Neuroscience with Placement Year BSc
AAB at A level, Biology and a second Science; graduates earn a median £30,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB
Biology and a second Science · 80% of entrants came with A levels · 90% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AABtypical A level offer; aab including biology and a second science (e.g. chemistry, physics, maths, applied science, environmental science, statistics, geology, geography, or psychology) or aaa including biology. a level add
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: ABB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
Warwick course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1Biology and a second Science
- 2Biology
Who actually got in: 80% with A levels, 20% with the IB. 10% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 20 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications4
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| IB | 34 points34 including 5 in HL Biology and 5 in HL Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, or Psychology Or 36 including 5 in HL Biology Applicants not taking Chemistry at Higher Level must meet essential Chemist | — |
| BTEC | —We welcome applications from students taking BTECs as long as essential subject requirements are met. We are happy to consider applicants who are studying BTECs alongside A Level Biology. We are also | — |
| Advanced Highers | ABAB in two Advanced Highers in Biology and one of the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Mathematics of Mechanics, Physics, Statistics, Engineering Science, or Psychology - and AAB in three further Hig | Biology and AAB in three further Highers subjects |
| Access | 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis. Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Di | — |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1, 3 optional
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 79% · language & communication 11% · transversal skills 6% · mathematics & statistics 3%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Warwick course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core, 3 optional · 105 credits ≈ 1,050 hours
- Cell Biology of Neurons
What you learn (10)
- distinguish structural and functional differences among nervous system cell types
- explain the process of neuronal cell differentiation
- explain how neuronal cells migrate during development
- explain the mechanisms guiding axon growth to targets
- describe the mechanisms of axonal transport
- explain how protein synthesis is localised within neurons
- describe how synaptic contacts form between neurons
- relate genetic mutations in neuronal processes to clinical disorders
- explain neurogenesis and stem cell applications in neurological disease treatment
- describe the organisation and function of sensory systems
- Chemistry for Biological Sciences
What you learn (2)
- explain fundamental chemical concepts underlying biological science topics
- apply basic chemistry principles to problems in biological sciences
- Physiology, Neurobiology, and Cell Signalling
What you learn (3)
- explain fundamental principles of neurobiology
- explain fundamental principles of physiology
- describe the function of the special sensory systems
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
What you learn (14)
- explain how DNA information directs cell structure and function via RNA and proteins
- describe the relationship between molecular structure and function in lipids and proteins
- identify the chemical formulae of key biological molecules
- describe the structure of DNA
- explain the molecular mechanism of DNA replication
- explain the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein
- describe the molecular processes of transcription and translation
- outline key techniques used in molecular and cellular biology
- identify key processes in eukaryotic cell biology such as division and death
- describe mechanisms of genetic exchange and mutation in bacteria
- explain the concepts of recombination and complementation in bacteria
- explain regulation of gene expression using the lactose operon example
- explain classical genetic principles in eukaryotes including linkage and inheritance
- describe basic processes of energy generation and metabolism
- Anatomy and Histology
What you learn (8)
- explain the evolutionary relationships between existing animal species
- identify model organisms commonly used in biomedical research
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of comparative anatomy approaches
- apply standard microscopy techniques to examine biological samples
- describe methods for preparing biological material for histological study
- explain staining and visualisation procedures used in histology
- identify morphological variations across different tissue types
- recognise pathological changes in tissue samples
- Practical Skills for Biologists 1
What you learn (9)
- research topics using primary and peer-reviewed literature
- synthesise literature findings into a structured scientific report
- prepare an oral presentation on a scientific topic
- adapt presentation delivery style to suit audience and topic
- analyse scientific information critically
- apply the scientific method to design hypothesis-driven experiments
- conduct simple experiments with appropriate accuracy and detail
- explain the role of statistical analysis in interpreting biological data
- present scientific data in a professional format
3 optional modules
- Infection, Biology and Microbiology
