Neuroscience MBiol, BSc

Course overview

Our brain and nervous system control what we do and how we think and as such, understanding how they works is crucial to contemporary biology. Knowledge of neuroscience is essential to providing human kind with solutions to a range of complex challenges, including those in health and wellbeing.

On this course, you will be equipped with an integrated knowledge of the human body, brain and nervous system. You’ll study a number of topics including neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s), synaptic plasticity and psychopharmacology.

Here, you will be part of an investigative-based, inspirational and engaging learning experience. Informed by the research undertaken at the University of Leeds, this programme is delivered by world leading researchers.

Develop key skills and attributes required by Neuroscience graduates and discover the cutting edge experimental techniques used to investigate the workings of the nervous system.

Our focus will be on making you workplace ready, capable of showcasing your knowledge and skills to potential employers. You will undertake a capstone or culminating research project bringing together the knowledge, skills and attributes developed throughout your degree.

This integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training. You will study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project within one of the major research laboratories in the School of Biomedical Sciences or an appropriate period of work based practice. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance and availability. 

Course highlights

• Designed to provide a broad scientific foundation and key graduate skills for those interested in neuroscience.
• Explore cutting edge topics and techniques in neuroscience delivered by our world-leading researchers.
• Delivered using inspirational, engaging and inclusive approaches.
• Develop experimental skills in specialised laboratories. Use cutting edge instrumentation such as the Titan Krios electron microscopes and gain hands on practical experience in labs.
• Progress from single neuronal recordings in invertebrate brains to measuring activity in whole human brains.
• The opportunity to undertake an independent capstone research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the key skills and attributes that will set you apart in the graduate job market.

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are here to help throughout your time in higher education, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. For more information on the different facets of support you will have access to, please see our Wellbeing and Support page.

Wellbeing afternoons

Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons.

These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.

Flexible degrees

Neuroscience is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences, which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

Some of our programmes share a common first year which means that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer on to other suitable and related degree courses, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Accreditation

Accredited by The Royal Society of Biology

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Neuroscience (Industrial); Mbiol Neuroscience; MBiol Neuroscience (Industrial); MBiol Neuroscience (International).

Course details

Modules

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BSc Neuroscience in the course catalogue.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

Year 1

You will be introduced to a range of topics that will begin to develop your key skills and understanding of neuroscience, equipping you with a broad knowledge across the biomedical sciences. Topics will include of course neuroscience, but also essential anatomy & physiology of human systems, biochemistry of the cell, microbiology and pharmacology. This is delivered in a structured and facilitated way to support your learning.

You’ll also develop the fundamental practical laboratory skills and techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies. These essential academic and professional skills will help you progress successfully through the course and into further study or employment.

There is the opportunity in year 1 to take optional modules to tailor your neuroscience degree programme to the areas you’re most interested in, across the biosciences and beyond.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure may offer you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable, related degree courses, subject to suitable academic performance and availability.

Compulsory modules

Team Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be provided with the opportunity to address a current human health-related challenge in a facilitated team-based environment. You will develop the core skills necessary to tackle challenges which may cover topics such as the prevention and treatment of disease or healthy ageing, aligned to your programme whilst working in interdisciplinary groups. Challenges tackled and skills gained will compliment taught content in other first-year modules.

Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the cornerstone skills and capabilities that are essential for scientific research in the field of Biomedical Science, Neuroscience and Pharmacology. This module includes hands-on practical application of these skills and will include those applied in a clinical setting, in a laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support such activities for example research design, hypothesis testing, scientific writing and data analysis.

Structure and Function of Human Body Systems (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. You will also discover how the environment, exercise and disease can disturb these core systems, and the underpinning physiology.

The Basis of Life (20 credits) - You’ll learn about the fundamental processes of life, identifying the key concepts that underpin the biological processes in all living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. On completion of the module, you will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells.

Biology of the Mind (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.

Introduction to Pharmacology (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational concepts underpinning pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development. Learning concepts will be covered using cutting-edge examples drawn from different pharmacotherapeutic approaches, disease states and pathophysiology.

Optional modules

20 credits from the following, at least one module from basket 1

Basket 1

Introduction to Immunology (10 credits) - You’ll review fundamental immune mechanisms with a particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You will discover how we protect ourselves from infection through our immune defences, and learn about the role of different types of leukocytes and antibodies and complement in our immune defences.

The Microbial World (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses, giving you a sound introduction to Microbiology and exploring the diversity of microbial life with emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections as well as those that do not normally cause disease. You will learn how microorganisms interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill and will learn how fungi, bacteria and viruses are observed and manipulated safely.

Introduction to Genetics (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with essential foundational knowledge in genetics, exploring the different meanings of ‘genetics’ and how this concept has changed over time. More importantly, you will explore what genetics means for us as organisms. To what extent do genes determine our inheritance? And how do our genes make us the distinct and unique organisms we are?

