MSci Psychology and Neuroscience (CB81)

2025 entry

Course summary

This course will equip you to combine the critical, theoretical and practical skills central to psychology with a cellular, synaptic and systems-level understanding of brain function from neuroscience. The course emphasises the experimental study of the mind and nervous system and we want our students to share a sense of fun and adventure in exploring and combining these different perspectives.

MSci Psychology and Neuroscience is taught by experts who are enthusiastic about teaching students the latest developments in the field based on the research that they are conducting. It is specifically designed to meet the requirements for accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and gives you eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). It provides you with a pathway to becoming a psychologist along with knowledge and skills from both disciplines, which you can apply in a wide range of careers.

In the first year, you will be introduced to what psychology can reveal about how the mind works, and the neuroanatomical pathways and cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying brain function.

In the second year, you will continue to develop your understanding of biological, cognitive, social and developmental aspects of psychology alongside the different techniques used to study nervous systems.

The third year will combine training in psychological experimental design and statistical analysis with the opportunity to focus on specific research areas, such as neurological and psychiatric disorders or interdisciplinary areas, such as behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.

In your fourth year, you will apply what you have learned to investigate a specific psychological research question. You will also develop valuable skills in communicating science and developing ideas, as well as deepening your understanding of specialist and interdisciplinary areas of psychology and neuroscience.

Accreditations

Our Psychology and Neuroscience MSci is approved by major professional bodies in the UK (BPS) so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A*AA including two core science/maths subjects.. Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
AAB including AB in two core science/maths subjects. Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

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D*DD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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38 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in two core science/maths subjects. Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two core science/maths subjects. Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.

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88% overall, with 8.5 in two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics
Advanced Higher: AA in two core science/maths subjects, and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Core science/maths subjects include: Psychology, Biology (or Human Biology), Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/ Medical/ Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from one of the following, and 12 credits (including 9 at distinction) in another: Biology or Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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