neuroscience personal statement ucas

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• Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples

Below are very good neuroscience personal statement examples, as well as FAQ. Read and use these personal statements as inspiration to write your university application. 

Neuroscience Personal Statement Example

As a lifelong science enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the complexity of the natural world and the mysteries that await discovery. From my early love of dinosaurs to my current interest in the intricate workings of the human brain, I have pursued my passion for science through my academic studies and personal pursuits. Now, as I embark on the next phase of my educational journey, I am thrilled at the prospect of studying neuroscience at university.

My BTEC in Science has provided me with a solid foundation in various scientific fields, including psychology , physiology, and biochemistry. However, it is the study of the brain that truly captivates me. I am eager to delve into the intricate connections between different disciplines that enable us to understand this complex organ and potentially cure illnesses that afflict humanity. My interest in neuroscience was further sparked by reading Louann Brizendine’s “The Female Brain” and following Dr Helen Fisher’s work on the biological basis of human behaviour.

My love of problem-solving and new inventions is evident in my interests outside of academia, including my passion for science fiction films like “Transformers,” “Inception,” and “Iron Man.” The engineering involved in creating sleek and fast cars like my favourite, the Maserati Quattroporte GTS, fascinates me and underscores my appreciation for scientific knowledge and its applications.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am an avid sports enthusiast and have gained valuable experience in teamwork and leadership through my involvement in sports programmes. I obtained my Sports Leadership Award and shared my skills in basketball and other sports with children. I regularly participate in my local Kickz football scheme and have been featured in video clips for my local basketball team. I believe that teamwork and collaboration are essential to achieving humanity’s goals, just as the relationships between different scientific disciplines are vital to advancing our understanding of the world.

Having lived in Russia for nine years, I have developed a deep appreciation for different cultures and a desire to contribute positively to the world. My multilingualism in English, Urdu, Russian, Spanish, and French reflects my ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. My work experience at Office Angels Recruitment Agency taught me the importance of organization, focus, and teamwork in achieving goals.

As part of the Imagine Croydon scheme, I presented my ideas for improving my borough to the Mayor of Croydon Council, which reflects my passion for making a positive impact on the world. I am inspired by the allegory coined by Oliver Sacks about cognitive processes being akin to learning a new piece of music, and I am convinced that our plastic neural networks can be rewired to improve our cognitive abilities.

One of my primary aims in studying neuroscience is to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of the brain and its development from childhood to adulthood. I believe that this knowledge holds the key to unlocking the mysteries of the prefrontal cortex and further advancing our understanding of the brain’s capabilities.

Despite facing medical challenges that impacted my ability to concentrate fully during my A-level studies, I found the subjects engaging and interesting. I have also been helping GCSE students in their science, Spanish, and English studies, which has reinforced my love of teaching and sharing knowledge with others.

I am excited to pursue my passion for neuroscience at university and apply my problem-solving skills, teamwork experience, and multilingualism to contribute positively to the field. I am confident that my love of science, combined with my curiosity and thirst for knowledge, will make me a valuable addition to any neuroscience programme.

Cognitive Neuroscience Personal Statement

From my early fascination with dopamine and neurotransmitters to my current interest in Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment, my passion for neuroscience has driven my academic and personal pursuits. I was inspired by a Psychology course in my fourth year and went on to study Chemistry and Biology, where I was captivated by the endocrine and neurological systems. My love of reading has led me to stay up to date on medical world affairs, with Ivor Browne’s autobiography and British journal articles on psychiatry illnesses and drug use among my favourite sources.

My interest in Alzheimer’s disease has motivated me to volunteer at Alzheimer’s homes, where I have performed for and entertained elderly patients. My enterprise class in transition year taught me essential entrepreneurial skills, including initiative, problem-solving, and pragmatism, and I led my group to be the only one to make a profit. Drama is one of my main hobbies, and I have performed on stage several times, particularly enjoying improvisation.

My EPQ explored the most effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, leading me to conclude that a combined treatment plan including pharmaceuticals and activities for healthy brain stimulation, such as music, might be most effective. I am also interested in using treatments that have not previously been considered for mainstream medical applications, such as curcumin, and postulated that hormone reduction played a vital role in the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.

My work experience with Dr Gregory Wildgoose and his research team at UEA allowed me to gain a better understanding of the industry I am hoping to enter, despite the electrochemistry I was working on not being directly connected to my field of interest. My greatest personal achievement has been travelling in Malaysia with World Challenge, where I raised funds to help redecorate an orphanage for disabled children and rebuild a hatchery on the site of a turtle conservation area, teaching me essential skills such as time management, budgeting, leadership, teamwork, and self-motivation.

