BSc Hons Brain Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Maastricht University

Program Overview

If you are fascinated by how the brain thinks, learns, remembers, and controls behaviour, the Bachelor in Brain Science at Maastricht University offers an exciting way to explore these questions from multiple scientific perspectives. By combining psychology, biology, and computational science, the programme equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand the brain and contribute to future advances in healthcare, neuroscience, and technology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Scientific Foundation

Your first year introduces you to the core principles of brain science while helping you develop strong analytical and research skills. You'll study modules such as Introduction to Brain Science, Genes, Proteins and Evolution, and Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience, alongside mathematics and programming, giving you a solid understanding of how biological and cognitive processes work together. Practical laboratory sessions and Maastricht University's Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach ensure you apply your knowledge from the very beginning.

Year 2 – Exploring the Brain in Greater Depth

In the second year, you'll dive deeper into how the brain processes information, controls behaviour, and responds to disease. Modules such as Computational Neuroscience, Research Methods and Statistics, and advanced neuroscience courses help you build expertise in data analysis, neural modelling, and scientific investigation. Through collaborative projects and practical assignments, you'll strengthen both your research abilities and teamwork skills.

Year 3 – Research, Innovation and Future Preparation

The final year gives you the opportunity to specialise in topics that match your interests while completing an independent Bachelor Thesis. You'll combine knowledge from psychology, biology, and computational science to investigate real-world neuroscience challenges, preparing you for postgraduate study or careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Focus Areas

Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Cell Biology, Computational Science, Brain Health, Programming, Data Analysis, Scientific Research, Mathematical Modelling.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a multidisciplinary understanding of the human brain; explain brain function through biological, psychological, and computational perspectives; conduct scientific research using laboratory and data analysis techniques; apply programming and statistical methods to neuroscience challenges; communicate scientific findings effectively; collaborate within interdisciplinary teams; prepare for advanced study and careers across neuroscience-related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is delivered by Maastricht University's Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience and is accredited under the Dutch higher education quality assurance system through the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). Its internationally recognised Problem-Based Learning approach ensures graduates develop both scientific expertise and the professional skills valued by employers and research institutions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Maastricht University has built a strong international reputation for innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, and its distinctive Problem-Based Learning model. Graduates of the Brain Science programme are well prepared for master's degrees and careers in neuroscience, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and artificial intelligence, thanks to their unique combination of biological, psychological, and computational expertise.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor in Brain Science at Maastricht University is designed to help you learn by doing. Through the university's renowned Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, you'll work in small groups to solve real scientific challenges while developing both research and teamwork skills. As you progress, you'll gain practical experience in experimental design, data analysis, programming, computational modelling, and laboratory techniques, supported by the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience's advanced teaching and research facilities.

Throughout the programme, you'll strengthen your practical and research skills through a range of hands-on learning opportunities:

Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Learn in small tutorial groups by analysing real-world neuroscience questions, discussing scientific literature, and collaborating with peers.
Programming & Data Analysis: Develop computational skills using Python and R for programming, data analysis, and building computational models of brain function.
Laboratory Training: Gain practical laboratory experience through neuroscience experiments, neuroanatomy practicals, and biological science labs integrated into the curriculum.
Neuroanatomy Practical Sessions: Study the human and animal nervous systems by examining brain specimens, sheep brains, and rodent neurons under microscopes during hands-on practical classes.
Scientific Research Projects: Design experiments, collect and analyse data, interpret findings, and present scientific results through individual and group research projects.
Collaborative Group Work: Work on interdisciplinary scientific projects that develop communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and research ethics.
Research Facilities: Access the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience's modern teaching laboratories and neuroscience research environment to support practical learning.
University Library & Digital Resources: Use Maastricht University's library collections, scientific journals, online databases, and digital learning platforms to support coursework and independent research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor in Brain Science at Maastricht University opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in both science and industry. Thanks to its unique combination of psychology, biology, and computational science, you'll graduate as a transdisciplinary brain scientist with the skills to address real-world challenges in brain health, neuroscience, and emerging technologies. Whether you choose to continue your education or begin your career, you'll be well prepared for a rapidly growing field.

Typical career opportunities include:

Neuroscience Research Assistant
Clinical Research Associate
Biomedical or Medical Technology Specialist
Brain Health and Healthcare Innovation Consultant

Furthermore, Maastricht University supports your career development through:

Dedicated career support: The university's Career Services team offers career coaching, CV and interview workshops, networking events, career fairs, and employer connections to help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Employment outlook: Brain science graduates are in growing demand due to increasing global needs in areas such as healthy ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, medical technology, and data-driven healthcare. Graduates are prepared for careers in universities, healthcare organisations, pharmaceutical companies, and the health technology sector. Maastricht University does not publish programme-specific employment rates or salary figures for this degree.
University–industry connections: Throughout the programme, students benefit from research-led education within the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience and gain exposure to interdisciplinary collaborations involving healthcare, medical technology, computational science, and neuroscience research, helping them build valuable professional networks.
Long-term degree value: The programme is accredited under the Dutch higher education quality assurance system (NVAO), ensuring that your qualification is internationally recognised and respected by employers and universities worldwide.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in scientific research, programming, data analysis, experimental design, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, making them competitive candidates for careers in neuroscience, healthcare, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, medical technology, and pharmaceutical research.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the bachelor's degree, you can continue your studies with a specialised master's programme at Maastricht University or at leading universities worldwide. Popular progression options include Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Sciences, Systems Biology, Imaging Engineering, Data Science for Decision Making, Human Decision Science, and Psychology. You may also pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as Computational Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Biomedical Engineering, Neuroinformatics, or Brain and Cognitive Sciences, providing a strong pathway towards research, clinical innovation, or doctoral studies.