Neuroscience | King’s College London

Overview

The Neuroscience BSc at King's is a modern and multidisciplinary degree covering aspects of cell, molecular and developmental biology, neuroanatomy, physiology and pharmacology. It also links to psychology and philosophy. The course will give you a broad grounding in the subject, with special emphasis on developmental neuroscience, diseases and disorders of the nervous system, and clinical and psychological aspects of neuroscience.

Studying a Biomedical Science degree with us means that you will be able to enjoy the flexibility to choose your degree after your first year with our Common Year One curriculum. All Biomedical Science disciplines are covered in the first year, making the decision for your future an informed one.

You will be able to choose from the following Biomedical science degrees; Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc, Biochemistry BSc, Biochemistry MSci, Biomedical Science BSc, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Molecular Genetics MSci, Neuroscience BSc, Neuroscience MSci, Pharmacology BSc, and Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics BSc.

The course information sheet is a printable version of the information on this web page, which you can download here.

Europe's largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education.
83% student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2017).
Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and researchers.
One of the UK's best graduate employment rates.
A contemporary approach to the study of neuroscience, reflecting state-of-the-art research techniques and models.
Opportunity to perform a substantial original research project in a leading laboratory.
Flexible options to tailor your degree through overseas study, work placement or to switch to a four-year MSci.

Key information

UCAS code B140

Duration Three years

Study mode Full-time

Course type Single honours

Further details

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine

Department Department of Neuroscience

Locations

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Course detail

Description

Neuroscience is a vibrant and emerging discipline that seeks to understand the development, structure and function of the nervous system, as well as giving insights into possible therapies for neural diseases and disorders. The field of neuroscience draws its impetus from recent advances in molecular and cell biology, neuroimaging, systems neuroscience and bioinformatics, as well as incorporating a wide variety of conventional disciplines including anatomy, neurology, psychology and psychiatry.

One of the key strengths of the Neuroscience BSc at King's is its focus on research. Our neuroscience research centres are at the forefront of the field and their work informs the delivery and shape of our course.

Our undergraduate course will provide you with an integrated knowledge base in neuroscience, and a wide set of skills, including analytical and critical thinking, and the ability to understand and communicate complex ideas through different media.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year one’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology; Pharmacology & Molecular Genetics. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to any other course within this suite.

In your second year, you will specialise in neuroscience, taking an integrated range of courses from molecular and developmental biology, neuroanatomy and physiology up to psychological theories of mind. These modules are integrated to provide an overview of neuroscience disciplines and to give you the knowledge to progress to the third year where you will further specialise, choosing one of three pathways: Neuroscience – Laboratory Research; Neuroscience and Neuropsychology, or; Neuroscience – Literature and Practical Topics.

In year two you may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, or you can apply to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer.

Alternatively, after the ‘Common Year one’ course, you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci. In year three you can apply to transfer to the four-year Integrated Pharmacology and Physiology for Research MSci .

Teaching

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

Course stage	Percentage of time in scheduled learning and teaching activities	Percentage of time in guided independent study	Percentage of time on placements
Year 1	25%	75%	-
Year 2	28%	72%	-
Year 320	%	80%	-

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and practical observation.

Course stage	Percentage of Assessment by Written Exams	Percentage of Assessment by Practical Exams	Percentage of Assessment by Coursework
Year 1	78%	5%	17%
Year 2	69%	5%	26%
Year 3	33%	13%	54%

If you choose an extra-mural placement this will be assessed through a written dissertation and a poster presentation and which will be deemed equivalent to 60 credits at level 6 (the normal level of year 3 study).

Course accreditation

In recognition of its focus on research and academic excellence, our Neuroscience with extra-mural year BSc has been given Advanced Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. Graduates of an accredited course can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after just one year of practice, rather than the usual three years. This will allow you to attain the qualifications of Chartered Biologist or Chartered Scientist two years earlier than graduates from other degree courses

Regulating body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Location

This course is primarily taught at our Guy’s and Denmark Hill Campuses, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits.

There are options to switch to any other course in the Bioscience suite or to a four-year MSci after Year 1. You can also choose to study abroad during Year 2.

