Neuroscience with Industrial Placement MBio
AAA at A level, Biology and a second Science; graduates earn a median £30,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAA
Biology and a second Science · 88% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · Warwick course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAAtypical A level offer; aaa including biology and a second science (e.g. chemistry, physics, maths, applied science, environmental science, statistics, geology, geography, or psychology) or a*aa including biology. a level ad
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: AAB, 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: 88% with A levels, 11% with the IB, 1% via Access courses. 7% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 100 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 | 36 points36 including 5 in HL Biology and 5 in HL Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, or Psychology Or 38 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 | AAAA 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 AAA 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 3 · 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
Year 4 · 2 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- MBio Research Project (Industrial Placement)
What you learn (9)
- present scientific research findings orally to an audience
- produce a written report of research following scientific conventions
- design an experimental plan to address a research question
- carry out experiments to generate scientific data
- evaluate scientific data to assess its reliability and significance
- apply statistical methods to analyse quantitative data
- formulate valid conclusions based on analysed data
- describe the norms and values underpinning research culture
- collaborate professionally with other researchers to support scientific progress
- MBio Skills Module for Industry Students
What you learn (5)
- evaluate data handling methods used in a research project
- assess techniques applied within a research project
- design a research project plan
- present research project findings to an audience
- critically evaluate scientific research papers
“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, 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 10% left | 100% | 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 2025-26
What do students say?
88%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 72% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 140 students answered
Highest: 97% agreed on question 13; lowest: 60% on question 14.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 94% |
| Question 2 | 73% |
| Question 3 | 93% |
| Question 4 | 93% |
| Question 5 | 87% |
| Question 6 | 89% |
| Question 7 | 86% |
| Question 8 | 79% |
| Question 9 | 80% |
| Question 10 | 71% |
| Question 11 | 71% |
| Question 12 | 79% |
| Question 13 | 97% |
| Question 14 | 60% |
| Question 15 | 89% |
| Question 16 | 87% |
| Question 17 | 78% |
| Question 18 | 81% |
| Question 19 | 95% |
| Question 20 | 87% |
| Question 21 | 96% |
| Question 22 | 90% |
| Question 23 | 85% |
| Question 24 | 74% |
| Question 25 | 78% |
| Question 26 | 88% |
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.