Course summary
About this course Understanding the brain's development, structure, and function is one of science’s greatest challenges. Your four-year integrated Neuroscience master's degree covers the breadth of this field, encompassing molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience, neuroimmunology, neurodegeneration, and neuropharmacology through our extensive range of modules. After expert training and guidance in subjects as diverse as cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry, you'll graduate equipped with the fundamental sciences to tackle this truly interdisciplinary subject matter. Key features of the course:
- Build on the foundation of biomedical sciences in year one, with increasing neuroscience specialisation through successive years.
- Conduct an extensive individual research project in your final year, supported by a unique ‘Advanced Neuroscience’ module where leading researchers give masterclasses, preparing you for your neuroscience career
- Study in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building, surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-chaning research
- Develop laboratory and research skills under the guidance of staff who are actively researching in the Neuroscience, operating at the cutting-edge of modern advanncements that are actively shaping the world around us
- Pursue opportunities beyond the curriculum on a semester abroad or in a Year in Employment, such as in a role within the pharmaceutical industry, to enrich your degree and help you stand out to future employers.
- Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).
Modules
Throughout this course, you'll delve into the full spectrum of neuroscience, combining a core curriculum with flexible pathways that empower you to shape your degree around your personal interests and career aspirations. Year 1: Exploration of key biological sciences alongside the development of critical thinking and practical laboratory competencies, laying a strong foundation for neuroscience. Year 2: A deeper dive into neuroscience concepts, taught by leading researchers, with opportunities to build advanced analytical and research skills. Year 3: Specialised modules reflecting our cutting-edge research across molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience. You’ll refine your interests through selected topics and undertake a substantial independent research project. Year 4: For those undertaking the MSci in Neuroscience. Further specialisation in modules such as Advanced Neuroscience where you will gain insight and hands-on experience into the latest methodologies used to understand the nervous system in health and disease. An independent research project is also carried out under the direct supervision of one of our research staff. You’ll also benefit from opportunities to enhance your learning through study abroad programmes and industry placements during the 2nd year if you choose to, boosting your academic experience and future employability. Course modules may be updated to reflect the latest innovations and discoveries in the field. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.
Assessment method
You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating. The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning. The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B140
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits M: 6 credits P: 0 credits
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B
Extended Project - A
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| EU | £32000 | Year 1 |
| International | £32000 | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
