Data Science and Neuroscience - BSc (Hons)

Combine the fascinating complexity of neuroscience with the exciting field of data science to gain new insight into how the body is governed by the brain's control mechanisms. From discovering statistical patterns in large datasets that can contribute to the discovery of cures for illnesses such as Alzheimer's, to creating better simulations of the brain for training neurology students - our BSc will equip you with the analytical, problem-solving and computational skills to advance in a variety of careers.

Year of entry

Course type

  • Combined Honours

UCAS code

  • GB41

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Why study Data Science and Neuroscience at Keele University?

Put your learning into practice using real-world data in our state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories (CSL)
Gain practical experience of human neural anatomy in Keele Medical School's Anatomy Suite
Engage with our partners in industry to tackle real-world problems
This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology if you specialise in Neuroscience in your final year
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Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for students who specialise in Neuroscience in their final year. If you choose to specialise in Data Science, there is no accreditation available. 

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

Keele TEF Gold 2023
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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: BBB Subject specifics apply
BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply
T Level: Merit Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBB in three A levels including B in Maths.

Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels including B in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Engineering.

Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Engineering.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Maths A Level.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any of the following T levels: Engineering and Manufacturing.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths (any), or 30 points including 5 in Higher Level Maths (any).

Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Maths (any), or 28 points including 5 in Higher Level Maths (any).

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

122 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Maths related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBCC in five Highers including Maths Higher, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Maths Higher or Advanced Higher, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including Maths Advanced Higher.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Maths in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Maths in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Maths, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions and 70% in Calculus and Vectors.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

 

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including Calculus (either).

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBB in three Advanced Levels including B in Combined Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

BBB in three principal subjects in the STPM including Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBB in three H2 Levels including B in Combined Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

72% overall with 7 in Maths (5 period).

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB including B in Mathematics. Grade C in EAP English Language module.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Pure Maths.

You will also need: an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Ryan, Neuroscience and Psychology

"I gained invaluable experience working in Malaysia on a three month research project which was secured by way of application and interview with the department of Life Sciences. "

Ryan, Neuroscience and Psychology

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Course content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

Our combined honours foundation year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Data Science and Neuroscience degree. For example, For example, the Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming module will introduce you to the key principles of Computer Science and programming. Meanwhile, the Foundations of Life Sciences module looks at basic cell biology in terms of structure and function and goes on to examine how cells obtain their energy for example, by photosynthesis, and raw materials, for example via the nitrogen cycle.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage

Course structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester one

FYO-00275 Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming 15 credits
FYO-00197 Foundations of Life Sciences 15 credits
FYO-00211 Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists 15 credits
FYO--00185 Practical and Academic Skills in Science 15credits

Semester two

FYO-00225 Advancing Programming 15 credits
FYO-00199 Advancing Life Sciences 30 credits
FYO-00227 Advancing Computing: Client-Led Collaborative Design 15 credits

Entry requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

  • 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level).
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.

How to apply 

Applicants should apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com 

Please apply for the BSc (Hons) Data Science with Foundation Year course (G422). Following the submission of your application you will be contacted by a member of our team to confirm your second subject.

Direct entry students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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