University of Leicester

What you'll study

The MBiolSci (Neuroscience) combines taught modules with an extended independent research project. Core themes include molecular and cellular neuroscience, synaptic physiology, neural development and plasticity, systems and behavioural neuroscience, and neuropharmacology. You will study experimental design, quantitative data analysis and contemporary neuroscience methods such as electrophysiology, imaging techniques and molecular approaches.

Typical taught modules cover topics such as:

• Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology – neuronal signalling, ion channels, synaptic transmission and intracellular pathways.
• Systems and Behavioural Neuroscience – neural circuits, sensory systems, motor control and behaviour analysis.
• Neuropharmacology and Disease – drug action on the nervous system, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
• Research Methods and Statistics – experimental design, biostatistics, and analysis pipelines for neuroscience data.
• Practical Laboratory Techniques – hands-on training in cellular assays, imaging, electrophysiology, and molecular biology tools.

The programme culminates in a substantial independent research project under the supervision of an academic staff member or research group. Projects are laboratory-based or data-driven and are intended to develop technical skills, critical thinking and scientific communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in biological sciences or a closely related discipline. Relevant laboratory experience and demonstrable academic ability in physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or psychology with a neuroscience component will be taken into account. Candidates with a lower second-class degree plus substantial relevant professional or research experience may also be considered.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; an accepted qualification such as IELTS with an overall score typically at the graduate-entry level (with minimum sub-scores specified by the University) or an equivalent qualification is usually required. All applicants should submit a personal statement outlining their research interests and relevant experience, and academic references are required.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a wide range of careers. Common destinations include:

• Research — continuing to doctoral study (PhD) or working as research assistants/technicians in academic or clinical research teams.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech sectors — roles in drug discovery, preclinical testing, assay development and translational research.
• Clinical research and healthcare science — supporting clinical trials, diagnostics and neurorehabilitation projects.
• Data and computational roles — neuroinformatics, data analysis, and roles that apply quantitative skills to neuroscience datasets.
• Science communication, education and policy — outreach, teaching, regulatory affairs and research management.

The combination of practical laboratory training and a significant research project prepares graduates for employment where experimental competence, critical analysis and scientific communication are valued.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers a research-led teaching environment with access to modern laboratory facilities and active research groups working across molecular, cellular and systems neuroscience. Students benefit from supervision by academic staff involved in laboratory and translational research, with opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects and to apply techniques spanning wet-lab and computational approaches.

Postgraduate students can use central services for career development and skills training, and will find a supportive community within the School of Biological Sciences. The programme is designed to provide both the technical skills and the intellectual grounding needed to progress into research careers, industry roles or further study.