Biochemistry BSc

Combining hands-on training with essential skills, we ensure you excel in your career. Our specialist degree labels highlights your expertise, shaping you into a versatile professional and propel you forward with a degree that meets top employer demands.

Our Biochemistry course is unique for its flexibility and research-driven approach. Engage in research-led teaching, utilizing cutting-edge facilities like the Phenome Centre and Birmingham Advanced Light Microscopy. This dynamic program equips you with advanced skills and hands-on experience, making you a standout professional in the biochemistry landscape.

• Study Abroad: Spend your third year in France, Spain, Germany, or one of 300+ global destinations, immersing yourself in new cultures and learning from biochemistry experts.
• Professional Placement: Boost your employability with industry experience, applying your knowledge in real-world settings.
• Royal Society of Biology Accreditation: Our degree ensures you meet employer needs and stand out in the job market.
• Join BioSoc: Connect with fellow Biosciences students through team sports, events, and specialist career conferences.

Specialist Degree Labels

Our Biochemistry programmes offer you the unique chance to shape your academic journey and future career. By reflecting on the modules you’ve studied, you can choose a specialised pathway in your final year, highlighting your expertise and passion. These pathways are designed to set you apart, opening doors to exciting opportunities and propelling you toward the next stage of your career.

The following labels may be added to our Biochemistry degree programmes:

• Microbiology and Infection
• Genetics

• Innovative Lectures: Experience interactive, recorded lectures with instant polling and 'flipped' classroom techniques for deep, engaging learning. Explore topics through problem-solving and group discussions, enhanced by active online participation

• Hands-On Practical Classes: Dive into 3-hour lab sessions, working at your own pace with direct guidance from researchers. Develop vital skills and gain real-world experience, crucial for future research careers.

• Research-Driven Teaching: Benefit from cutting-edge research that informs your studies, including live projects and past experiments. Engage with world-leading biochemists and apply research findings in practical settings.

• Advanced Facilities: Utilize our award-winning virtual lab-casting and state-of-the-art labs for hands-on training. Access high-tech resources during your final-year project to hone your skills and expertise."

Support during your studies

At the University of Birmingham, we’re committed to your success with comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Here’s how we ensure you thrive:

• Personal Tutors: Receive tailored academic support and guidance from a dedicated tutor who will track your progress and help you excel.
• Wellbeing Officers: Access professional support for a range of personal and academic issues, including extensions, adjustments, and overall wellbeing.
• Student Experience Team: Maximize your university experience with research opportunities, career preparation, and social events to connect with fellow students.

Assessment methods and feedback

Our assessment methods ensure a deep understanding and practical application of biochemistry. You will experience a balanced mix of continuous assessments and end-of-year exams, with continuous assessments playing a significant role in shaping your final grade. Some modules are assessed entirely through coursework. Detailed feedback provided within three weeks helps you refine your skills and achieve steady improvement, ensuring you truly master biochemistry in practice.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Each academic year consists of 120 credits, typically divided into 20-credit modules. The final year includes a 40-credit research project, providing an opportunity to engage deeply with a specialised area of your interest.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

Required subjects and grades

Number of A levels required: 3

Typical offer: AAB

AAB including Chemistry + 1 from Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Biology / Physics 

General studies

We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society and World Development.

BTEC Qualifications

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance

Extended Project Qualification

Applicants who take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for the programme, plus an alternative offer, which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ.

Deferred Entry

Deferring admission is usually not a problem but please inform the School or central Admissions. The university has a neutral attitude to gap years. You can still apply in advance for deferred entry and would be advised to do so.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Core Maths qualification

Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you decide to do a placement year, you will only pay 15% of the agreed tuition fee for that year. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

With a Biochemistry degree from the University of Birmingham, you’ll unlock a world of opportunities.

Our graduates are celebrated for their expertise and versatility, excelling in fields like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. As UK's most targeted University by the country's leading graduate employers, you’ll have access to exceptional career support and be in high demand across research, industry, and more. Whether you aim for advanced degrees or exciting career paths, your future will be vibrant and full of possibilities.

Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:

The Binding Site
University of Birmingham
GSK
Elpida Therapeutics
Thermo Fisher Scientific
King's College London
UK Health Security Agency
Amgen
AstraZeneca
Wellcome Sanger Institute

Their job roles include:

Executive Assistant
Engineer Intern
Modelling and Simulations Engineer
Design Engineer
International Student Representative
Graduate Innovation Engineer
Healthcare Assistant
Social Research Officer
Operations Director
Content Marketing Manager

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work. 

Intercalated years

Our intercalated opportunities offer the chance to take a year out from your existing course to study within another field. This takes place usually between year 2 and year 3 of your programme.