Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system, encompassing how the brain and its associated structures develop, function, and break down. It sits at one of the most exciting frontiers in modern biology, drawing together molecular biology, cell science, physiology, psychology, pharmacology, and computational modelling to understand how the nervous system generates sensation, controls movement, stores memories, and gives rise to thought and emotion. The discipline is also deeply connected to medicine and public health, as neurological and psychiatric conditions represent some of the greatest sources of human suffering worldwide.

At the University of Sussex, this three-year full-time programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich placement year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, giving it an exceptionally rich combination of structural features that extend and deepen the core academic experience. The foundation year builds the scientific grounding you need for degree-level study. During the main degree, you will explore the cellular and molecular basis of nervous system function, systems-level neuroscience covering sensory and motor systems, and topics at the interface of neuroscience and behaviour.

The placement year places you in a research, clinical, or industry setting where you can apply scientific skills in a professional context, and the year abroad adds an international dimension that is increasingly relevant in a field conducted through global collaboration.

You will develop laboratory skills, the ability to interpret scientific literature critically, and experience with computational and data analysis tools that are standard in modern neuroscience research. Sussex has strong research activity in neuroscience and related areas, and the programme benefits from engagement with that scholarly community.

Graduates from neuroscience programmes pursue diverse careers. Research roles in academic and pharmaceutical settings, clinical work through further professional training in medicine or clinical psychology, and science communication are all well-established pathways. Biotechnology, medical devices, and public health are further sectors that value neuroscience graduates.

Postgraduate study, including research degrees and clinical training routes, is a natural next step for many.