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Biochemistry BSc

London, Bloomsbury

As a biochemist, you’ll explore and interact with – the mechanisms and processes that underpin all life on Earth. You’ll work with globally recognised academics to build skills in rapidly evolving new areas like bioinformatics and recombinant DNA technologies, to help fight disease and increase our understanding of how living things are organised at the molecular level. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
C700
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAA
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics required.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer information

Grades
ABB more about contextual offers
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics required with grade A in Chemistry.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects to include Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematic, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Points
34 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics with a score of 6 in Chemistry and no score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics required.

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher). Chemistry required at Advanced Higher and either Biology and Mathematics at Advanced Higher or Biology and Mathematics with one at Advanced Higher and the other at Higher.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Build your expertise and forever change your understanding of the world around you, by studying proteins and nucleic acids – the machines that create life itself.

Biochemistry is a rapidly evolving and impactful discipline, with profound implications for our interactions with all living organisms. As a biochemist, the body of knowledge to which you’ll contribute will help answer questions facing scientists across many different life sciences.  

By studying the structure, function, synthesis and regulation of proteins and nucleic acids, you’ll be able to solve an incredible range of problems and challenges which have a biological basis. Your applied knowledge could increase our understanding of cardiovascular disease and cancer, or help discover new life-saving medicines.

Learning from renowned experts at one of the world’s most prestigious research universities, you’ll be able to shape your studies around your interests and career goals. From the second year onwards, you’ll choose a specialist study stream to focus on either pure biochemistry or molecular biology. Based on second year results, you can also choose to transfer between the BSc and the MSci.

On either the three-year BSc or the four-year MSci, you'll be supported to seek out opportunities to broaden your academic, personal and scientific experience, through a year in industry with a relevant industrial placement.  

Our emphasis on research and practical lab experience means that whichever programme path you choose, you’ll graduate well equipped to harness the power of biochemistry and build a professional career in one of the most important areas of scientific exploration and discovery. 

What this course will give you

  • Study with the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences, which over its history has been associated with multiple Nobel Prizes. 
  • Gain first-hand insight into globally-significant research underway in this field in areas like gene editing, bioinformatics and recombinant DNA technologies.
  • Build valuable computational skills and experience, working with large datasets and molecular dynamics (MD) modelling.
  • Immerse yourself in research culture and enjoy opportunities to work with prestigious research groups and at the Darwin Research Facility (DRF).
  • Leave well equipped to pursue further study such as a PhD or master's programme, or to take any number of highly-skilled roles in the healthcare, biotech or pharmaceutical industries.
  • Study in the heart of London at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, a district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In Year 1, you’ll take seven compulsory biosciences modules.  

The number of compulsory and optional modules in Year 2 varies for students taking Biochemistry or Biochemistry (Molecular Biology). Biochemistry students take five compulsory modules and can choose three modules. Biochemistry (Molecular Biology) students take four compulsory modules and can choose up to four, depending on the credit value of selected modules.  

In Year 3, your final year, Biochemistry students have two compulsory (project) modules and can select up to four additional modules. Biochemistry (Molecular Biology) students have four compulsory modules (two of which are the project modules), allowing these students up to two additional modules of choice, as determined by the credit value of selections.

If you choose to extend your programme with a placement year in industry, you’ll complete the placement in Year 3 before returning to campus for Year 4 (final year). 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules









Compulsory modules






Optional modules



















Compulsory modules







Optional modules




Dynamic Biological Systems















Your learning

Biochemistry is a practical science. Consequently, you can expect to spend a lot of your time in either wet laboratories (handling chemicals and biological materials) or dry laboratories (conducting computer simulations and exercises).

You’ll also build knowledge and skills through more traditional academic activity, including lectures, seminars, presentations and group tutorials. You'll access some activities through online virtual learning platforms. 

You may transfer to the BSc Biochemistry with a year in industry on securing and completing a placement year in an industrial setting. These are optional competitive placements that are dependent on successful application to a placement provider. The placement is taken in the third year and you return to campus in the fourth year to complete your academic studies. Further information on this option is provided during your degree.

Your typical contact hours vary between 10-20 hours per week, depending on year and module choice, and include practicals, lectures, seminars and e-learning activities.

You’ll also need to demonstrate a level of independent study (10-20 hours per week).

Your independent studies will increase in the third year, due to the greater emphasis on research. Third year contact hours vary between 10-20 hours per week.

Assessment

Your progress and achievements will typically be assessed through a combination of examinations, coursework, practical work, tutorial work and presentations.  

Assessment methods used may vary, depending on the optional and elective modules you choose.

You’ll also produce laboratory and research reports, posters and dissertations. 

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Biochemistry information video

Watch this video to find out more about Biochemistry at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Biochemistry BSc/MSci Q&A

Find out about UCL's Biochemistry BSc/MSci by watching the on-demand video. You'll have the opportunity to meet the course leader, learn about the structure and content of the programme, and find out more about the course, application process, and life at UCL.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

After graduating, you’ll be ready to pursue a wide range of private and public sector careers. These include finance and accountancy, scientific consultancy and data analysis positions, as well as jobs in public health and social policy, charity and non-governmental organisations, education and medicine.

Previous graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as the Max Delbruck Institute, Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI Group), University of Cambridge, Deloitte, Lonza and Cera Care.

You could also explore an academic or biological research career through postgraduate and doctoral studies. 

Employability

As a graduate of this degree, you’ll develop a strong base of biochemical expertise and technical laboratory competencies, along with research, statistical and analytical problem-solving skills.  

You’ll also develop a range of highly sought after transferable professional skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, data literacy, analysis and visualisation, and presentation training. 

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

You’ll need to purchase a lab coat, costing approximately £10-£20.

You’ll also need to buy commonly available household ingredients for a home chemistry kit, estimated at £10-15. 

Most core textbooks are available electronically though the library.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We’re looking for applicants with a deep interest and curiosity in both biology and chemistry.  

You’ll be expected to apply quantitative evidence-based techniques (often involving mathematical or data analysis processes) to address complex bioscience problems that might require an interdisciplinary approach.  

From day one, you should also be ready to acquire a wide range of new research and professional skills.

Your application should demonstrate your interest in biochemistry, and how you’ve developed this through your own exploration.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

You will have the chance to talk to current students and staff about any questions you might have about studying biochemistry. As this degree programme is very challenging, it is vital to have a deep interest in the programme to succeed, and to convey this on your application. If we have made you an offer, you will be invited to attend an offer-holder event. This may include talks from staff about the programme and the department. It could also include a research presentation, tours of UCL and the department, and a visit to a laboratory facility.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Biosciences
Division of Biosciences

biosciences-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.