- 94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Epilepsy, strokes and schizophrenia – what causes these conditions, and what can we do to prevent or alleviate them?
On this course, you’ll study the structure and function of the human brain and nervous system. You’ll learn to apply this knowledge to understand and treat neurological disorders. In seminar sessions and hands-on lab work, you’ll be trained in modern experimental techniques. You’ll also gain computing, programming, data-analysis and communication skills.
You’ll join a friendly and supportive community of students and scientists in the School of Life Sciences. Our experts specialise in areas ranging from medicine and neuroanatomy, to genes and development. Our research underpins your teaching.
Sussex was the first university in the UK to offer a degree in neurobiology. And we’re currently the only place to offer an undergraduate course in Medical Neuroscience in the UK. You’ll benefit from our close connections with Brighton & Sussex Medical School, based on campus.
Many Medical Neuroscience students aim to specialise in a branch of Medicine. This is why we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for Medicine at Brighton & Sussex Medical School, if you meet certain criteria. Many other careers are also open to you, in areas including:
- the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries
- academic research
- science writing or publishing
- science engagement.
And in addition, in your integrated Masters year, you gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a career in – or related to – research. You’ll spend a semester working on an individual research project in one of our Neuroscience research teams. In this year, you’ll develop advanced skills in technical, analytical and scientific communication skills.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
MSci or BSc?
We also offer this course as a three-year BSc. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.
The highlight of my course is the range of options – from psychology and biology, to pharmacology and programming. I can really tailor my course to my interests and career aspirations.”Rosie Russell
Neuroscience MSci
Open Days and virtual visits
Meet us on campus or online
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for this course are currently under review – please check back in early March 2024.
Modules
This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
- Human Genetics and Genomics
- Principles of Medical Neuroscience
- Research and Professional Skills I: Neuroscience
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
Recent Life Sciences students have gone on placements:
- AkzoNobel
- Pfizer
- the NHS.
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Autumn and spring teaching
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
- Biological Psychology of Mental Health
- Cell Signalling and Therapeutics
- Intelligence in Animals and Machines
- Programming for Life Sciences
- Structure and Function in the Human Brain
Autumn teaching
Spring teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Spring teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of 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.
Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
- Video transcript
[Music starts – light pop – no vocals]
On screen text
Want to help shape a better world through science?
Want to tackle real world problems?
And create world-changing impact?
It all starts at the University of Sussex.
Our research focussed courses span the whole of Life Sciences:
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Neuroscience
Biology
Zoology
Ecology and Conservation
Biomedical Science
Genetics
Using the latest in cutting-edge advances.
Guided by world-leading experts.
Gain hands-on experience, in both our teaching labs and out in the field.
Influence important policies on things such as the pesticides that kill our wildlife, and policies that protect endangered species.
Work towards unlocking the secrets of the brain and ending the despair of cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Join a community of leading scientists and like-minded students striving to make the world a better place for all.
And follow in the footsteps of our 3 Nobel-prize winning alumni.
We’re here today, to train the scientists of tomorrow.
And you could be one of them.
Find out more about the School of Life Sciences at sussex.ac.uk
[Music ends]
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
I work on synapses – the connection sites between neurons. These fascinating structures are targets for diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”Professor Kevin Staras
Professor of Neuroscience
Fees
Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2025/26 – please check back in September 2024. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.
Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Scholarships
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.
Careers
Our modules help you develop transferable skills in time management, communication and analysis. You gain laboratory skills and improve your problem-solving, independent thinking and teamwork abilities. You can go on to work in fields such as:
- the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors
- environment and health science
- research careers in neuropharmacology and neuropsychology.
What to do with a Neuroscience degree
Explore the careers you might be interested in after studying for a degree in Neuroscience
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work