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Finances for studying abroad on exchange
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.
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.
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.
Foundation
Semester 1
Compulsory
Year-long modules
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Semester 1: Choose two from
OR
Pharmaceutical chemistry A
Semester 2: Choose two from
Microbial Physiology and Growth
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
View tour of Fogg Building
View tour of Joseph Priestley Building
Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.
For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
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.
Our standard contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry at A-Level.
Our enhanced contextual offer: BBC including B in Chemistry at A-Level.
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.
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.
See our general undergraduate entry requirements.
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
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.
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:
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:
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:
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
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)
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.