Neuroscience

Women looking at brain scans on a computer

Our neuroscience degrees will provide you with a deep understanding of the nervous system. You will study its role in human behaviour and brain disorders including schizophrenia, autism, mood disorders and dementia.

With a degree in neuroscience from Lancaster University, you will gain the biological and psychological grounding to explore the brain, nervous system and how the body works.

You will explore how these insights, and recent scientific advances in these areas, provide a gateway to the development of life-changing treatments and interventions for common conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, mood disorders and dementia.

Neuroscience courses

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Hands-on study

The lab facilities at Lancaster are excellent. You’ll get practical experience using equipment in both our state-of-the-art life sciences labs and our fantastic psychology facilities.

Lab sessions are perfect for getting to know your coursemates and academics while developing the core practical skills of a modern neuroscientist.

Careers

A degree in neuroscience can open up a world of job opportunities.

Careers in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is an exciting, dynamic and evolving field, with new developments leading to a range of possible career options.

Below are just a sample of the fields that a neuroscience graduate might go on to*:

  • Research and Development Scientist
  • Consultant for Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry
  • Medical Science Liaison
  • Medical Doctor (following a graduate-entry degree in medicine)
  • Neuroscientist
  • Science Policy Manager
  • Science Teacher
  • Science Communications and Public Engagement

*Some of these roles will require further training.

Throughout your course you will develop a host of transferable skills in data gathering, analysis and interpretation which are highly valued by employers and will open doors to careers in other fields such as finance, marketing or technology.

You can also apply for a paid summer internship in our Biomedical and Life Sciences department, helping you to gain additional research experience.

Altogether, you will graduate with a scientific understanding of neuroscience as well as the mindset, confidence and workplace experience to stand out in the competitive world of employment.

Every aspect of learning

Our academics are leaders in their fields of research and deliver enthusiastic and engaging teaching through a range of methods.

  • Assessment

    The assessment process varies across modules but includes laboratory reports, essays, independent projects reports, group presentations, multiple-choice tests and exams. Assessment is an on-going process, rather than being left solely until the end of the degree. This means we are able to offer feedback to you throughout your degree as part of your on-going preparation for when modules are examined at the end of each year.

  • Lectures

    Lectures provide an introduction to the key issues and findings in each topic and are delivered by an expert in that particular area. They usually last one hour and should be complemented by further independent study by reading the relevant literature on the topic. We generally provide digital recordings of lectures for revision purposes and online reading lists of suitable books and journals that are available either digitally or in print from our library.

  • Tutorials

    Group tutorials are usually one-hour sessions where you will be encouraged to discuss your learning with fellow students, under the guidance of an academic tutor. During these in-depth study sessions, you will learn key skills and discuss key skills that relate to your degree.

  • Academic support

    We foster a highly supportive learning environment, making sure you are fully supported to achieve your full academic potential. This includes assigning you an Academic Tutor with whom you will meet regularly throughout your degree to discuss your academic progress and access to our Student Learning Developers, who offer workshops and advice on improving your academic skills.

  • Practical classes

    These are designed to help you to discover the key principles underpinning the topic of study, whilst also developing your skills which you will be able to put to use throughout your degree and future career. Practical classes could include experiments conducted in our teaching laboratories, research projects, workshops, field trips and residential field courses.

Related subject areas

We have other related areas of study within the realm of biosciences.

  • Biochemistry

    Biochemistry is an exciting and rapidly developing subject and the primary investigative science within biology and medicine. You will examine the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular and cellular level, studying core modules in biochemistry and chemistry.

  • Biology

    Tailor your degree to match your specific interests by choosing from a wide variety of modules. You can develop your knowledge of a range of biological processes, learn how plants and animals are affected by the challenges of the 21st century and have the option to specialise, for example, in the biomedical, biochemical or environmental aspects of biology.

  • Biomedical Science

    Our flexible Biomedicine and our IBMS-accredited Biomedical Science degree courses are aimed at those with a broad interest in human life processes and disease and give you the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the techniques and issues associated with modern biomedical research.

  • Ecology and Conservation

    You will examine the ecology and conservation of different ecosystems, in which organisms are locked in complex interactions with one another and their environment. It's a diverse field and your degree will focus on areas including animal behaviour, evolution and global change biology.

  • Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science

    Pharmacology is the science of how drugs interact with living systems and affect our bodies, which is crucial to health in our society. You will study how new drugs are developed in a degree that could prepare you to tackle future healthcare challenges. Pharmaceutical Science combines biology and chemistry to explore drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. You will explore how medicines are made, how they work in the body, and how to ensure their safety.