Neuroscience with Professional Training Year (BSc)

Program Overview

Cardiff University's Neuroscience with Professional Training Year (BSc) is a four-year program that combines a solid foundation in biological sciences with specialized neuroscience coursework. Students can opt for a Professional Training Year to gain hands-on research experience. The program emphasizes independent study, research-driven teaching, and transferable skills, preparing graduates for careers in research science, healthcare, and other fields.

Program Outline

Outline:

The Neuroscience program is a four-year full-time program with an optional Professional Training Year (PTY) for interested students. The program is divided into distinct years:

Year One:

• Common year covering all aspects of biosciences
• Focus on building a solid foundation in biological disciplines
• Modules include:
• Skills for Science
• Structure and Function of Living Organisms
• Organisms and Environment
• The Dynamic Cell
• Biological Chemistry
• Genetics and Evolution

Year Two:

• Increased specialization in neuroscience
• Modules include:
• Fundamental Neuroscience (core)
• Brain and Behaviour (core)
• Advanced lab and field techniques
• Data analysis and scientific communication
• Ten optional modules, including:
• Animal Diversity and Adaptation
• Genetics and its Applications
• Ecology Part A and B
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology of the Gene
• Physiology
• Concepts of Disease
• Practical Anatomy

Year Three (Optional Professional Training Year):

• 9-12 month placement in academic, clinical, or industrial research labs
• Gain first-hand research experience
• Produce a placement report contributing to final degree assessment

Year Four:

• Deeper specialisation in neuroscience research areas
• Research-driven teaching and final-year project
• Modules including:
• Neuroscience Final Year Project (core)
• Neurobiology of Brain Disorders (core)
• Systems Neuroscience (core)
• Ten optional modules, including:
• Ecosystems, Sustainability and Global Change
• Evolution and Adaptation
• Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
• Infection Biology and Epidemiology
• Systems Biology
• The ‘omics Revolution
• Advanced Cell Biology and Imaging
• Genes to Genomes
• Synthetic Biology and Protein Engineering
• Current Topics in Development, Stem Cells and Repair

Assessment:

• Combination of coursework and examinations in Years 1 and 2
• Coursework includes practical reports, written reports, class tests, group work, presentations, and problem-solving exercises
• End-of-module exams assess breadth and depth of knowledge
• Professional Training Year assessed through a placement report
• Final year modules assessed through written exams, extended coursework, and a research project with supervisor evaluation and report

Teaching:

• Student-centered learning based on academic excellence and world-leading research
• Inclusive learning culture supporting diverse learners
• Teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Practical classes
• Research seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Emphasis on independent study and increasing student autonomy throughout the program
• Welsh language options in some elements
• Support for students with disabilities
• Dedicated staff:
• Passionate about sharing knowledge and expertise
• Offer support through lectures, practicals, workshops, small groups, open-door policy, and scheduled meetings
• Year-specific and program-specific coordinators for guidance

Careers:

• Neuroscience degree prepares students for careers in research science
• Many graduates pursue PhDs or Master's degrees
• Other popular careers include:
• Medical and scientific research
• Biological and pharmaceutical industries
• Healthcare
• Toxicology
• Medical or scientific publishing
• Science journalism
• Transferable skills:
• Independent learning
• Information analysis and synthesis
• Analytical thinking
• Problem solving
• Effective communication
• Teamwork and leadership
• IT proficiency
• Statistics and data analysis
• Time management
• Organization
• High employability rate:
• 93% of School’s graduates in 2016/17 were in work and/or further study within six months
• PTY students particularly successful in securing relevant employment

Other:

• Cardiff is one of the UK's most affordable cities
• The program provides students with access to excellent equipment, resources, and facilities.
• Students are encouraged to have personal laptops for the program.

Resources:

• Cardiff University - Undergraduate Neuroscience with Professional Training Year (BSc): https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses
  euroscience-bachelors-bsc-full-time

Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Costs for sandwich years

During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply.

Additional costs

Field courses which take place abroad incur an additional cost – primarily to cover student travel and accommodation. We also offer some excellent Wales-based field courses which do not incur additional costs. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course. Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.

Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.