If only one module is selected from basket 1, choose an optional module from basket 2

Basket 2

Psychology for Healthy Minds (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to contemporary approaches to therapeutic intervention with people experiencing mental health difficulties. We will explore: the ways in which each approach formulates the origin and maintenance of mental health difficulties; the psychological theory / framework which underpins the various approaches; and how this is deployed in practice. The module will illustrate the variety of ways of constructing and understanding human experience and how this translates into different therapeutic approaches.

Elements of Human Nutrition (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the underpinning physiological processes that govern health such as nutrient function and metabolism, dietary intakes and food sources, deficiency diseases and nutritional requirements. You’ll too look apply nutritional recommendations within the context of health and special populations.

Forensic Psychology (10 credits) - This module considers the contribution of psychology at all levels of the criminal justice system and provides you with an overview of how psychology has been used to inform practical problems arising in the criminal justice system, including: witness memory; eyewitness testimony; how memories can be susceptible to distortion; the issues associated with eliciting information from both willing and unwilling suspects; and how psychologists work with offenders in prison settings.

Discovery Module (10 credits) - As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

Year 2

You will gain a more detailed exposure to the systems, processes and functions of the body. Core and optional modules will build upon and apply your knowledge from the molecular neuroscience level up to the whole brain. In year 2, there is more choice in the topics you may choose, allowing you to tailor your degree.

Modules are taught using an integrated method that brings together normal structure and function, with changes in disease and treatment. Advanced neuroscience concept units include aspects of neurobiology, neuropharmacology and molecular neuroscience.

In year 2 the modules are taught via facilitated and independent learning. You’ll have a range of optional modules to select from, including human diseases, bioinformatics, or chemotherapy, and develop your understanding of research methods and experimental skills. You will further develop your personal and professional skills including critical thinking, creative problem solving, team-working, and critical reasoning skills.

At the end of Year 2 you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Compulsory modules

Experimental Skills in Neuroscience (20 credits) - The module will provide students with opportunities to further develop their experimental, technical and computational skills. Working in teams, they will plan and carry out a range of practical activities, including laboratory-based experimental projects and computational work. Students will explore principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing and develop more advanced skills in data evaluation using statistical methods. The module will also focus on dissemination of experimental findings using written reports and other communication formats.

Advanced Concepts in Neuroscience (40 credits) - This module introduces advanced concepts underpinning the study of Neuroscience. This will include the study of neuroanatomy and cellular neuroscience, followed by neurotransmission and neuropharmacology. It will also cover cardiac, circulatory and respiratory physiology as well as the underlying principles of molecular pharmacology. This content builds on topics covered in year 1 of the programme.

Sensory and Motor Neuroscience (10 credits) - This module explores the anatomy and physiology of sensory and motor systems, as well as integration across different systems. Some aspects of this module will be framed in the context of disorders and conditions that alter sensory and motor functions. This content builds on topics covered in Year 1 of the programme, as well as integrating the neuroanatomy and cellular neuroscience covered in Semester 1 of Year 2.

The Imprinted Brain (10 credits) - The module is based on the 2009 book by Christopher Badcock, “The Imprinted Brain”. In it, Badcock proposes that imprinted genes (parental genes that can be expressed in their offspring in favour of those of the other parent) determine our position on a spectrum of behavioural qualities between autism and psychosis. Students will be expected to apply an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the genetics, pathology, socio-economic costs and cultural differences associated with these disorders. The course will be run by Utrecht University in collaboration with University of Leeds and will involve distance learning in mixed teams of students from both universities.

Team Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) – In line with key UN sustainability goals (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Sustainability (leeds.ac.uk)), students will build their skills in knowledge application, analysis, and scientific data presentation. You’ll work as a team to research and create neuroscience solutions to a global grand challenge or UN SDG. You will develop and practice key academic and professional skills including the critical analysis of research papers, verbal, written and graphical communication, team-working, planning and organisation, and negotiation.

Optional modules

Candidates study up to 20 credits from the following list of optional modules:

Chemotherapy (10 credits) - The basis of chemotherapy is selective toxicity, the use of agents to kill or suppress the growth of invading cells or infective organisms. This module will help you understand how these agents work. You will learn about the drugs used to treat cancer, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. In addition, immunosuppressant drugs and the chemotherapy of protozoal diseases such as malaria will also be discussed.

Human Diseases (10 credits) - You will cover a range of human diseases, both inherited and environmentally linked. These include heart and vascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, dermatitis, and diseases linked to diet deficiencies.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Essentials (10 credits) - This module introduces the interdisciplinary field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The need for and challenges of tissue engineering will be covered, along with the fundamentals of immunology and transplantation, tissue and matrix biology, biomaterials and cellular interactions, in vitro and in vivo models. This will be taught by lectures and an interactive workshop.

Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling (10 credits) - How does a cell maintain an internal environment essential for life processes? - How do conflicting biological functions occur simultaneously within the same cell? - How does the cell overcome the permeability barrier of its membranes to let vital substances in and out? - How do cells tell each other their biological condition and respond to environmental signals?The answers to these fundamental questions in biology will be explained in this module.The main objectives of this module are to explain: (1) the structure, function and dynamic nature of membranes and why these properties are crucial to living systems(2) the characteristics of the transport systems found in membranes(3) the chemical messengers used by cells to signal between themselves and the mechanisms used to perceive and respond to these messengers.

