Biochemistry (MSci)
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    Biochemistry (MSci)

    University of Southampton
    University of Southampton
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Southampton
    University Rank:#87
    Go to Official Website
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 43,034 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
    Biochemistry (MSci)

    About

    Modern biochemists study the molecular processes of life. Our Biochemistry MSci (integrated masters degree in science) covers topics from DNA to proteins, single molecules to cells, all the way up to complex lifeforms. This course will prepare you for a career in clinical biochemistry, biotechnology or pharmacology. It also provides the perfect foundation for further research or a PhD.

    This course will give you a deep understanding of biochemistry, and develop your practical skills in a laboratory.

    Our teaching staff are researchers at the forefront of their field. You'll learn how biochemistry can help us develop new drugs, and you'll explore:

    • cell biology
    • pathology
    • pharmacology
    • genetics

    In the fourth year, you can work with our research teams on an original, in-depth research project. You'll research the molecular basis of disease, oncology, structural biology and DNA recognition. It will give you a chance to improve your research skills, and help us understand this fascinating field.

    As part of your degree you can:

    • take a year out to work in industry
    • study abroad at one of our partner universities
    • specialise in particular areas, tailoring the degree to your own interests
    • take specialist skills modules to learn about cutting-edge technologies
    • use your knowledge of biochemistry in education, communication or business

    With a master's in biochemistry, you'll be ready for a wide range of biochemistry careers.

    Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

    We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

    Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    For Academic year 202526

    A-levels

    AAA including Chemistry and one further science subject.

    A-levels additional information

    Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.

    A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

    If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including Chemistry and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ

    A-levels contextual offer

    We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    or

    International Baccalaureate Diploma

    Pass with overall score of 36 points, with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject.

    International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

    Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL6) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.

    International Baccalaureate contextual offer

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

    Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

    or

    BTEC

    D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject,

    RQF BTEC

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    Additional information

    Acceptable science subjects are Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies. BTEC qualifications must be accompanied by two acceptable science 'A' levels

    QCF BTEC

    D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject.

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    or
    Show more entry requirements
    Access to HE Diploma
    Irish Leaving Certificate
    Scottish Qualification offers
    Cambridge Pre-U
    Welsh Baccalaureate
    T Level

    Access to HE Diploma

    60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 45 credits must be at Distinction.

    Access to HE additional information

    A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

    Irish Leaving Certificate

    Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

    H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.

    Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

    AAAAAA to include Chemistry and one further science subject

    Irish certificate additional information

    Acceptable science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or O4, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

    Scottish Qualification

    Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

    Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

    Cambridge Pre-U

    D3, D3, D3 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.

    Cambridge Pre-U additional information

    Science subjects considered include Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

    Welsh Baccalaureate

    AAA from 3 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject or AA from two A levels including Chemistry and one further a science subject and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

    Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

    A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.

    Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

    We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

    T-Level

    Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year

    English Program Requirements

    Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

    English language requirements

    If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

    IELTS score requirements
    overall score
    6.5
    reading
    6.0
    writing
    6.0
    speaking
    6.0
    listening
    6.0

    We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

    Career

    Careers

    This course will help you develop scientific and research skills that will improve your employability, particularly in the sciences.

    You'll be ready for a wide range of roles in your career after MSc Biochemistry. With a biochemistry master's degree you could work in:

    • the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
    • medicinal biochemistry
    • business management
    • food technology
    • forensic science
    • the legal profession
    • postgraduate research training
    • medical laboratories

    Alternatively, many of our graduates choose to continue their research by getting a PhD in biochemistry.

    Careers services at Southampton

    We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

    • work experience schemes
    • CV and interview skills and workshops
    • networking events
    • careers fairs attended by top employers
    • a wealth of volunteering opportunities
    • study abroad and summer school opportunities

    We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

    Work in industry

    You can take a year-long paid placement in a company of your choice. You'll apply the knowledge and skills you've developed during your degree, gain vital professional experience and get a head start in the graduate market.

    This placement is optional and takes place between the second and third year of your degree.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    43,034 / year
    Biochemistry (MSci)
    University of Southampton
    University of Southampton
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Southampton

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