I am excited to pursue a degree in Neuroscience and contribute to the field in the future. I am particularly interested in the narrow field of research and development and hope to be an eternal student, continually stimulated by everything I encounter. Studying at a university far from home is ideal for me, as I relish the idea of starting afresh and facing new challenges and responsibilities. I am quick on my feet, cope well under pressure, and pay attention to detail, all skills that will serve me well in the field of neuroscience.

In conclusion, my passion for neuroscience has driven my academic and personal pursuits, from my early fascination with neurotransmitters to my current interest in Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment. My enterprise skills, love of reading, and volunteering experience have prepared me well for the challenges of university study, while my achievements have taught me essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and self-motivation. I am excited to contribute to the field of neuroscience in the future and am eager to learn every detail to continually be stimulated.

FAQ Neuroscience Personal Statements

A strong Neuroscience Personal Statement is important because it is typically the first opportunity for a university admissions tutor to get to know you beyond your academic record and test scores. It allows you to showcase your passion for neuroscience and demonstrate your suitability for the programme. 

A personal statement for the neuroscience course should highlight your academic achievements, experience, skills, and aspirations. It should demonstrate your passion for neuroscience and your understanding of the subject matter. You should explain why you are interested in neuroscience, what you hope to gain from the programme, and how it fits into your future goals. 

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• Personal Statements
• Neuroscience personal statement

Neuroscience Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Studying Neuroscience means you’ll be on the frontline of new scientific discoveries and could lead to a highly rewarding career. However, you might find that writing your personal statement is the biggest hurdle.

To give you a push in the right direction here is an example personal statement of someone applying to study Neuroscience:

From an early age I was interested in science and thoroughly enjoyed creating “experiments” with home science kits and other household items. As I grew older I understood just how many ground breaking discoveries are made in the world of science every day and I know that a career where I can be a part of that is right for me.

At school I excelled in science subjects and relished the chance to study Biology and Chemistry at A Level. By studying these subjects alongside Psychology and Sociology gave me a chance to develop more in-depth knowledge of how the human mind works and how we form relationships with each other and the world around us.

During my time at college I worked part time as a carer in a nursing home specialising in elderly dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. This gave me first-hand experience of how fragile and complex the human brain is.

Outside of school I fit volunteering at my local charity shop around my studies and part time employment. This gives me the chance to build on my personal, teamwork, and communication skills that I have gained as a result of working in the care home.

I look forward to my time at university taking me to a new area where I can volunteer for another charity and continue to develop my skills and make new connections with local people.

My time at the care home has inspired me to want to help people who suffer with degenerative brain disorders and to strive to discover better forms of treatment, or even a prevention or cure.

I hope that a career in Neuroscience will allow me to improve the lives of others, if only in a small way.

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Medicine personal statements

On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study medicine and related courses at university.

These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

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Biomedical science/neuroscience personal statement example.

The limitless potential of the life sciences and the opportunity for world-changing breakthroughs are both exciting and compelling to me. Upon hearing about a disease for the first time, I am eager to find out more about the precise ways in which it affects the body, which has led me to spend much time researching the details of various diseases. My desire to understand life on a deeper, biological level and to be involved in the analysis and diagnosis of disease first inspired me to pursue a career in medical science. The prospect of obtaining a diverse role in the medical field that holds a strong link to human biology makes it a natural path for me to take.

I am currently enjoying participating in a six week biomedicine course at the Newcastle Centre for Life. It has given me a clearer insight into the numerous disciplines within biomedical science and taught me about the involvement of various processes, such as microscopy and the handling of small patient specimens. This has given me a sense of the importance of attention to detail, a quality that I feel I naturally possess. The course has also involved practical aspects; an ultrasound machine was used to directly observe blood vessels within the neck of a participant, providing an applied example of the complexity of human anatomy. Reading has additionally played a large part in advancing my interest in biomedicine and I developed a particular interest in neuroscience upon reading 'The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat' by Oliver Sacks. This book opened my eyes to the progressive nature of neuroscience and the intriguing occurrences of such unique cases within the field of neurology.

At A-Level, my subject choices are varied, indicating my well-rounded capabilities, but Biology has without a doubt provided me with the most enjoyment. The first AS unit entitled 'Biology and Disease' seized my interest immediately and I most recently completed Unit 5, my favourite topics being muscle contraction and the nervous system, anatomical topics with undoubted links to biomedicine. Another chapter in Unit 5 was devoted to DNA technology, highlighting the technological advances in the medical field and holding particular relevance to my course choice due to the large amount of laboratory work that is based on the use of highly technical equipment. English Literature A-Level, although not science-related, has enabled me to write concisely and coherently. It has also largely developed my ability to be analytical and to successfully debate varying opinions and ideas. Psychology not only complements my other subject choices by being both scientific and essay-based, but it has provided me with abundant knowledge of research methodology, a particularly beneficial skill in science related sectors.

