Master of Science in Biology

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

This course will equip you to combine the critical, theoretical and practical skills central to psychology with a cellular, synaptic and systems-level understanding of brain function from neuroscience. The course emphasises the experimental study of the mind and nervous system and we want our students to share a sense of fun and adventure in exploring and combining these different perspectives.

MSci Psychology and Neuroscience is taught by experts who are enthusiastic about teaching students the latest developments in the field based on the research that they are conducting. It is specifically designed to meet the requirements for accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and gives you eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC). It provides you with a pathway to becoming a psychologist along with knowledge and skills from both disciplines, which you can apply in a wide range of careers.

In the first year you will be introduced to what psychology can reveal about how the mind works and the neuroanatomical pathways and cellular and synaptic mechanisms underlying brain function.

In the second year you will continue to develop your understanding of biological, cognitive, social and developmental aspects of psychology alongside the different techniques used to study nervous systems.

The third year will combine training in psychological experimental design and statistical analysis with the opportunity to focus on specific research areas, such as neurological and psychiatric disorders or interdisciplinary areas, such as behavioural and cognitive neuroscience.

In your fourth year you will apply what you have learned to investigate a specific psychological research question. You will also develop valuable skills in communicating science and developing ideas, as well as deepening your understanding of specialist and interdisciplinary areas of psychology and neuroscience.

This four-year course is ideal for those considering scientific careers that will make direct use of their subject-specific knowledge and skills.

Our degrees incorporate units in chemistry, physics and mathematics. The first year gives you a comprehensive grounding in these subjects, while later years focus on atomic and molecular science and its interdisciplinary applications.

You will focus on areas at the interface between chemistry and physics, with limited treatment of organic chemistry and more physical and non-synthetic inorganic chemistry. Similarly, there is very little nuclear and particle physics after your first year but an emphasis on materials science and nanoscience.

As well as lectures and practical classes, small-group tutorials and workshops help develop your understanding of challenging and exciting concepts. Practical labs in both chemistry and physics help develop experimental techniques, computational modelling and programming skills needed in the final year for conducting a research project with a research team.

The programme provides intensive training in the neurosciences as they relate to the physiologic function and behaviour of the organism. It builds on the broad research strengths of recognised scientists, particularly in basic and clinical neuroscience, molecular and cell biology, neuroendocrinology, behaviour, neurodegeneration and stress. Guest lecturers from other universities bring their specialist and advanced knowledge to the programme.

Throughout the programme, basic principles will be taught and illustrated in the context of various brain diseases, including psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. A practical and a research project will give you valuable experience in experimental neuroscience, while tutorials and presentations will also help to develop your communication skills.

The MSc will appeal to graduates looking to progress to PhD study as well as those with medical training who want to diversify into research. You could also move on to a career in industry, the health service, science communication or clinical trials coordination.

At a critical time in history, our MA in Law presents an exciting opportunity for you to move into a highly sought-after field of study - and graduate to meet a growing demand from organisations worldwide for expert lawyers that can embrace challenges and innovation.

Our programmes are well-respected by leading law firms*. As an accelerated, fast-track, senior status postgraduate degree, the MA in Law builds on the fact that you have already benefited from a university-level education, allowing you to graduate in just two years versus the three years it would normally take to obtain an LLB.  

Choosing the MA will enable you to develop core legal skill and a solid understanding of the foundation areas of legal knowledge, alongside options for further specialist study. This will see you gain a deeper understanding of law and legal reasoning than is possible with a one-year Graduate Diploma in Law – and access to a wider range of careers.

On the programme, you will be challenged and inspired by world-leading academics dedicated to progressive and innovative thinking in a multitude of legal fields, presenting you with an exciting opportunity to explore some of the most challenging legal questions facing today’s global society.

The intellectually demanding, research-rich curriculum our academics deliver is what makes our graduates stand out. Able to demonstrate excellent legal, analytical and research skills they are empowered to pursue top-flight roles in the legal, business, finance, criminal and technology sectors, or as specialist in-house lawyers.

This course provides an exciting intellectual challenge from the outset. In year one you will study physics and mathematics and philosophical topics such as metaphysics, the theory of knowledge, and ethics.

Subsequent years allow you to study the overlap between the subjects in depth and might include units in the philosophy of science and the foundations and philosophy of physics.

The course gives you the opportunity to develop a physicist's broad range of skills, including problem solving, numeracy and communication, and to supplement these with a philosopher's ability to rigorously analyse complex texts and form coherent arguments on complex subjects.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. The course is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

If you are creative, enjoy design and aspire to improve the built environment we live in then civil engineering is for you. This degree will equip you to find solutions to environmental problems and to design large and unique structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams and coastal defences.

At Bristol you will have access to our world-class laboratory facilities, including the most advanced earthquake shaking table in Europe.

The first two years provide a strong foundation in engineering, including mathematics, structures, soil and fluid mechanics, computing and surveying, as well as optional units.

In your third year you will undertake a major research project and continue to develop key professional skills. In the fourth year we introduce more optional units, which allows you to specialise in your areas of interest.

Design is central to the course and this is reflected in the projects you will undertake. In the first year you will develop a solution to an open-ended problem, such as designing and making a model bridge.

The second year includes steel work, reinforced concrete and geotechnical design. Among other activities in the third year you will design a water supply system.

You will take part in an exciting group design project in the fourth year. This project combines all your learning as you tackle a realistic design challenge identified through our industry links. Design projects range from transportation to smart cities and from skyscrapers to sustainable housing.

We equip you with the skills needed to become a future leader in civil engineering. Our graduates are highly sought after by top employers, including civil engineering consultancies, utility companies, the army, public transport, power generation and supply companies.