Neuroscience graduate careers?

I'm just about to go into my final year of a Neuroscience degree at the University of Sussex, & therefore I am beginning to think about the future once I finish. I am expecting to graduate with a 1st/high 2:1 if all goes well.

I have been weighing up some options but each have some big pros & cons:

1. Applying for the NHS Trainee Scientist Programme in Neurophysiology. Out of all of the options, this seems to have the best balance in further neuroscience education, whilst also earning money & having good career opportunities beyond it. However, from what I can tell there were only 6 places across the whole country in last years application & therefore I don't want to pin all my hopes on it. Has anyone been on this programme & is able to offer advice on the likelihood of getting on it?

2. Doing a masters (neuroimaging/clinical neurology etc.), however it seems that funding is extremely difficult to find, & I cannot afford to do a masters without this. Is it really worth biting the bullet & doing a masters as you're more likely to get further with it afterwards?

3. Going straight into a job, such as a Resarch Technician/Assistant. I understand this may be hard though with just a degree, & i'm not sure of how the pay would be in the long term without further education

4. Trying to get onto a graduate scheme, although I'm yet to have found a neuroscience graduate scheme, & i'm not sure of my chances on a general Glaxo type scheme without a biochem degree. Can anyone suggest any companies which are more likely to be looking for neuroscience graduates?


Can any neuroscience graduates offer any advice or experience as to which routes you have taken or decided against & why?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!