Aside from my academic studies, last year I was a member of the Sixth Form Student Council, which involved organising charity events within the school as well as running the Leavers' Ball and Yearbook, tasks which demonstrate reliability and heightened my independence and organisational skills. My resilience was tested while completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, as this was the section of the award that was the furthest from my comfort zone. Through completing it I have become more self-sufficient and developed my communication skills by working in a team, as well as proving that with determination and ambition, I can rise to formerly daunting challenges. I am also an NHS Mealtime Volunteer, working largely with elderly patients, many of whom suffer from dementia. Although not directly linked to biomedical science, this has heightened my interest in conditions that affect the brain, whilst demonstrating my ability to balance additional responsibilities with A-Level work. Seeing the debilitating effects of such a disease has ultimately confirmed my wish to play an essential role in the processes that lead to the cure or treatment of disease.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Whetters for application in 2014.

Whetters's university choices University of Bristol The University of Nottingham The University of Manchester University of Leeds Nottingham Trent University

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Whetters's Comments

I applied to Biomedical Science at three universities and Neuroscience at two.

University of Manchester - Biomedical Science - interviewed then offer received of AAB University of Leeds - Medical Science - offer received of AAA Bristol University - Neuroscience - offer received of AAB University of Nottingham - Neuroscience - offer received of AAB Nottingham Trent - Biomedical Science - offer received of 300 UCAS points

I am doing a third year of sixth form and my predicted grades for the end of this year are AAB.

This personal statement is unrated

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Aston University, Birmingham

Degree level: undergraduate, neuroscience, course options.

Aston University, Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Find your student digs

Course summary.

Course overview Neuroscientists study the development and function of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system and ask important questions about what makes us think and feel, how our brains process information and what brain cells and synapses do. They investigate brain disorders and disease to uncover the processes that occur in both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration.” This interdisciplinary science liaises closely with other disciplines such as mathematics, linguistics, engineering, computer science, chemistry, philosophy, psychology and medicine. At Aston University, our BSc (Hons) Neuroscience course follows a practical and hands-on approach, giving you access to the most up-to-date and high-tech equipment, enabling you to engage with the newest techniques in basic and applied research. It has been designed to provide you with the perfect first step towards a future career in one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of life and medical sciences. What is studying Neuroscience at Aston University really like? Our course differs from many undergraduate neuroscience courses in the UK, with a key focus on acquiring practical skills - an advantage that will set you apart from the graduate crowd. You’ll work closely with active neuroscience researchers working on ground-breaking projects and study a range of modules designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of brain function. During the course you will get the opportunity to:

• Learn pharmacology through tissue bath experiments.
• Perform EEG and EMG recordings and analyse the data with research-grade tools.
• Undertake complex brain-slice recordings to discover how drugs work and how our brains are organised and function.
• Explore how natural toxins and nerve agents are used in the research lab to discover how our brain cells talk to each other.
• Discover more about the major diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
• Hear from leading clinicians in our guest lectures.
• Understand how research conducted at Aston University into areas like Parkinson’s, autism, dyslexia, epilepsy and developmental cognitive neuroscience is impacting the wider field of study.
• Access to state-of-the-art neuroscience laboratory equipped with research-grade brain slice recording systems.
• Unlock your understanding of the brain and nervous system, from the microscope to the whole organism.
• 4th in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology (Neuroscience) (Guardian University Guide 2024).
• 91.4% of students felt positive about academic support on their course (NSS 2024)
• Complete an integrated placement year, designed to set your studies in a real-world context and boost your employability, meaning you’ll not only learn a wide range of skills and knowledge, but you’ll also gain first-hand experience before you’ve even graduated.
• Students have undertaken placements in companies such as Janssen, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Cerebra, Riche Pharmaceuticals, and neuroscience laboratories across the UK.

