Course summary
Knowledge of the brain in health and disease is still in its infancy. Are you passionate about learning more about neuroscience and contributing to our understanding of the functioning of the brain? If yes, then studying the MSc Molecular Neuroscience will be an excellent starting point. The curriculum of the MSc Molecular Neuroscience programme is designed to support you in developing your knowledge of the intricate functioning of the brain. You will learn the basic principles of molecular neuroscience and acquire insight in a variety of experimental methods used in neuroscience research. Importantly, apart from learning about molecular mechanisms in the healthy brain, you will also explore the molecular mechanisms underlying brain disease, with a focus on neurodegeneration and mental health. The programme is taught by experts in the fields of molecular neuroscience, neurodegenerative disorders, stress, and mental health. Teaching sessions by clinicians will give you further insight in the clinical and therapeutical aspects of brain disease. The teaching on the MSc Molecular Neuroscience is varied, employing a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops, master classes, and self-directed learning. You will develop and practice your communication skills, including scientific writing, and presenting and discussing research data. Practical teaching sessions in our laboratories and the performance of a research project will give you valuable experience in experimental neuroscience. The MSc Molecular Neuroscience programme will appeal to graduates wishing to increase their knowledge of, and experience in, neuroscience before starting their PhD studies. The programme is also of interest to those who want to establish a career in industry, the health service, science communication or clinical trials coordination. You will be supported in developing your next career steps throughout the programme. Studying the programme in a part-time/variable mode over two years is possible but will depend on the student's individual availability for study. This option will first need to be discussed with the programme director.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2025/msc-molecular-neuroscience.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in biomedical sciences, life sciences, health sciences, biology, chemistry, medicine, psychology or related science discipline such as computer science, physiotherapy and sport science. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: evidence of relevant work experience of six months or more in the human or veterinary health sector, or in laboratory, as a lecturer, in medical writing, or conducting clinical trials. a relevant postgraduate qualification in biomedical sciences, life sciences, health sciences, biology, chemistry, medicine, psychology or related science discipline such as computer science, physiotherapy and sport science. The additional bench fee for this programme covers the laboratory-based research project, which accounts for 60 of the 180 credit points of the completed degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £15900 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15900 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15900 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15900 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £15900 | Year 1 |
| EU | £32500 | Year 1 |
| International | £32500 | Year 1 |
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
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU