BSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology

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 provided the third subject is also achieve/predicted grade B.

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 will be considered for an offer of AAA provided the third subject is predicted grade B.

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.

Contextual offer: AAB-ABB (including specific subjects).

Typical WP++ Contextual offer: ABB-BBB (including specific subjects).

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

We exclude General Studies from a standard offer.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

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.

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 or Mathematics (AA and AI are both considered).

We welcome applications from overseas students. Please see University country information for individual country requirements, although please note this is for general information only, as specific entry requirements may be different for the BSc Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology course.

We require grades AABBB (including two science core subjects) together with grade A in Advanced Higher Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher Level.

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 AA/AB required).

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: an award at 83%-85% or above overall, with a minimum of 8 in three written subjects including two science subjects.

In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. We accept a score of 7.0 or 70% at Year 7 in English Language in the EB or a separate English Language qualification such as IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme

Applicants should ensure the Foundation Year they are undertaking contains a significant amount of science content (minimum 50% of all modules). 

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAA or 75% including two science subjects (preferably Biology and Chemistry) and an EAP score of A or 70% in every component.

All applicants resident or studying in the UK may be required to attend an interview.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

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 Diploma

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 Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D* for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA/AB required).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

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 Certificate

We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy BTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider 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).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider 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).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider 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 AA/AB required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider 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 AA/AB required).

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)

We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.

Legacy CTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).

We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.

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.

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.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

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.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

This course will accept grade B in Core Mathematics in lieu of the correct grade in GCSE Mathematics.

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Please visit this page with information for mature students.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/5. We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSE;
• IELTS 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
• TOEFL (iBT) - 100 overall with component scores of at least 25; #an acceptable equivalent qualification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Student Route Visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form.

Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we will not consider those applicants who choose Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology as a second option and whose personal statement is geared towards a different discipline. However, if you find at a later stage that you have not been made an offer for your chosen area, please contact our admissions team for advice.

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances, provided you obtained a minimum of BBB at first attempt and provided you meet the advertised requirements for entry (AAA-AAB). Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations we may consider your application in exceptional circumstances, provided you obtained a minimum of BBB at first attempt and provided you meet the advertised requirements for entry (AAA-AAB). Please contact us to discuss this before you apply.

This course is modular. You will study compulsory course units and choose some optional units. Most units are assigned 10 credits and you will take 120 credits each year.

You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, including the nervous system and pharmacology, which are relevant to cognitive neuroscience.

Psychology topics will include social psychology, brain structure and function, perception, and cognition.

Year 1 also provides an introduction to the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.

You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a Science Communication unit.

In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological and cognitive neuroscience research.

Final year topics reflect the current hotspots of neuroscience and psychology endeavour and the research interests of our staff, and are constantly being updated.

You will undertake an independent in-depth research project that may involve supervised research on a biology or psychology topic, or you may choose to work on e-learning, educational, data analysis, bioinformatics or enterprise topics.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

This course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Taking a BPS-accredited undergraduate course confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society.

GBC is an entry requirement for all postgraduate training programmes leading to chartered psychologist status.