What you learn (8)
- describe the structural features of viruses
- relate viral structural features to disease-causing ability
- identify structures of bacterial cells involved in pathogenicity
- explain how bacterial structures contribute to disease causation
- describe diseases caused by different bacterial species
- explain the body's response to infectious agents
- explain mechanisms underlying the transmission of disease
- apply epidemiological theory to describe pathogen behaviour in populations
- Computational Biology
What you learn (19)
- explain core concepts of computational biology
- describe methods for quantifying cellular structures and processes
- retrieve data from biological databases
- interpret data extracted from biological databases
- apply sequence searching techniques to biological data
- compare biological sequences to identify similarities and differences
- explain principles underlying phylogenetic analysis
- construct phylogenetic trees from biological data
- describe applications of artificial intelligence in biological data analysis
- predict protein structures using computational tools
- evaluate structural insights derived from protein modelling
- analyse high-throughput biological datasets
- apply statistical methods to biological datasets
- evaluate biological data using statistical techniques
- explain static and dynamic biological systems
- model biological networks computationally
- use computational tools to analyse biological data in practical settings
- integrate biological and computational methods in research tasks
- communicate computational biology findings orally and in writing
- Environmental Biology
What you learn (10)
- explain the ecological roles of ecosystems in sustaining life
- describe why environmental conservation matters for human wellbeing
- describe the stages and processes of the water cycle
- describe the stages and processes of the nitrogen cycle
- define biodiversity and explain its significance to ecosystems
- describe the fundamental mechanisms driving evolutionary change
- explain how climate change alters environmental conditions
- analyse how climate change disrupts ecosystems and food chains
- describe basic approaches to modelling environmental variables
- interpret outcomes generated by simple environmental models
Year 2 · 6 core, 11 optional · 105 credits ≈ 1,050 hours
- Molecular Endocrinology
What you learn (7)
- describe the structure and function of the human endocrine system
- explain how endocrine function relates to normal physiology
- explain how endocrine dysfunction contributes to disease
- describe how physiological systems are regulated around a set-point
- discuss the regulatory processes that maintain homeostasis
- discuss methods used to diagnose endocrine disorders
- apply knowledge of hormonal homeostatic regulation to real-world cases
- Neurobiology with lab
What you learn (7)
- describe the anatomical structure of the central nervous system
- explain how the central nervous system functions
- explain how neural networks process information
- identify techniques used to investigate neural network activity
- describe the molecular mechanisms underlying CNS development
- explain how the central nervous system forms during development
- explain how the nervous system regulates other physiological functions
- Neuropharmacology with lab
What you learn (9)
- describe fundamental concepts underlying pharmacology
- demonstrate basic practical techniques used in pharmacology
- explain how drugs are metabolised and distributed in the body
- describe receptor theory underlying drug action
- outline modern experimental approaches to studying receptors
- relate normal physiological processes to drug targets
- explain how disease pathophysiology creates targets for drug action
- describe the mechanisms by which drugs produce their effects
- identify drugs used in the treatment of common diseases
- Neurobiology of Disease
What you learn (11)
- describe the structural organisation of the nervous system
- explain normal brain function including motor neurone activity
- explain disease processes affecting the brain and motor neurones
- explain normal function of the neurovascular unit
- explain disease mechanisms affecting the neurovascular unit
- explain normal function of white matter in the nervous system
- explain disease processes affecting white matter
- explain how infectious agents affect the central nervous system
- explain the physiological basis of neurodevelopmental disorders
- explain normal function of the sensory nervous system
- explain disease processes affecting sensory pathways
- Invertebrate Neuroscience
What you learn (13)
- describe the variety of nervous system organisation across invertebrate groups
- explain the evolutionary processes that produced diverse invertebrate nervous systems
- describe the structure and function of invertebrate olfactory systems
- describe the structure and function of invertebrate gustatory systems
- describe the structure and function of invertebrate visual systems
- explain mechanisms underlying learning in invertebrate species
- explain mechanisms underlying memory formation in invertebrate species
- describe examples of higher cognitive abilities such as counting in invertebrates
- explain epigenetic mechanisms involved in the inheritance of learned behaviour
- compare invertebrate and vertebrate nervous systems for similarities and differences
- explain how invertebrate research has informed understanding of mammalian neuroscience
