
Book your Open Day or Make an enquiry
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Discover the building blocks of life with our Royal Society of Biology accredited Medical Biochemistry degree, where you’ll explore molecular mechanisms of disease and innovative therapeutic pathways to make a meaningful impact in healthcare!
This flexible course empowers you to customize your learning journey, engage in live research projects, and acquire essential skills. You'll graduate equipped to tackle real-world challenges and make a significant impact in the field of biochemistry!
I choose medical biochemistry because it allowed me explore the living world from microbiology to disease progression. The broad range of topics presented in the first year... allowed the opportunity to sample every aspect of what biochemistry is.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Here is a short overview of what you can expect during this course.
In the first year, explore the physiology of living organisms, delve into molecular reactions, and discover the enzymes that drive them. A pivotal Chemistry module lays the foundation, while an exciting elective lets you venture into other fascinating disciplines at the University!
in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2024
Our Medical Biochemistry course at Birmingham stands out by merging cutting-edge research with a flexible, hands-on learning experience.
Gain expertise in data analysis, experimental design, and problem-solving while studying under world-renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. With diverse optional modules and the chance to engage in live research projects, you’ll tailor your degree to match your interests."
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.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, our course integrates ground breaking research with dynamic teaching, offering a range of tailored options to align with your career goals and passions.
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."
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:
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.
This programme, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, offers you a robust academic foundation in biology, paired with essential skills that employers demand. We ensure you're not only equipped with knowledge, but also with the experience and expertise that will make you an outstanding candidate in the competitive job market.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. 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 specialized area of your interest.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LC Personal and Academic Skills: Communication and Data Analysis | 10 | Semester 1 |
LC Cell Biology & Physiology | 20 | Semester 1 |
LC Chemistry for Biochemists I | 20 | Semester 1 |
LC Fundamentals of Biochemistry | 10 | Semester 1 |
LC Genetics I | 20 | Semester 2 |
LC Metabolism | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Personal and Academic Development | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Physical Biochemistry | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students, whose first language is not English and require additional support, will be enrolled on the LC Academic Communication Skills for Biosciences module and will also take LC Essentials of Cell Biology & Physiology in place of LC Cell Biology & Physiology listed above.
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Academic Communication Skills for Biosciences | 10 | Semester 1 |
LC Essentials of Cell Biology & Physiology | 10 | Semester 1 |
Admission tutor for Biosciences
Dr Mike Tomlinson has an international reputation in the two fields of platelets and cell surface biology, and has published in numerous edited books and scientific journals in these areas.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAB To include Chemistry + 1 from Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Biology / Physics
6,6,5 + 1 from Maths: Analysis and Approaches / Maths: Applications and Interpretation/ Statistics / Biology / Physics at Higher Level with a minimum of 32 points overall
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
Number of A levels required: 3
Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offer: AAB
AAB including Chemistry + 1 from Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Biology / Physics
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 Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
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.
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.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
BBB including Chemistry + 1 from Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Biology / Physics
ABB including Chemistry + 1 from Maths / Further Maths / Statistics / Biology / Physics
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. 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. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
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.
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.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2024’ report). Our courses are committed to your future career, and university is just the start.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
I chose to study at the University of Birmingham because of the high recognition and the opportunities that it offers in terms of professional development
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.
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.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.