year only is charged at the lower fee rate of £13,000. Subsequent years are charged at the higher rate of £16,200.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2014
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,611.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme EU Student Award (2013)
Region: Europe (Non UK)
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
£3,000 fee waiver for UG Non-UK EU students whose family income is below £25,000
Careers and profiles
Career opportunities
Our courses prepare you for employment in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and for graduate-entry medicine or research careers in neuropharmacology and neuropsychology.
Recent graduates have taken up a wide range of posts with employers including:
- client relationship manager at Arcadian
- digital marketing specialist at Oxbow Media
- product specialist at Scientifica
- North American sales specialist at Scientifica.
Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Contact our School
School of Life Sciences
The School of Life Sciences provides an exciting and attractive environment for learning and research, with a thriving international community of students and academics.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact:
Admissions Tutor, Neuroscience,
School of Life Sciences,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
E lifesci@sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678057
Neuroscience
Visit us
Campus tours
We offer weekly guided campus tours.
Mature students at Sussex: information sessions
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
Hannah's perspective
'Studying at Sussex gave me so many opportunities to really throw myself into university life, and being taught by enthusiastic academic staff who are involved in ground-breaking research meant that the education I received was second to none.
'Coming to an Open Day gave me a great insight into both academic and social life at Sussex. Working here means that I now get to tell others about my experiences and share all the great things about the University. And if you can’t make it to our Open Days, we’ve other opportunities to visit, or you can visit our Facebook page and our Visit us and Open Days pages.'
Hannah Steele
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services
Aaron-Leslie's perspective
'Leaving home to study at Sussex was an exciting new experience, and settling in came naturally with all the different activities on campus throughout the year. There are loads of facilities available on your doorstep, both the Library and the gym are only ever a short walk away.
'My experience at Sussex has been amazing. It's a really friendly campus, the academics are helpful, and Brighton is just around the corner. I now work as a student ambassador, and help out at Open Days, sharing all the things I've grown to love about Sussex!'
Aaron-Leslie Williams
BSc in Mathematics