Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology
University of Manchester
UCAS Code: BC18 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Manchester
UCAS Code: BC18 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
We require grades AAA-AAB. Those applicants who are predicted/have achieved As in two of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences ) would be considered for an offer of AAB. For those applicants who are/predicted grade A in one Core Science (as listed above) but has also achieved/is predicted grade A in one of the following subjects: Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education (in place of the second Core Science) will be considered for an offer of AAA. Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate s understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we encourage all applicants to undertake any practical skills assessment if it is available in their qualification. Typical Contextual Offer: AAB-ABB (including specific subjects).
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade. We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. We require D2, D3, D3 to D3, M1, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a D3 in one of the Core Science subjects. We will accept D3 in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science, provided the other Core Science is at D2 or D3. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. For further details, please contact [email protected]
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview (if applicable). A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
We normally require at least five GCSEs at minimum grade B/6, including English Language and Mathematics. If an applicant has a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics, but has a grade 6 in the other subject, we would advise they still apply. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36-35 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry (but can include Physics, Geography, Psychology). We will also accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, or Applications and Interpretation.
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade B in any other subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB. Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected]
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry or Two Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB. Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact [email protected]
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this at grade B or above when taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required). For further details, please contact [email protected] .
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About this course
Our BSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology course combines major topics in experimental psychology and neuroscience to offer a broad grounding in this exciting field of behavioural science.
The psychology component covers topics such as:
- how humans and animals think (cognitive processes);
- how the world is sensed (perception);
- comparative and developmental studies;
- abnormal psychology.
The neuroscience component of the course covers topics such as:
- animal behaviour;
- learning and memory;
- the action of drugs on the nervous system;
- how humans and animals sense and respond to their environment.
Our degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), which means as well as providing a solid foundation for a career in biological sciences, it constitutes your first step towards professional chartered psychologist status.
Tuition fees
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Extra funding
A small number of scholarships may be available to overseas applicants. Details will be made available once confirmed.
The Uni
University of Manchester
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Psychology (non-specific)
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Others in psychology
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Psychology (non-specific)
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
20 years ago, this was a specialist degree for would-be psychologists but now it is the model of a modern, flexible degree subject. One of the UK's fastest-growing subject at degree level, and the second most popular subject overall (it recently overtook business studies), one in 23 of all graduates last year had psychology degrees. As you'd expect with figures like that, jobs in psychology itself are incredibly competitive, so to stand a chance of securing one, you need to get a postgraduate qualification (probably a doctorate in most fields, especially clinical psychology) and some relevant work experience. But even though there are so many psychology graduates — far more than there are jobs in psychology, and over 13,800 in total last year — this degree has a lower unemployment rate than average because its grads are so flexible and well-regarded by business and other industries across the economy. Everywhere there are good jobs in the UK economy, you'll find psychology graduates - and it's hardly surprising as the course helps you gain a mix of good people skills and excellent number and data handling skills. A psychology degree ticks most employers' boxes — but we'd suggest you don't drop your maths modules.
Others in psychology
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Psychology (non-specific)
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£19k
£24k
£27k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Others in psychology
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£19k
£24k
£27k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
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It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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