Thank you for considering an application
To apply you’ll need to:
- Make note of the Queen Mary institution code: Q50
- Make note of your chosen course UCAS code:
Biochemistry
- C700 — BSc (Hons)
- CCX2 — BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation
- 3W45 — BSc (Hons) with Year in Industry/Research
- C70Y — BSc (Hons) with Year Abroad
- C701 — MSci (Hons)
- C71Y — MSci (Hons) with Year Abroad
- Click on the link below:
Have further questions? How to apply | Entry requirements
Biochemistry
6 study options
Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- C700
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- CCX2
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £25,000
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biochemistry with Year in Industry/Research BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- 3W45
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biochemistry with Year Abroad BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- C70Y
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biochemistry MSci (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- MSci (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- C701
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biochemistry with Year Abroad MSci (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- MSci (Hons)
- Duration
- 5 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- C71Y
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Overview
Biochemistry – applying molecular concepts to complex biological systems – is the cutting edge of science in the 21st century.
Imagine a world where we have whole new classes of drugs available, modified organisms that produce high value compounds and crops thriving outside their usual range. Thanks to biochemists this could only be twenty years away – and you can be part of these exciting scientific advances with this course.
You’ll learn about biochemical processes and the chemistry that underpins them, while studying real-world applications in biotechnology and medicine. With our optional modules, you’ll also be able to look at areas like neuroscience, pharmaceutical chemistry and genetics.
Our biochemistry academics focus their research covers the structure and function of the most fundamental molecular components of life. Their research has an impact on different areas from biomedicine to the environment and agriculture.
Expert support at every step
Your employability is a priority for us. We organise regular events to help you think about your future beyond university, including career events and talks from biochemistry graduates. You can also take part in peer leadership and teamwork activities, summer laboratory internships and society events.
Our biochemistry programme is taught almost exclusively by academics who specialise in this area. So, if you want to make an impact, studying here is a great place to start.
Structure
You can complete your Biochemistry degree in three, four or five years. If you are a BSc student and choose to do a year in industry or study abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and the Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4. If you are an MSci student and choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 4, and the Year 4 modules will be studied in Year 5.
Year 0
Foundation
Semester 1
Compulsory
- Communication in Science and Technology
Year-long modules
Compulsory
- Science and Engineering Success
- Foundations of Chemical Science
- Foundations of Physical Science
- Foundations of Engineering
- Foundations of Biological Science
- Mathematics A
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Study options
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Year in industry
Want to pick up some solid work experience while practising your skills in a real-world laboratory? Apply for our Biochemistry BSc with a Year in Industry/Research. Some of our students have been awarded highly prestigious work placements with UK and international pharmaceutical companies. During your second year you will identify and apply for a placement opportunity, with one on one support provided by your adviser. If successful, you'll spend your third year working in the pharmaceutical industry or carrying out an extended research project.
Please note that placements are highly competitive and awarded based on your application, academic track record and performance at interview. Should you not succeed in securing a placement, you'll transfer onto our BSc programme and complete your third year at Queen Mary.
MSci
Apply for our Biochemistry MSci to spend an extra year undertaking an extended research project and studying advanced modules. Consider this option if you’re interested in a career in academic or industrial research.
Year abroad
Go global and study abroad as part of your degree - apply for our Biochemistry BSc or MSci with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).
Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are. Learn more about financing your year abroad here.
You can do either a year in industry or a year abroad - you cannot combine these options.
The highlights of my biochemistry course at QMUL have been multifaceted. The hands-on lab experience has been invaluable, allowing me to apply and deepen my understanding of complex concepts in a practical setting. The programme has helped solidify my theoretical knowledge but also enhanced my practical skills.
Teaching
Teaching and learning
You will learn through an engaging combination of active lectures, collaborative workshops, hands-on lab sessions, independent research projects, and ongoing assessment.
Lectures will introduce you to core theories, concepts, and methods in biochemistry. In workshops, you will apply your knowledge by solving problems, analysing data, and designing experiments in small groups.
Lab sessions provide opportunities to develop your practical techniques and conduct experiments. You will also complete an independent research project under faculty supervision, through which you will gain first-hand experience investigating a biochemical issue.
Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 20 to 25 hours per week preparing, writing up and reading.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by written examinations and coursework (practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).
Final-year students undertake a research or investigative project, assessed with a detailed written report, poster and interview.
Resources and facilities
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
- newly refurbished lecture theatres
- up-to-date IT facilities
- modern, well-equipped labs.
Entry requirements
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
| A-Level | Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level. A second science subject at Higher Level of Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 credits must be at Distinction, 15 credits at Merit and 15 credits at Pass or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| Contextualised admissions | We consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages. |
| A-Level | Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. |
| Access HE | Access qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
| A-Level | Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. |
| Access HE | Access qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
| A-Level | Grades AAB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Chemistry. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,6,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Chemistry at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | BTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. |
| Access HE | Access qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
Non-UK students
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
English language
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
Further information
Funding
Loans and grants
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
Support from Queen Mary
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
- additional sources of funding
- planning your budget and cutting costs
- part-time and vacation work
- money for lone parents.
Careers
Biochemistry graduates are in demand in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology industries. Many of our students go on to scientific careers, including clinical and laboratory work, postgraduate research or science education. Others transfer their skills into sectors such as marketing and finance.
99 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA GOS 2020/21).
Recent Biochemistry graduates have been hired by:
- Barts Health NHS Trust
- Genomics England
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Merck Sharp and Dohme.
Career support
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has a careers consultant, who can offer specialist advice and organise subject-specific events. We also have a dedicated internships coordinator.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
- specialist advice on choosing a career path
- support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
- feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
- interview coaching.
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
Data for these courses
Biochemistry - BSc (Hons)
Biological Sciences with Foundation - BSc (Hons)
Biochemistry with Year in Industry/Research - BSc (Hons)
Biochemistry with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)
Biochemistry - MSci (Hons)
Biochemistry with Year Abroad - MSci (Hons)
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)
About the School
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is a large and dynamic school with strong links to industry. We offer a stimulating and supportive learning experience.
You’ll experience inspirational teaching from high-calibre staff who are leaders in their field. According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 91 per cent of our Biological Sciences research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. You’ll stay up to date with weekly departmental seminars on new research findings.
Thanks to our close teaching and research links, students have special opportunities for original investigative work with the Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, Forest Enterprise, and University of London’s Marine Biological Station at Millport in Scotland.
