Computer Science and Neuroscience - BSc (Hons)
Combine skills in science, computing and research to explore the fascinating complexity of the human brain and contribute to the creation of technologies that can help people living with neurological disorders. From face tracking software used to diagnose neurological pathologies to virtual environments to treat phobias, the endless applications of computer science and neuroscience will prepare you to enter a variety of rewarding careers.
Year of entry
- 2025
Course type
- Combined Honours
UCAS code
- BG14
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Computer Science and Neuroscience at Keele University?
Related courses
Accreditation and professional recognition
This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology if you choose to specialise in Neuroscience in your final year. If you choose to specialise in Computer 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.
"My degree has helped me become a part time coding tutor, teaching young minds how to code. It has also helped me get on to the master’s course I am studying right now. I chose Keele because of the campus, and because of the AI modules. The department has great opportunities, as well as great staff who are very understanding and helpful."
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.
Gain practical experience in industry
In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. From a year working in industry to paid internships, our programme offers opportunities for you to gain familiarisation with the professional working environment, develop professional contacts and apply the skills and theories you have learnt during your studies. Please note, work placement year is only available in the Computer Science component of the degree.
International year
In between years two and three of your studies you may choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity will enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability.
We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
Alternative opportunities to gain international experience with the School of Life Sciences include our tropical field course that takes place in Malaysia or expeditions to some of the most remote and stunning places worldwide, through Operation Wallacea.
Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies here at Keele which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to computer science or neuroscience is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.
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.
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 one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
Contextual Offer: BCC in three A levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science.
Contextual Offer: DMM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas: Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science.
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 one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A Level.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus 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 one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Merit in Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in any two A Levels.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels: Health, Healthcare Science, or Science.
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 one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or 30 points including 5 in one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
Contextual Offer: 544 in three Higher Levels including 5 in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or 28 points including 5 in one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus 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 a Computing, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Medicine, Science, or Sports Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus 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 one Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including one Higher or Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including one Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus 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 one subject from the Science or Applied Science Groups.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology, or 12.5 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 12.5 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Design and Applied Technology, ICT or Physical Education.
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Industrial Technology or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths, Physics, Natural Science, Geography, Physical Education, or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, Maths, Physical Education or Physics.
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Computer Applications, Psychology, Physical Education.
You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions, Biology, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths of Data Management or Physics.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus 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 4 in Chemistry, Calculus (either), Physics (any), Biology, Computer Science (either), Environmental Science, Psychology or Statistics.
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus 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, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Biology or Agricultural Science.
You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three Principal subjects in the STPM including B in Maths, ICT, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Sports Science.
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus 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 Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Maths, Further Maths or Geography.
You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
European Baccalaureate
72% overall with 7 in Chemistry, Maths (3 or 5 period), Physical Education, Biology (2 or 4 period), Geography (2 or 4 period), or Physics.
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBB including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List. Grade C in EAP English Language module.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
BBB in three Principal level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Biology, or Geography.
You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
BBB in three Advanced Level subjects including B in Additional Maths, Agriculture, Animal Science, Biology, Building Technology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Crop Science, Food Technology and Design, Geography, Horticulture, Mechanical Maths, Metal Technology and Design, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Sport Science and Technology, Statistics, or Technical Graphics and Design.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus 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.
Central Science Laboratories
Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
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"I gained invaluable experience working in Malaysia on a three month research project - which was secured by way of application and interview with the School of Life Sciences"
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and assessment in computer science
Interactive learning
We embrace a modern approach to learning that includes a balanced mixture of immersive lectures and lab-based sessions. Each taught module will include traditional lectures with all support material provided via our virtual learning environment and our labs are also offer remote accessibility. Learning and teaching methods used on the programme vary according to the subject matter and level of the module.
Teaching methods may include:
- 1-2-1 academic supervision in Final Year Project
- Laboratory practicals
- Live, campus-based tutorials, seminars and workshops
- Short online videos of core content, with curated reading
Assessments
Assessments are formulated to represent real world use cases and problems and to challenge your knowledge of the subject matters in realistic scenarios. Teaching staff pay particular attention to specifying clear assessment criteria and providing timely, regular and constructive feedback.
Assessment methods may include:
- Class tests
- Coursework
- Dissertations
- Posters
- Project reports
- Short reports
- Unseen examinations
- Video and oral presentations
Teaching and assessment in neuroscience
We offer a hybrid delivery of teaching - online learning and in-person practicals. Our core content is designed for online consumption and this aims to provide you with the space and flexibility to digest at your own pace and to ask questions anonymously. To complement our core virtual learning, laboratory practicals, tutorials, seminars and workshops will take place
on-campus.
Methods of teaching include:
- Laboratory practicals
- Live, campus-based tutorials, seminars and workshops
- Online lectures
Assessment
From creating patient information leaflets to writing wiki entries, the assessment methods utilised within our programme aim to give you experience of work-related activities you will likely undertake in graduate roles.
Methods of assessment include:
- Blogs or oral presentations
- Final year independent research project
- Laboratory reports or experimental projects
- Patient information leaflets
- Scientific posters
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. 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.
The Keele Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science and Neuroscience degree. For example, Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming will introduce you to the key principles of Computer Science and programming, while Advancing Programming will allow you to hone these skills in an individual project, all of which will be useful in your degree and professional career. In addition, the Advancing Life Sciences module looks at biological structures at different levels of organisation and how they can be influenced by internal and external sources. You will see how threats can be identified, managed or eliminated, both in theory and in hands-on practicals. All of the modules you take will prove useful in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
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 modules
| FYO-00275 | Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming | 15 credits |
| FYO-00211 | 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 | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00225 | Advancing Programming | 15 credits |
| FYO-00227 | Advancing Computing: Client-Led Collaborative Design | 15 credits |
| FYO-00199 | Advancing Life Sciences | 30 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 will need to apply for BSc Computer Science with Foundation Year (UCAS code: G401) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will then be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.
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, Health 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 on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).
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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