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King's College London
You are viewing a course in < Biomedical and life sciences
Undergraduate degree

Neuroscience BSc

UCAS code: B140

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAA
Duration:
3 years or 4 years with an extra mural year or an MSci
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2023
Application deadline:
25 January 2023
Optional year in industry
Apply via UCAS

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, Biomedical Science BSc, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Neuroscience BSc, and Pharmacology BSc.

Key benefits

  • Taught at one of Europe’s largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education
  • 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 work placement or to switch to a four- year MSci
Agnija, Neuroscience BSc, Year 2

“The Neuroscience course at King's College London offers a holistic approach to learning neuroscience, which was something that I was looking for, as it explores multiple biomedical fields and prepares you for the following years of study.”

Agnija, Neuroscience BSc, Year 2, Agnija, Neuroscience BSc, Year 2

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 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology. Once you have successfully completed Year 1, you can choose to switch to another 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 2 you can apply to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer. Alternatively, after the ‘Common Year 1’ course, you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci.

Base campuses

Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Denmark Hill Campus

Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, clinical and teaching facilities for the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences and the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation.

Special features

Optional year in industry

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Biology and Chemistry
Preferred subjects:
No preferred subjects

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAA

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.

Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

AAC 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. Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 666 at Higher Level

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

34 points including 664 at Higher Level. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry. Notes: The total point score of 34 includes TOK/EE.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: D

Selection process

Application deadline: 25th January 2023 - 18:00 (UK time)

 

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

We recognise that many applicants applying to Medicine/Dentistry will apply to a non-clinical programme as their fifth UCAS option. Therefore, applicants are welcome to apply to our Common Year One programmes at King's with a Medicine/Dentistry statement and it will not count against you if your personal statement is geared towards these subject areas.  

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Practical laboratory work

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 
Year 1 25% 75%
Year 2 28% 72%
Year 3 20% 80%

 

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Extra Mural Year

In year 2, 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.

Transfer to the MSci

During Year 3 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.

Location

This course is primarily taught at our King’s College London 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.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Oral presentation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include posters, essays, oral presentations, debates, e-tests and unseen examinations. Coursework contributes approximately 40% and examinations approximately 60% to your final mark.

Regulating Body

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

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits. There are options to switch to other courses in the Bioscience suite or to a four-year MSci after Year 1, subject to programme regulations.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

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.

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 academic year is £31,260 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

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies  
  • Library fees and fines  
  • Personal photocopies  
  • Printing course handouts  
  • Society membership fees  
  • Stationery  
  • Graduation costs 
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

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 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology. Once you have successfully completed Year 1, you can choose to switch to another 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 2 you can apply to undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer. Alternatively, after the ‘Common Year 1’ course, you can apply to transfer to one of our four-year MSci courses: Biochemistry MSci; Molecular Genetics MSci; Neuroscience MSci.

Base campuses

Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Denmark Hill Campus

Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, clinical and teaching facilities for the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences and the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation.

Special features

Optional year in industry

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Biology and Chemistry
Preferred subjects:
No preferred subjects

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAA

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.

Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

AAC 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. Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 666 at Higher Level

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry. Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

34 points including 664 at Higher Level. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry. Notes: The total point score of 34 includes TOK/EE.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

English language band: D

Selection process

Application deadline: 25th January 2023 - 18:00 (UK time)

 

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

We recognise that many applicants applying to Medicine/Dentistry will apply to a non-clinical programme as their fifth UCAS option. Therefore, applicants are welcome to apply to our Common Year One programmes at King's with a Medicine/Dentistry statement and it will not count against you if your personal statement is geared towards these subject areas.  

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Practical laboratory work

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 
Year 1 25% 75%
Year 2 28% 72%
Year 3 20% 80%

 

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Extra Mural Year

In year 2, 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.

Transfer to the MSci

During Year 3 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.

Location

This course is primarily taught at our King’s College London 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.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Oral presentation

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include posters, essays, oral presentations, debates, e-tests and unseen examinations. Coursework contributes approximately 40% and examinations approximately 60% to your final mark.

Regulating Body

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

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 360 credits. There are options to switch to other courses in the Bioscience suite or to a four-year MSci after Year 1, subject to programme regulations.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

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.

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 academic year is £31,260 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

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies  
  • Library fees and fines  
  • Personal photocopies  
  • Printing course handouts  
  • Society membership fees  
  • Stationery  
  • Graduation costs 
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAA
Duration:
3 years or 4 years with an extra mural year or an MSci
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2023
Application deadline:
25 January 2023
Optional year in industry
Apply via UCAS

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