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Biochemistry (15 credits)
Chemistry for the Biosciences (15 credits)
Genetics and Molecular Biology (15 credits)
Cell Biology and Neuroscience (15 credits)
Fundamentals of Physiology and Anatomy (30 credits)
Fundamentals of Pharmacology (15 credits)
Skills for the Biosciences (15 credits)

Optional Modules

There are no optional modules in year 1

Year 2

Required Modules

You are required to take:

Neuroscience (30 credits)
Neuroscience & the Mind (15 credits)
Physiology & Pharmacology of the Central Nervous System (15 credits)
Essentials of Embryology (15 credits)
Psychology 1 (15 credits)
Gene Cloning & Expression A (15 credits)

Optional Modules

You are required to take one module from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (15 credits)
Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Mind (15 credits)

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for your second year at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden
The University of Melbourne, Australia
National University of Singapore
The University of California
The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

You may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option.

Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. Students apply directly to placement providers through a process facilitated by the university. Placements, either in the UK or overseas, may be in a pharmaceutical company, a government research establishment or academic research institute. courses incorporating the extra-mural year are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

We review our modules on a regular basis in order to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant courses of study. The optional modules offered may therefore change.

Year 3

In your final year you will choose one of the following pathways:

1. Neuroscience - Laboratory Research

This pathway features a major neuroscience project within a research laboratory. It can be on a wide range of topics within cells, systems, developmental neuroscience or neurodegeneration.

2. Neuroscience and Neuropsychology

This pathway features a psychology research project.

3. Neuroscience - Literature and Practical Topics

This pathway features a literature-based neuroscience project (15 credits) and a shorter laboratory-based module comprising structured experimental sessions.

During year three you can apply to transfer to the four-year MSci Neuroscience, on which you will be required to take a 60 credit research project, a 30 credit project design module, and one of a range of optional 30 credit modules.

Required Modules

Neuroscience - Laboratory Research Pathway

You are required to take:

Laboratory-based Project in Neuroscience (45 credits)
Principles of Neurobiological Research (15 credits)

Choose one of the following options:

Developmental Neurobiology (30 credits)
Perspectives on Pain & Nervous System Disorders (30 credits)
Imaging the Brain Reading the Mind (15 credits) and Memory Mechanism in Health and Disease (15 credits)

Choose one of the following options:

Mechanisms of Development (30 credits)
Cellular and Systems Neuroscience (30 credits)

Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Pathway

You are required to take:

Cognitive Neuropsychology (30 credits)
Research Methods and Statistics Psychology Project (30 credits)

Choose one of the following options:

Cellular and Systems Neuroscience (30 credits)
Memory Mechanisms in Health & Disease (15 credits)

Choose two of the following options:

Imaging the Brain, Reading the Mind (15 credits)
Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders (15 credits)
Neuroendocrinology (15 credits)

Neuroscience - Literature and Practical Topics Pathway

You are required to take:

Literature based Research Project in the Neurosciences (15 credits)

and/or
Project Design in Neuroscience (30 credits)

Optional Modules

Take sufficient credits to bring your total for the year to 120, from a range of optional modules which may typically include:

Cellular and Systems Neuroscience (30 credits)
Pharmacology of Neurological & Psychiatric Disorders (15 credits)
Neuroendocrinology (15 credits)
Behavioural Science (15 credits)
Developmental Neurobiology (30 credits)
Cellular Basis of Drug Dependence (30 credits)
Perspectives on Pain & Nervous System Disorders (30 credits)
Experimental Topics in Neuroscience (15 credits)
Mechanisms of Development (30 credits)
Memory Mechanisms in Health & Disease (15 credits)
Imaging the Brain, Reading the Mind (15 credits)

We review our modules on a regular basis in order to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant courses of study. The optional modules offered may therefore change.

Entry requirements

Required grades

AAB

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A-levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer.

Required grades

35 points overall (including TOK/EE) with three Higher Level subjects at 665

Required grades

45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining Level 3 credits at Merit

Required grades

D3 D3 M2

Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels).

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

Further information below

If you are taking the new RQF BTEC Nationals (2016), you will not be required to fulfil the module requirement stipulated above - you will only need to get the right overall grade. If you are taking the QCF BTEC Nationals (2010), you must achieve both the required overall grade and the specified module grades. If you are unsure which BTEC you are studying, your teacher or school/college counsellor should be able to tell you.

Required grades

80% overall

Required grades

Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements and English language entry requirements.