Applied Concepts in Drug Development (20 credits) – You’ll build subject specialist knowledge by choosing concept units that most interest you. Units may include, for example, the neuropharmacological basis of disease or chemotherapy.

Discovery module (up to 20 credits) - As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

Year 3

In the integrated Masters programme the focus of year 3 is to extend your understanding of key topics in the biomedical sciences right up to the very forefront of what is current in research. Using your knowledge gained during Levels 1 and 2 and your critical thinking and analytical skills, you will learn to interpret advanced research data, critically evaluate theories and make decisions about how to test new ideas.

Our integrated Masters MBiol programme shares the same year 1 and 2 studying with our BSc programme, providing a broad foundation knowledge and skills. In year 3, the theory and skills modules are the same as for the BSc programme. However, the Capstone Research Project is replaced by a critical review project and experimental proposal and plan, linked to and to prepare you for your extended research project in year 4.

Compulsory modules

Specialised Topics in Neuroscience I (20 credits) – You’ll have the opportunity to build your knowledge of research in specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. It will introduce you to a range of research topics in the field of neuroscience, and the broader biomedical sciences, and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School, and may include autism or Alzheimer’s disease.

Specialised Topics in Neuroscience II (20 credits) – You’ll further build your knowledge of research specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics in the broad field of biomedical sciences and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School, and may include, for example, neuroplasticity or neuronal ion channels in health and disease.

Advanced Skills (20 credits) – You’ll attend a series of compulsory and optional units designed to provide scaffolding and support for your capstone research experience. This will develop and utilise your research, employability and 4th Industrial Revolution skills required both for their capstone project and for the workplace. You’ll select the units which develop key skills and attributes required for your individual capstone project and/or future employment. The assignments for this module provide further scaffolding and support for the creation of your extended research project.

Year 4

Your extended research project or appropriate work-based practice (a project taken in the work place), will focus on an original, cutting-edge research topic specific to your area of interest. This will equip you with the skills necessary for a career in research, in addition to ensuring you stand out in the job market. These projects are linked to research programmes of academics in our School, thereby allowing students to actively contribute to current research outcomes and discoveries.

Examples of previous research projects include:

• Microglial conditioned media as a model of neuro-inflammation.
• Co-administration of two compounds modulates neurogenesis within the spinal cord.
• Inhibition in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb and its modification by learning.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Research Topics (30 credits) – You’ll develop the research skills to support your laboratory or other research or enquiry-based activities that you will undertake as part of your extended research project and to prepare for a career in a research environment. You’ll develop skills to critically analyse published research. It will also expose you to current research trends in neuroscience, and to leading researchers in the field.

Extended Research Project (90 credits) – You’ll choose an independent project of interest, which will be mentored by one of the world leading academics in their field, conducting an individual extended research or enquiry-based project. This will also incorporate experience of working as part of a team in a research environment and interacting with research scientists.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is delivered through a combination of large and small group workshops and practicals. We take a student-centred approach to learning and so our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, team-work activities and mini-projects. In this way, you are able to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt to practical, real-life contexts. We put a high value on practical teaching and so a core part of your teaching will focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of University learning and you will be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming independent learners through our teaching approaches and through regular meetings with your personal tutor who is there to advise you academically.

We use a range of digital tools to enhance your learning. Through our Minerva learning management system, you will be able to access our extensive library of online materials, some of it designed specifically to support preparation prior to attending classroom sessions and discuss content with peers and teachers. In the classroom, educators use a variety of interactive digital tools to help you learn through discussion and debate. Laboratory practicals are accompanied by detailed online preparation guides and use of electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure you get the most out of your time and develop workplace skills.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

Including biology or chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, PE.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, psychology, statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) or Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you’re taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions guidance

Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Application process

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Interviews

Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

Application decisions

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we wait until after the UCAS equal consideration application deadline has passed before making a final decision on applications.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will send you an email to let you know. Although you may have to wait longer than usual to receive a decision, you will hear from us by mid-May at the latest, in line with the deadline that UCAS sets universities for making decisions on applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.

Studying Neuroscience at the University of Leeds will prepare you for a wide range of biomedical and science-related careers, or careers in the wider community or Society. This could be a career in laboratory-based science, whether in the field of research or clinical healthcare or as the foundation for further study in medical fields.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Academic Researcher
• Pharmaceutical drug development
• Clinical Research Associate
• Clinical Scientist
• Physician Associate
• Medical communications

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Clinical Trials Associate
• Medical researcher
• PhD Neuroscience
• Graduate medicine
• Recruitment consultant

This course can open up opportunities in other careers outside science where scientific skills are required and relevant to success for example global health policy, public engagement, accountancy and finance.

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer numerous additional opportunities in addition to volunteering and placements. This includes our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair. The fair is an amazing opportunity for you to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield, and NHS Ecological consultancies. You will be able to speak to alumni, attend workshops and more.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.