University of Leicester

What you'll study

This degree integrates the core areas of psychology with focused modules in cognitive neuroscience. In early years you study foundational topics such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social and individual differences, and research methods including statistics. From these foundations you progress to more specialised cognitive neuroscience content: perception, attention and memory, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroimaging principles, and experimental techniques used to investigate brain–behaviour relationships.

Practical laboratory work and data analysis are central throughout the course. Typical learning includes hands‑on sessions using EEG and eye‑tracking equipment, computerised behavioural experiments, and training in experimental design and quantitative analysis. You complete a substantial final‑year research project or dissertation, supervised by academic staff, which provides direct experience of running experiments, analysing neural or behavioural data, and reporting findings in the style of empirical research.

• Core research methods and statistics for psychology
• Biopsychology and neuroanatomy relevant to cognition
• Cognitive domains: perception, attention, memory, language, and decision making
• Neuropsychology and cognitive disorders
• Experimental cognitive neuroscience techniques (e.g. EEG, psychophysics, eye‑tracking)
• Advanced topics and optional modules in computational approaches, neurodevelopment, or applied cognitive neuroscience
• Independent research project/dissertation

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed a secondary school qualification such as A‑levels, the International Baccalaureate or an equivalent qualification. Typical applicants present a combination of science, mathematics or psychology subjects, but a broad range of subject backgrounds is considered. Good numeracy is important because of the quantitative elements of the course.

Specific formal offers, including grade profiles and accepted qualifications, are published by the University of Leicester and depend on the applicant route. Applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the University's English language requirements. Admissions may take into account personal statements, references, and relevant experience, though interviews are not normally required for this programme.

Career prospects

Graduates develop skills in experimental design, quantitative analysis, problem solving and scientific writing, which are valued across many sectors. Typical career paths include roles in research and academia, clinical and neuropsychological services (often following further professional training), health and social care, education, and specialist technical roles in cognitive assessment and brain‑behaviour labs.

Many students progress to postgraduate study (MSc, MRes, PhD) in cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology training routes, or related areas such as cognitive rehabilitation, neuroimaging analysis, human factors, and data science. Employers in industry and the public sector recruit psychology graduates into roles in research and evaluation, policy, user experience (UX) research, and roles requiring strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers research‑led teaching delivered by staff active in cognitive neuroscience research, providing opportunities to get involved in current projects and to be supervised on an independent research dissertation. Students benefit from dedicated laboratories and equipment used for cognitive neuroscience teaching and research, and from interdisciplinary links across psychology, neuroscience and allied health disciplines.

The School of Psychology provides strong support for student employability, including career coaching, postgraduate conversion and research training advice, and connections with local health services and research networks. Studying at Leicester also gives access to a vibrant student community, on‑campus resources and opportunities to join psychology and neuroscience student societies to further develop practical skills and professional networks.