Required subjects

Chemistry and Biology

Preferred subjects

None

Further information and other requirements

A-Level	AAB including Chemistry and Biology	Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer. NOTE: If you are taking linear A levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all science subjects.
Access to HE Diploma	D: 33 credits (including 15 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in Biology) M: 12 credits P: 0 credits	Access to Science (or similar subject) with 45 Level 3 credits: 33 must be from units awarded at Distinction (including 15 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in Biology), with the remaining 12 Level 3 credits at Merit.
Cambridge Pre-U	D3 D3 M2 including Chemistry and Biology.	Combinations of Pre-U principal subjects and other qualifications (such as A-levels) considered.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DDD with twelve Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade B. Alternatively, DDM with eleven Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade A.
BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF from 2010)		DD with eight Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade B. Alternatively, DM with six Distinctions in Applied Science and one A level in either Chemistry or Biology at grade A. Note: The BTEC in Applied Sciences should cover topics not already covered by the A level. For example, if offering A level Chemistry, the BTEC in Applied Science should cover subjects other than Chemistry.
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF from 2010)		D with four modules at Distinction and two A levels at grades AB or M and two A levels at grades AA, including Chemistry or Biology. Note: BTEC science subjects considered include Applied Science, Applied Pharmaceutical Science, Applied Biology, Applied Chemistry and Applied Physics. Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry can be considered instead of an A Level in these subjects however if the same subject is studied at both A Level and BTEC they will not be considered as two separate qualifications. For example, BTEC Applied Chemistry and Chemistry A level will not be counted as two separate subjects, a further two A Levels/BTEC subjects would be required.
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers	AAB at Highers and AB in Chemistry and Biology at Advanced Highers	Must be a combination of three Scottish Highers and two Scottish Advanced Highers. We do not count the Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject.
International Baccalaureate	35 points	including 6,6,5 at Higher Level with HL Chemistry and HL Biology. Note the total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.
Other International Qualifications		Visit our admissions webpages to view our international entry requirements.
English Language requirements	Band D	Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements

Non academic requirements

Scholastic activities: We hope to attract applicants who participate in any scholastic activity, e.g. general reading, debating, theological interests etc.

Community activities: We hope to attract applicants who have participated in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them and also demonstrated some experience of society beyond their immediate environment.

General: We hope to attract applicants who have varied extra-curricular interests and enjoy active participation in areas such as sport, music and the arts in general. Any participation is valued and any achievement in extra-curricular activities will be particularly recognised. King’s aspires to attract applicants who will continue with their personal interests and contribute to the vitality of the College community.

Interviewing

Are interviews offered? Yes.

Are all applicants interviewed? No. Only applicants who may be borderline or from a non-traditional educational background may be called for interview.

Are all those made an offer interviewed? No. We only interview applicants if we feel the need to gather more information about their educational background and how it has prepared them for study at King’s.

What form does it take? Interviews last between 20 and 30 minutes and are Chaired by the Admissions Tutor and one other member of academic staff.

What is considered at interview? Your personal statement and academic performance to date will be explored.

Selection procedure

Application deadline: January 15th2019

Help and support

View our English language entry requirements

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees EU:

Students starting their programme in 2019/20 (September 2019) who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2020/21.

The UK tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2019-2020 academic year is £25,500 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

Additional costs/expenses

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities.

While students are on a study abroad or extra-mural year, King’s will continue to invoice students for a proportion of King's tuition fees. At present these are as follows:

Home students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for £1,350 for King’s tuition fees for the year.
Overseas students studying or working for a full academic year abroad will receive an invoice for one third of the King's tuition fees for the year.

You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for:

books if you choose to buy your own copies
college approved calculator for exams (Casio fx83 or fx85)
library fees and fines
personal photocopies
printing course handouts
society membership fees
stationery
graduation costs
travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.

For further information, please visit our fees and funding pages.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

Graduates from the School of Bioscience Education are equipped with a variety of transferable skills including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation skills and teamwork. Others have continued to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields including pharmaceutical sciences, cardiovascular pharmacology and biomedical research.

Further careers information for prospective students is available on our Careers & Employability webpages.

Testimonials

Fatima

"Neuroscience at King’s combines almost every aspect of modern neuroscience, including philosophy of the mind and psychology, which presents a different and intriguing light into conventional science. Lecturers themselves are involved in cutting edge research."

Mitzi

"You can find experts in most fields here and the ease of access to these experts has inspired me. The reputation of King's is world renowned and having contacts here is invaluable."