A Bachelor of Neuroscience is an undergraduate degree that explores the structure, function, and disorders of the brain and nervous system. Sitting at the intersection of biology, chemistry, physiology, psychology, and medicine, the degree takes students on a journey from the molecular level — examining how neurons signal one another — to the systems level, where complex cognitive processes like memory, emotion, and perception emerge. Students investigate topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, cognitive neuroscience, and the neurobiology of disease, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience throughout their studies. The degree typically runs for three years full-time and is offered as a standalone qualification or as a major within a broader Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Health Science, or Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree.

This course is designed for students who are passionate about understanding how the brain works and want to apply that knowledge to improve human health and wellbeing. It suits those with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry who are drawn to questions about neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, epilepsy, and stroke. Graduates are equipped for careers across an exceptionally wide range of sectors. Key employers in Australia include universities and publicly funded research institutes, hospitals and health services, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government health agencies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, science communication organisations, and medical device companies. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also opens doors in data science, artificial intelligence, education, and public policy.

Most Australian universities offering neuroscience programs at the undergraduate level require completion of Year 12 (or an equivalent overseas qualification such as the International Baccalaureate). Competitive ATAR scores are typically required, with most programs requiring Biology as a prerequisite subject and strongly recommending Chemistry and Mathematics. Some programs list Chemistry as an assumed knowledge subject, meaning students without a Year 12 chemistry background may need to complete a bridging course before or during their first year. Entry via alternative pathways such as TAFE/VET qualifications at Certificate IV level or above, mature-age entry schemes, and approved higher education preparation courses is also available at many institutions. Where demand exceeds available places, offers are made on a competitive basis, meaning meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee a place.

For international students, English language proficiency is a key requirement. The minimum standard accepted by most Australian universities is an IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0, or equivalent scores in PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English. Some institutions may require higher scores for competitive programs. International students holding a student visa are required to study full-time and on campus in Australia. Students with prior tertiary study — including recognised undergraduate credit, diploma-level qualifications, or previous university units — may be eligible to apply for advanced standing or credit towards their degree, potentially reducing the time to completion.