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Program Overview
The BSc Neuroscience at Aston University offers an interdisciplinary and career-focused degree exploring the human brain through the lenses of biology, psychology, and cognitive science. Students gain a strong foundation in brain structure, function, and behaviour, with a clear emphasis on real-world skills and scientific research. The course is designed to prepare students for diverse roles across medicine, research, and clinical or commercial settings.
From the start, students benefit from hands-on experiences in neuroscience labs and small-group teaching. Aston's strong links with the NHS, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes further enrich student learning and placement opportunities. The program also features instruction from active researchers working at the forefront of neurodevelopment, neuropharmacology, and clinical neuroscience.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
• Foundations in Biology and Psychology
• Principles of Neuroscience
• Introduction to Cognitive Science
• Biochemistry and Cellular Function
• Behaviour and the Brain
• Academic and Research Skills
In Year 1, students gain foundational knowledge across the core disciplines of neuroscience, including molecular biology, cognition, and physiology, supported by lab training and essential academic skills development.
Year 2
• Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
• Pharmacology and Brain Function
• Research Methods in Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Clinical and Developmental Neuroscience
• Professional Development and Employability
This year focuses on deeper understanding of brain circuits, pharmacological mechanisms, and cognitive processes. Students also begin applying their research skills in more advanced laboratory environments.
Placement Year (Optional)
Students can opt for a year-long placement in clinical, academic, or commercial neuroscience settings, supported by Aston’s strong industry and healthcare networks. This year boosts employability by providing hands-on, real-world experience.
Year 3
• Final Year Research Project
• Brain Disorders and Therapeutics
• Optional modules (examples): Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience; Neuropharmacology; Developmental Neurobiology; Psychobiology of Stress; Brain Imaging
Students undertake an independent research project and explore specialist topics tailored to their career interests. Advanced modules expand understanding of brain disorders, treatment strategies, and neurotechnologies.
Focus Areas
“Neurodevelopment and disorders; cognitive and behavioural neuroscience; pharmacology; neuroimaging and electrophysiology; molecular and cellular neuroscience; clinical applications; independent lab research.”
Learning Outcomes
“You’ll develop technical expertise in lab techniques, data interpretation, neuroimaging, and scientific writing; enhance critical thinking and communication; and gain confidence working across interdisciplinary scientific questions related to the brain.”
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
• Emphasis on employability with an optional placement year.
• Strong links with NHS and commercial partners provide real-world exposure.
• Learning outcomes and curriculum aligned with career paths in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and biotechnology.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
• Aston is ranked highly for graduate employability and student satisfaction.
• The university is known for its strong focus on careers and professional training.
• Graduates benefit from excellent career support and industry connections.
• Research in neuroscience at Aston contributes to real-world health advancements.
Conduct independent research projects on neuroscience topics in final year.
Practical lab sessions using advanced neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and molecular tools.
Hands-on training in brain dissection, neural tissue analysis, and live animal experiments.
Option to undertake a year-long placement in the pharmaceutical or biomedical industry.
Opportunities to work on interdisciplinary projects combining neuroscience with psychology or pharmacology.
Access to the Life Sciences Building – a state-of-the-art facility for lab-based learning.
Study-abroad semester available in Year 2 with global partner institutions.
Continuous group projects and team-based assignments to build collaboration skills.
Research-led teaching from academics involved in active neuroscience investigations.
Participation in neuroscience journal clubs and research seminars.
Entry into postgraduate degrees: MSc, MRes, or PhD in neuroscience and related fields.
Careers in pharmaceutical and biotech industries as research scientists or analysts.
Pathway to clinical roles with further training (e.g., Clinical Neuropsychologist, Genetic Counsellor).
Opportunities in science communication, medical writing, and healthcare education.
Roles in cognitive neuroscience, neuroinformatics, and AI-based brain research.
Careers in regulatory affairs and drug development coordination.
Graduate roles in NHS and private healthcare as neuroscience technicians or analysts.
Eligibility for teaching and academic positions with appropriate qualifications.
Foundation for entry to graduate-entry medicine or physiotherapy.
Transferable skills suitable for data science, project management, or policy advising roles.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum Integrates biology, chemistry, psychology, pharmacology, and cognitive science, offering a broad perspective on brain structure, function, and systems-based understanding for real-world neuroscience challenges.Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) Being part of IHN embeds students within a thriving research community focused on neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, dyslexia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’sIntegrated Placement Year (Sandwich Option) Optional fourth-year placement, with opportunities at leading organisations (e.g., Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson), gives real-world experience and enhances employabilityMeasured Teaching Quality Ranked 4th UK for Anatomy & Physiology by Guardian University Guide 2025; 91% of students felt strong academic support (NSS 2024)nternational Student Community Over 120 countries represented on campus—creating a vibrant multicultural environment conducive to global networking and collaboration .Strong Gender-Equality Credentials Aston holds Athena SWAN Gold Award, demonstrating institutional commitment to diversity and equality in STEM fieldsNeuroscience ResearcherClinical Neuropsychologist (with further study)Biomedical ScientistPharmaceutical ScientistClinical Trials CoordinatorNeuroimaging SpecialistData Analyst / BioinformaticianScience CommunicatorMedical WriterHealthcare Scientist Cognitive NeuroscientistDrug Development SpecialistMedical Sales RepresentativeGenetic Counsellor (with further training)Occupational Therapist (with further training)Speech and Language Therapist (with further training)Physiotherapist (with further training)Neurotechnology Developer
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