GCSE requirements
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
Biochemistry MBiochem (Hons)
4 years, starting in September 2026
Explore the molecular processes within and related to living organisms. This is a laboratory-based science.
Combine your interests in biology and chemistry by applying chemical knowledge and techniques to study biological processes. You’ll learn what’s happening inside cells, how they communicate with each other, and use this to predict how molecules will interact.
Tailor to your interests
In year one you’ll gain a broad grounding in biosciences to help work out where your interests lie. Then from year two, you'll choose optional units in specific areas, such as developmental biology, genomics, neuroscience, cancer biology and microbiology.
Master's in Biochemistry
The MBiochem provides you with the same core skills and knowledge as the BSc but with greater exposure to research and advanced practical techniques. You’ll study master's-level units and carry out a major research project, giving you ideal preparation for postgraduate study or a career in research.
Undertake a dedicated research project
In your final year, you’ll carry out your own research project, giving you first-hand experience as a researcher and the opportunity to contribute to the leading research of our academics. We have world-leading research centres, covering areas including evolution and mathematical biology.
Develop your professional skills
You'll be exposed to a wide variety of opportunities to develop transferable professional skills, including problem-solving, IT, communications, time management, research and analysis, and team working. We aim for our graduates to be adaptable and creative problem solvers, ready for a career in an ever-changing world.
Gain hands-on experience in specialist labs
You’ll spend time learning practical scientific techniques in our well-equipped teaching labs. You’ll also have access to a computer lab for bioinformatics. In the final year, you'll have the opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art research labs and with some of the broad range of biological materials used in our research.
Find out more about where you'll be studying with our biosciences undergraduate facilities tour led by three of our students.
Prepare for your future career
You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills to be part of the next generation of scientists, helping make you highly sought after by employers. You'll also be well equipped to apply the skills you've gained in a range of other careers such as business, management or marketing or even go on to further study, such as a master’s or PhD. Biological sciences at Bath is ranked 6th for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2024.
Examples of recent employers include:
- Pfizer
- Cancer Research UK
- Natural England
Find out more about what our biology graduates go on to do, what our biochemistry graduates go on to do and what our biomedical sciences graduates go on to do.
Learn more on our Biosciences Virtual Experience
You can find out more about studying a biosciences degree at Bath by visiting our Biosciences Virtual Experience page to watch videos and read case studies from staff and students in the Department.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2026 and ends in 2030. Welcome week starts on 21 September 2026.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
Year 1
Compulsory units
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Biochemistry
10 credits
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Cell biology
10 credits
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Core skills for bioscience
10 credits
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Genetics
10 credits
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Introduction to biological chemistry
10 credits
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Practical research skills in biochemistry and biomedical sciences
10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory units
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Advanced skills for bioscience
10 credits
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Dynamic cell
10 credits
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Molecular biochemistry
10 credits
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Protein structure and analysis
10 credits
Options
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Year 2 Options
20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory units
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Advanced research techniques
5 credits
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Dissertation
10 credits
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Protein synthesis, folding, structure-function and turnover
10 credits
Options
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Penultimate Year Options
35 credits
Year 4
Compulsory units
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Advanced capstone project
40 credits
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Advances in biosciences
20 credits
Placement
We also offer this course with a professional placement where you can take advantage of our excellent links with industry and leading research institutions. It's a great way to gain valuable experience to add to your CV, try out a possible career path and even earn some money or experience a new culture.
Learning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Learning and teaching
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 10 and 18 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 17 – 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.
Assessment breakdown
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These will include examinations, essays, reports, data analysis and presentations. Around 20 to 30% of your degree result will be assessed through examination and around 70 to 80% will be assessed through coursework, depending upon which optional units you take in Years 2 and 3.
The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree and depending upon which options you undertake. In your final year you will be expected to complete a project. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Professional accreditations
Our courses have been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for several years. The RSB conducts a reaccreditation exercise every few years or when we make changes to the course. We are currently going through this reaccreditation process and are awaiting the outcome of this evaluation.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘You'll undertake an extended project lasting the whole academic year.’
—
Dr Chris Todd
Director of Education
Entry requirements
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying biochemistry. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
You will need a strong performance in both Biology and Chemistry as part of your entry qualifications.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
A level Typical offer
AABAAB in three A levels including A in Biology and A in Chemistry
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Contextual offer
BBB or ABCBBB or ABC in three A levels including B in Biology and B in Chemistry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Alternative offer
ABBWe know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
ABB in three A levels including Biology and Chemistry with A in Biology or Chemistry plus one of:
- grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
- grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
- grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
- grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Mathematics or Statistics
- an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
ABBB in three A levels including B in Biology and B in Chemistry with A in Biology or Chemistry and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
International Baccalaureate Typical offer
6, 6, 5 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry is required at Higher Level.
If you are not studying Biology at Higher Level and you are taking it at Standard Level we may be able to consider you. In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Chemistry plus 7 in Standard Level Biology.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
To be considered for this course you will need to study Chemistry at Higher Level.
Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient Biology content.
International Baccalaureate Certificates
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
To be considered for this course you will need to study Chemistry at Higher Level. Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient Biology content.
International Baccalaureate Contextual offer
5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
35 points overall and 5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects including 5 in Biology and 5 in Chemistry.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Standard Level in essential subjects
You must study Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level to be eligible for a contextual offer for this course.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
DDDBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).
We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science. It is important that you are covering enough of our essential optional units to make sure that you have sufficient Biology and Chemistry preparation for our course. You will need to have studied a minimum of one Chemistry unit (from units 14, 18 or 19) and one Biology unit (from units 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12). We prefer applicants to be studying more than one unit of each; however, we do consider on a case-by case basis.
You must also have achieved a grade 6 or B in GCSE Mathematics.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
Your combination of qualifications must include sufficient Biology and Chemistry content.
T level Typical offer
T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
Scottish Highers Typical offer
AB in Advanced HighersAB in two Advanced Highers including Biology and Chemistry.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
33 credits at DistinctionA pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering), with at least 33 credits achieved at Distinction and 6 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 30 credits achieved at Distinction from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) units, of which at least 9 credits must be from Biology units and 9 credits must be from Chemistry units (excluding Biochemistry).
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
Combinations of qualifications
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Biology and Chemistry (or equivalent).
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Biochemistry MBiochem (Hons)
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusTuition fees
Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
Application information
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Course titleBiochemistry
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Final awardMBiochem (Hons)
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeG122
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Institution codeB16
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Department
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Home application deadline14 January 2026
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Overseas application deadline14 January 2026
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Application eligibilityHome and Overseas students are eligible to apply
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Regulator
Selection process
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experience