- identify biotechnological applications derived from invertebrate neural resources
- evaluate the scientific value and benefits of invertebrate neuroscience research
- Practical Skills for Biologists 2
What you learn (12)
- research a given topic using primary and peer-reviewed literature
- synthesise literature findings into a coherent scientific report
- deliver an oral presentation suited to topic and audience
- present scientific content in a professional manner
- analyse scientific information critically
- explain the stages of the scientific method
- conduct hypothesis-driven experiments with appropriate accuracy
- apply suitable statistical methods to interpret biological data
- apply computational tools to analyse biological data
- describe principles of good laboratory practice
- explain why professional data presentation matters in science
- apply effective teamwork strategies in collaborative tasks
11 optional modules
- Genetics and Genomics
What you learn (6)
- explain advanced pedigree analysis techniques used in genetics
- describe recombination mapping methods for quantitative traits
- describe genome-wide association mapping as a research method
- explain how molecular genetics applies to everyday situations
- relate sub-cellular biological processes to modern genetic principles
- explain how genetic factors determine an organism's phenotype
- Molecular Cell Biology
What you learn (10)
- describe the organisation of chromosomal sequences in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- explain mechanisms of transcriptional control of gene expression
- explain how chromatin remodelling contributes to gene regulation
- describe the molecular basis of epigenetic regulation
- explain mechanisms of post-transcriptional and post-translational control
- identify modern molecular techniques used to investigate biological questions
- describe mechanisms regulating cellular activity
- describe the structure and function of cytoskeletal components
- explain the process of programmed cell death
- evaluate how cellular processes influence development and disease
- Epidemiology and Public Health
What you learn (8)
- apply epidemiological methods to measure disease frequency in populations
- analyse patterns of disease distribution across populations
- evaluate evidence for disease causation
- assess risk factors contributing to disease occurrence
- construct basic epidemiological models of disease
- interpret outputs of basic epidemiological models
- explain mechanisms of infectious disease transmission
- assess the contribution of epidemiology to public health practice
- Virology
What you learn (11)
- explain mechanisms by which viruses escape host immune responses
- describe how viral populations adapt genetically over time
- compare replication strategies used by different virus families
- evaluate the implications of different replication strategies for disease
- describe laboratory techniques used to diagnose viral infections
- describe approaches to developing vaccines against viruses
- describe strategies for designing antiviral therapies
- perform aseptic techniques to culture mammalian cells
- conduct assays to measure viral infectivity
- analyse experimental data on virus growth patterns
- interpret experimental results to draw scientific conclusions
- Microbial Pathogens
What you learn (12)
- describe the biology and life cycles of major human pathogens
- explain pathogenic mechanisms used by pathogens and their vectors
- explain mechanisms of infection and microbial virulence
- explain mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance
- assess implications of resistance and virulence for diagnosis and treatment
- analyse factors affecting pathogen survival and transmission
- apply case studies to explain disease progression patterns
- evaluate disease prevention and intervention strategies
- evaluate surveillance approaches based on pathogen epidemiology
- assess current methods for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases
- evaluate emerging therapeutics and vaccine strategies
- evaluate environmental and vector-based disease control strategies
- Protein Structure and Function
What you learn (8)
- relate protein structural features to their biological function
- explain molecular mechanisms in terms of protein 3D structure
- describe the physical forces that drive protein folding
- identify secondary structure elements, ligands and motifs in a protein
- describe a protein structure using its structural components
- evaluate recent developments in protein structure prediction methods
- operate molecular visualisation software to examine protein structures
- produce structural images of proteins using visualisation tools
- Science and Public Engagement
What you learn (5)
- design a public engagement activity based on scientific content
- plan the delivery of a science-based engagement activity
- deliver a science-based public engagement activity to an audience
- evaluate the success of a public engagement activity
- reflect on personal skill development achieved through the activity
- Evolution
What you learn (8)
- describe quantitative models of basic evolutionary processes
- explain simple quantitative aspects of population genetics
- evaluate the modern synthesis combining darwinian theory and genetics
- define genetic polymorphism in populations
- distinguish between different types of genetic polymorphism
- explain mechanisms that maintain polymorphism in populations
- evaluate implications of molecular evolutionary theory
- explain the concept of molecular clocks in evolutionary timing
