Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

Understand how chemical compounds form living organisms, and grasp the fundamental, physical nature of life itself.

Overview

The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of health and disease, contributing to the discovery of new medicines, the growth of biotechnology, and the feeding of a growing population.

Course Content

This is a flexible and modular course which offers students choices in what they can study. There is the option to spend an additional year in industry or a year abroad as part of this course. If students do not go away for a year, they will continue to progress through their studies within the University.

Year 1

Stage 1 (the first year) consists of core modules which are designed to give students an excellent basis on which to build their future studies and develop their interests.

• Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills
• Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
• Fundamentals of Chemistry for Biochemists 1
• Becoming a Bioscientist: Biochemical Skills
• Genetics
• Cells to Organisms

Year 2

• Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
• Biochemical Reactions and Interactions
• Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
• Chemical and Structural Biology

Option modules:

• Genome Expression and Maintenance
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Microbiology
• The Immune System
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Bioenterprise
• Medical Genetics

Year 3

• Research Project

Option modules:

• Molecular Machinery in Action
• Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
• Chemistry and Disease
• Molecular Recognition
• Advanced Topics in Gene Expression
• Cancer, Cell and Molecular Biology
• Pathogens
• Ageing and Regenerative Medicine
• Genomics
• Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
• Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease
• Trends in Microbiology

Fees and Funding

The fees and funding information is for students starting in the 2025/26 academic year.

• Annual tuition fees:
  • UK (home): £9,535
  • International and EU: £32,350

Teaching and Assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.

Teaching Format

Teaching is delivered by academic scientists with additional contributions from clinical researchers. Throughout your course, there will be strong links between your studies, scientific research, and clinical applications.

Careers and Skills

A degree in biochemistry provides an excellent basis for science or health-related careers, and for a wide range of other occupations and professions from management and finance, to journalism and teaching.

Career Opportunities

• Experimental officer
• Research analyst
• Graduate purchaser
• Business development executive
• Accountancy
• Laboratory technician
• Clinic coordinator
• Data manager
• Postgraduate study
• PhD

Transferable Skills

• Problem solving
• Communication skills
• Teamworking skills
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Data interpretation and presentation
• Independent study skills
• Logical and critical thinking
• Creativity and innovation
• IT literacy
• Research skills

Entry Requirements

Qualification | Typical offer ---|--- A levels | AAB including grade A in Chemistry, plus a second science. Access to Higher Education Diploma | 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher. Must include Level 3 modules in Chemistry and a second science. BTEC National Extended Diploma | BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units plus all 5 Chemistry units: 10,13,14,18, and 19. European Baccalaureate | 80% overall, including 8.5 in Chemistry and 8 in either Biology, Geology, Mathematics or Physics. International Baccalaureate | 35 points including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry plus either 5 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 5 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects. If English is not your first language then we require 5 in English B.

English Language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

• IELTS (Academic)
• IB English
• Cambridge CEFR
• Oxford ELLT
• Oxford Test of English Advanced
• Duolingo
• GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language)
• LanguageCert SELT
• LanguageCert Academic
• Kaplan Test of English Language
• Skills for English
• PTE Academic
• TOEFL
• Trinity ISE III

Accreditation

This undergraduate course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. As a graduate, you will meet in-part the academic and experience requirement for membership and chartered biologist (CBiol).