BSc Hons Neuroscience with Year Abroad

The BSc (Hons) Neuroscience with Year Abroad at Queen Mary University of London is a four‑year programme that combines rigorous neuroscience training with an international Year Abroad in year 3. It’s perfect for students seeking a global perspective, hands‑on biomedical learning, and a solid foundation for careers in research, clinical diagnostics, and international scientific collaborations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you will build a strong biomedical foundation with modules like Exploring Neuroscience, Functional Neuroanatomy, Biomedical Physiology I, Biomolecules of Life, The Human Cell, Tissue Biology, and Chromosomes and Gene Functions. These immersive modules ground you in neuroanatomy, physiology, genetics, and molecular biology—and develop key laboratory techniques, analysis methods, and scientific writing skills.

Year 2

Year two deepens your technical and conceptual grasp via compulsory modules including Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, Biomedical Pharmacology, Biomedical Physiology II, Human Molecular Biology, and Membrane & Cellular Biochemistry, along with optional choices such as Human Genetic Disorders, Comparative Physiology, or Psychopathology. Your experimental design and analytical skills continue to grow through lab‑based learning and choice modules tailored to your interests. 

Year 3 – Year Abroad

In your third year, you spend an academic year at a partner university abroad—across Europe, North America, Asia or Australia—to broaden your scientific, cultural, and academic horizons before returning to complete your final year. This international experience enhances both your personal development and research perspective.

Year 4

Your final year is dedicated to advanced specialist neuroscience and research. Core modules include Perspectives on Brain Disorders and Repair & Regeneration in the Nervous System, alongside options such as Biomarkers in Neuroscience, Drug Discovery & Design, Molecular Basis of Disease, Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine, Neuroscience: From Molecules to Behaviour, Cognitive Psychology, or Psychopathology. You’ll also undertake a Research Project in Neuroscience—designing and conducting an original study under expert supervision using real laboratory data and techniques. 

Focus areas: neuroanatomy and neurophysiology; molecular and cellular neuroscience; pharmacology; brain disorder mechanisms; neural repair and regeneration; cognitive neuroscience; international experience.

Learning outcomes: you’ll graduate with a rigorous understanding of neural systems, strong lab-based and data analysis skills, the ability to evaluate neuroscientific literature critically, and confidence in undertaking independent research—enhanced by a global academic perspective.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme meets standards relevant to biomedical and neuroscience research careers. It provides excellent preparation for postgraduate research (MSc, PhD), clinical research training, and roles in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or neurodiagnostic labs.

Reputation (employability rankings): Queen Mary is a Russell Group university with strong research performance, especially in the medical sciences. As part of the Blizard Institute and Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, it provides world‑class research-led teaching and networking, supporting strong graduate employability in health, research, and industry sectors.