DEGREE GUIDE

Biochemistry

What do Biochemistry degrees involve?

Biochemistry degrees teach you how living organisms function at a molecular level, exploring the chemical processes that drive life. You will study key areas such as molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, pharmacology, and biotechnology. These courses help you develop strong analytical, laboratory, and problem-solving skills while understanding how biochemistry applies to medicine, agriculture, and industry. You will also gain hands-on experience through laboratory research, experimental techniques, and data analysis. With a combination of theoretical learning and practical training, you’ll be prepared for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare.

Example
Modules

Introduction to Biochemistry: Study the structure and function of proteins, DNA, carbohydrates and lipids, and how these molecules drive key biological processes.

Cell Biology: Explore the components of cells, including membranes, organelles and signalling systems, and understand how cells divide, grow and communicate.

Genetics: Learn how traits are inherited, how genes are expressed and how genetic variation underpins both health and disease.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are widely available, often in research labs, biotech companies or pharmaceutical firms.
🌍 Study abroad is offered by many universities.

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Genetics
MSci Biochemistry
MBiochem (Hons) Biochemistry

MSci and MBiochem are four-year integrated Master’s degrees that include research experience.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Biochemistry sits at the intersection of biology and chemistry, exploring life at the molecular level. Because you'll be studying chemical reactions inside living cells, universities need to see confidence in both subjects.

You'll need:

Chemistry – almost always essential
Biology – strongly recommended and often required

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Maths or Physics – useful for courses with strong lab or data elements

✨ Chemistry and Biology together keep the widest range of options open. Some universities accept Chemistry plus another science or Maths, but this narrows your choices.

Universities may also consider:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science, often with distinctions in relevant units and sometimes alongside an A-level in Chemistry
T-levels in Science may be accepted for certain pathways—check individual course requirements

✨ Always check university websites carefully. Some degrees are more flexible, while others are strict about needing both Biology and Chemistry.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most Biochemistry courses require:

GCSE English, Maths, and Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Higher grades (5 or 6/B) in Maths and Science may be expected, particularly if you're not studying both Biology and Chemistry at Level 3.

If your school offers Separate Sciences, that’s ideal—but Combined Science is also acceptable for most universities.

💬 Interviews
Most universities do not require interviews for Biochemistry. However, some highly competitive courses (e.g. at Oxford or Cambridge) may include one as part of their selection process.

📝 Admissions Tests

Oxford applicants may need to sit the BMAT or TSA, depending on the course structure
Cambridge applicants may take a science-based written assessment during the interview process
No admissions tests are required at the majority of UK universities

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Science
If you're missing one of the required A-level (or equivalent) subjects or didn’t meet the typical grades, many universities offer a science foundation year. This allows you to build your knowledge before progressing onto the main Biochemistry degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science)
A strong Access course with units in Chemistry and Biology can prepare you for Biochemistry. Universities usually look for high grades in science-based units, often Distinctions in both Biology and Chemistry modules.

💼 Level 3 Science Apprenticeships
Some students gain experience through Laboratory Technician or Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeships. While these don’t replace academic qualifications, they can provide valuable experience and may support an application with further study or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Biochemistry degree

Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Gain hands-on experience with experiments, laboratory techniques, and scientific equipment.
Research & Data Analysis: Collect, interpret, and present data to understand the chemistry of living organisms.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Examine scientific results and develop logical conclusions.
Problem-Solving: Tackle scientific challenges, from understanding diseases to improving medical treatments.
Attention to Detail: Learn precision and care when working with complex experiments and data.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist software for data analysis, modelling, and research.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Present scientific ideas and findings clearly to different audiences.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively in lab teams and on group research projects.
Adaptability & Resilience: Adjust to new discoveries, scientific methods, and unexpected results.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Explore the ethical issues and environmental impacts linked to scientific work.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Biochemistry degree a good match for you

Careers a Biochemistry degree could lead you to