BSc Biochemistry with Professional Experience

Molecules are at the centre of all life from the smallest virus to the largest animal. Biochemists seek to understand how molecular processes control life at various levels; how do molecules make cells work, how do these cells coordinate in an organ and finally, how do these organs signal and work together for life to function? Biochemistry is at the forefront of understanding how molecules control and affect life, and an appreciation of these concepts allows biochemists to answer life’s fundamental questions and contribute to resolving critical biological problems such as designing drugs to treat cancer or even bacteria that can clean up an oil spill.

Why study Biochemistry at the University of Reading?

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and you can apply for Chartered Biologist status upon graduation.
• Experience an interdisciplinary approach to biochemistry, taught by research-active experts and invited professionals.
• You will use state-of-the-art facilities during practicals and research projects.
• Excellent feedback from students: In 2023, 100% of biochemistry students completing the NSS thought our staff are good at explaining things and our assessment is fair.
• Networking opportunities: The University is located in the Thames Valley corridor, giving you networking opportunities with biochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, cell biology and informatics companies at careers fairs and events.
• Placement opportunities: Dedicated support for year-long and summer placement opportunities, including ringed-fenced positions at internationally renowned companies and organisations.
• Ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for biosciences (the Daily Mail University Guide, 2024).

Research, Placements and internships

All our students will undertake a Research Project during their final year either in one of our research laboratories or as a data-based projects for students to gain experience in analysing large biochemical and biomedical datasets. You also have the opportunity to carry out a year-long industrial placement between your second and final year.

You also have the opportunity to undertake an internship as part of the Reading Internship Scheme (RIS). RIS offers a wide variety of internships across a multitude of sectors, including research internships on campus or with external organisations. Internships run flexibly throughout the year – both part-time during the semester and full-time during the summer vacation.

We have secured ring-fenced industrial and summer placements to several prestigious providers such as Diamond Light Source (the UK’s national synchrotron), Public Health England, GSK, AstraZeneca and Covance. You can also choose to spend a year abroad.

Our Department has a dedicated member of staff in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.