- Immunology
What you learn (9)
- analyse the main components of innate immunity
- analyse the main components of adaptive immunity
- explain how immune diversity is generated
- explain how cytokines bind and signal through their receptors
- apply immunological concepts to explain hypersensitivity reactions
- apply immunological concepts to explain autoimmune disease mechanisms
- explain how T cells mediate immune responses
- explain how B cells mediate immune responses
- analyse clinical immunological data to draw conclusions
- Blood and Circulation for Neuroscience
What you learn (8)
- describe the structure and composition of blood
- explain how the kidney contributes to maintaining bodily homeostasis
- explain the physiological processes underlying cardiac function
- explain the physiological processes underlying vascular function
- explain the biological basis of nervous system function
- describe how the central nervous system develops at a cellular level
- compare normal and diseased states of the circulatory and nervous systems
- evaluate current treatment options for selected disorders of these systems
- Plants, People, Planet
What you learn (6)
- explain the biochemical pathways underlying natural plant products
- evaluate the properties and human uses of plant natural products
- relate agricultural practices to the exploitation of plant products
- assess the environmental impacts of agricultural use of plant products
- evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of human exploitation of plants
- formulate critical questions about human use of plant resources
Year 4 · 4 core, 14 optional · 75 credits ≈ 750 hours
- Research Project
What you learn (12)
- plan an independent research investigation on a chosen topic
- carry out a sustained critical investigation of a research topic
- evaluate findings arising from the research investigation
- prepare material for an oral presentation on a research project
- deliver an oral seminar presentation on research findings
- locate relevant scientific literature using online search tools
- appraise scientific literature for relevance and quality
- link literature findings to suitable research methodologies and conclusions
- critically review research papers in the subject area
- apply critical appraisal skills to research material
- construct scientific arguments supported by multiple sources
- synthesise results from varied sources into a coherent account
- Integrative Neuroscience
What you learn (8)
- explain how neurons transmit signals within the nervous system
- describe mechanisms underlying motor control
- explain how disruption of motor control mechanisms causes movement disorders
- describe stages and processes of brain development
- identify research techniques used to study brain development
- describe the structural organisation of the cerebral cortex
- explain how cortical structures support different brain functions
- explain the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sleep
- Translational Neuroscience
What you learn (5)
- describe key in vitro techniques used in translational neuroscience research
- describe key in vivo techniques used in translational neuroscience research
- explain methodological standards for designing robust neuroscience experiments
- evaluate the reliability of neuroscience research methods against best practice criteria
- summarise recent research findings linking brain function to neural mechanisms
- Laboratories and Assessments for Neuroscience
What you learn (15)
- design a scientific experiment to test a research question
- identify the steps required to obtain ethical approval for research
- explain key theoretical concepts of neurobiology
- apply practical laboratory techniques used in neurobiology
- integrate material from neuroscience lectures into laboratory work
- describe the complexity of mammalian biological systems
- describe current techniques used in neuroscience experimentation
- explain principles underlying sound experimental design
- produce clear written reports of scientific work
- present scientific findings clearly through spoken communication
- use scientific databases to locate relevant research literature
- evaluate scientific data and literature critically
- formulate a testable scientific hypothesis
- test a hypothesis using experimental data
- collaborate effectively within a laboratory team
14 optional modules
- Oncology
What you learn (9)
- identify common causes of cancer
- describe methods used to detect cancer
- describe the biological stages of carcinogenesis
- explain the molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis
- identify cellular mechanisms that restrict tumour development
- identify key immunotherapeutic targets used against cancer
- explain the mechanisms of action of cancer immunotherapies
- describe the origins of major haematological cancers
- outline treatment strategies for haematological cancers
- Science Communication
What you learn (5)
- evaluate how effective a science communication example is
- identify features that make a scientific topic newsworthy
- convey scientific concepts clearly to non-specialist audiences
- adapt scientific explanations to suit different audience types
- evaluate how scientific findings are portrayed in media outlets
- Biological Clocks
What you learn (5)
- explain the significance of temporal organisation in biological systems
- describe molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms
- identify biological pacemakers across different organisms
- interpret different types of biological research data