Introduction to Neuroscience - A comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of anatomy, physiology, cellular and molecular neuroscience. Learn to analyse and interpret data with statistical tests and utilise specialist scientific computing packages. ◘ Biochemistry and Cell Biology for Neuroscience - Explore proteins, signalling molecules, and key genetic factors in brain and nervous system function. Learn about major receptors, intercellular signaling, and their role in brain networks. ◘ Early Life Stress and neurodevelopment - This module will cover what is currently known about how early life stress modulates brain development and function, including studies of humans and animal models, and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms linking stress and pathology. ◘ Fundamentals of Network Neuroscience - This module will give a solid introduction into approaches, methods, and tools for brain network analysis where students will learn about the principles of network neuroscience and how to implement methods for brain network analysis ◘ Neuroscience Practicals 1 - Dissect brains, conduct pharmacology experiments, and record EMG and ECG data, gaining hands-on insights into brain anatomy, drug effects, and physiological measurements. ◘ Key Skills in Neuroscience 1 - Develops your transferable and personal skills crucial for success in various career paths post-graduation. It covers communication, critical thinking, and self-presentation, and reinforces core course topics. ◘ Whole Brain Neuroscience - This module will introduce a range of imaging and methodologies used in modern research in Neuroscience and the study of the relationship between brain and behaviour. ◘ Systems Neuroscience - Brain structure and function are inseparable, and in this module, you will investigate how the special senses integrate input into the brain and, how brain output is mediated through control of movement. ◘ Cellular Neuroscience - In this module, neurotransmitters, receptors, and ion channels will be discussed in relation to the pharmacological actions various drugs and toxins have at these targets to influence brain function. ◘ Neuroscience Practicals 2 - Learn how to record neuronal activity using our in vitro electrophysiology setups, as well as record and analyse EEG data, conduct immunohistochemistry experiments and develop your molecular and cellular neuroscience skills. ◘ Key Skills in Neurosciences 2 - Further develop the transferable skillset necessary to stand out in today’s graduate job market. Enhance your skills in CV writing, job application and interview skills, alongside scientific writing, and funding research. ◘ Placement year - Gain vital work experience in academia, industry or through our study abroad schemes to broaden your knowledge, develop your transferrable skills and really stand out in the post-graduate job market. ◘ Brain Disorders and Disease - Using a variety of lectures, workshops and guest speakers from clinical backgrounds, this module provides an in-depth overview of what can happen to our brains during development and old age. ◘ Research Project - An opportunity to undertake an extended piece of research and present your findings to a scientifically engaged audience. We offer a wide range of project choices, supervised by experienced Neuroscience researchers.

Assessment method

Our practical-intensive course means that you get to understand high-level concepts early in your journey and pick up laboratory skills that put you in an excellent place to secure employment. You will be taught by staff from neuroscience, pharmacy, pharmacology teaching groups, and encounter a variety of learning opportunities from lectures and practical sessions to group work and self-study. We also run a regular small-group tutorials throughout the course, this helps to cement the key learning outcomes of our teaching and makes sure that you feel happy and supported. We utilise a wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes such as: examinations (unseen essay, short answer or multiple choice questions), essays, practical reports (group or individual), presentations, laboratory reports, project work, computer based assessment, and peer assessments.

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Points of entry.

The following entry points are available for this course:

International applicants

Please visit our helpful webpage for International Applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/international

Qualification requirements

Ucas tariff - not accepted, a level - bbb - bcc, pearson btec level 3 national extended diploma (first teaching from september 2016) - d*d*d* - ddd, access to he diploma - d: 15 credits m: 30 credits p: 0 credits, scottish higher - abbbb, pearson btec level 3 national diploma (first teaching from september 2016) - dd, pearson btec level 3 national extended certificate (first teaching from september 2016) - d, scottish advanced higher - bbc, international baccalaureate diploma programme - 31 - 28 points, welsh baccalaureate - advanced skills challenge certificate (first teaching september 2015), leaving certificate - higher level (ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - h3, h3, h3, h3, h4, gcse/national 4/national 5, t level - not accepted.

Offerholders Visit Days Once you have received an offer, you will be invited to an Offerholders Visit Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/neuroscience-bsc/

Student Outcomes

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website .

Fees and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Sponsorship information.

Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding

Provider information

Visit our website

Our COVID-19 information

Aston University, Birmingham Aston Triangle Birmingham B4 7ET

Course contact details

Undergraduate admissions.

[email protected]

0121 204 3030

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Dr Darren Juniper, Programme Director and Admissions Tutor for Animal Science at University of Reading, explained what he’s looking for and how a well worded, logical personal statement that ‘shows where you’re coming from and going to’ can sometimes be the deciding factor.

'In essence a good UCAS statement for animal science should detail logically what experience(s) you have had with animals and within the animal industry; this can include vets, equine based yards, rehoming centres, and farms. Generally, the more experience the better.' 

For another perspective, University of Bristol’s website outlines the evidence they would like from applicants for their animal behaviour and welfare science degree, including an appreciation of the scientific nature of the degree and your thoughts about relevant political and ethical issues.

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