- formulate independent conclusions from research findings
- Principles of Development
What you learn (4)
- explain how multiple organisational layers interact in biological systems
- describe the genetic mechanisms underlying developmental processes
- describe the cellular processes that drive development
- explain how morphogenesis shapes tissue and organ formation
- Introduction to Secondary Biology Teaching
What you learn (6)
- analyse key issues in secondary biology education
- reflect critically on debates in school biology teaching
- evaluate own teaching practice in school biology lessons
- identify areas for improvement in biology teaching delivery
- apply learning theories to plan biology lessons
- demonstrate professional skills for supporting pupils' learning in biology
- Dynamics of Biological Systems
What you learn (11)
- describe how cell metabolism changes dynamically over time
- explain how gene regulatory networks produce dynamic cellular responses
- describe how cell signalling pathways generate dynamic behaviour
- identify experimental techniques used to collect quantitative cellular data
- describe methods for obtaining single-cell measurements
- construct computational models of cellular systems from quantitative data
- formulate hypotheses based on model outputs and experimental data
- design new experiments guided by model predictions
- translate pathway diagrams into biochemical reaction equations
- derive biochemical reactions from ordinary differential equations
- apply quantitative reasoning to analyse problems in cellular biology
- Engineering Biology
What you learn (3)
- describe core concepts underlying the engineering of biological systems
- explain how synthetic biology can transform discovery processes across biological science
- apply computational tools to design synthetic biology systems
- Contemporary Research Topics in Neuroscience
What you learn (7)
- discuss contemporary neuroscience research topics with academic collaborators
- synthesise module learning into a coherent body of knowledge
- design a scientific poster collaboratively with external partners
- present research findings at a virtual academic conference
- develop a research proposal that extends module-based work
- critique specialist topics in contemporary neuroscience
- explain and extend specialist neuroscience topics to others
- System Interactions in Human Disease
What you learn (13)
- explain core concepts of neurobiology
- integrate physiology and neuroscience knowledge to explain disease processes
- describe current techniques used to diagnose disease
- describe interactions between multiple body systems in disease
- explain core concepts of neurobiology
- produce clear written scientific reports
- present scientific information verbally to an audience
- search scientific databases to retrieve relevant literature
- evaluate scientific evidence critically
- formulate testable scientific hypotheses
- design methods to test scientific hypotheses
- collaborate effectively within a team
- evaluate scientific evidence critically
- Virology and Immunology
What you learn (7)
- explain the molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication cycles
- describe how the immune system responds to viral infection
- explain molecular strategies viruses use to evade host immunity
- identify molecular targets exploited by antiviral drug therapies
- describe the processes involved in developing vaccines
- describe how viral pandemics spread through populations
- explain public health measures used to control viral outbreaks
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£30,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£25k
Median£30k
Upper quarter£37k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 25 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 14, 24, 11, 21
Half of graduates earned between £25,000 and £37,000. Five years on, the median is £40,000. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 70% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 110% left | 90% | 10 |
| In work or study, 15 months on19% studying | 85% | 55 |
| Professional or managerial job | 70% | 30 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £29,500 | 25 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £30,000 | 25 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £40,000 | 35 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
Warwick fees page · source
About £40,200 in fees over 4 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold.
National Student Survey 2024-26
What do students say?
70%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 59% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 10 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 3; lowest: 50% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 80% |
| Question 2 | 60% |
| Question 3 | 100% |
| Question 4 | 90% |
| Question 5 | 90% |
| Question 6 | 80% |
| Question 7 | 90% |
| Question 8 | 70% |
| Question 9 | 70% |
| Question 10 | 80% |
| Question 11 | 70% |
| Question 12 | 70% |
| Question 13 | 90% |
| Question 14 | 50% |
| Question 15 | 100% |
| Question 16 | 80% |
| Question 17 | 60% |
| Question 18 | 80% |
| Question 19 | 100% |
| Question 20 | 90% |
| Question 21 | 100% |
| Question 22 | 100% |
| Question 23 | 90% |
| Question 24 | 80% |
| Question 25 | 56% |
| Question 26 | 70% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Warwick’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Warwick is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.