Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET
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Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions
Email:ugadmissions@aston.ac.uk
Phone:0121 204 3030
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Biochemistry
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Sandwich
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
- Awarded by:
- Aston University
Course summary
Step into the future of science - where molecular insight meets real-world impact to tackle global challenges head-on. Dive into the molecular world and unlock solutions to global challenges! Our 4-year BSc (Hons) Biochemistry programme at Aston University places you at the cutting edge of discovery. You'll delve into the molecular 'nuts and bolts' of proteins to drive innovative drug discovery, learn to design and build novel biological solutions using synthetic biology, and engage with revolutionary technologies like organ-on-a-chip that are transforming how we study life and disease. Join us at the forefront of this dynamic and vital scientific field.
Based in the heart of Birmingham at Aston's School of Biosciences, this degree equips you with a deep understanding of biochemical principles and the practical, computational, and analytical skills demanded by employers. You'll explore the intricate mechanisms of life, from biomolecules to complex biological systems, while also delving into cutting-edge areas like bioinformatics, computational modelling, and synthetic biology.
You'll benefit from hands-on laboratory work in state-of-the-art facilities, expert teaching informed by the latest research, and a curriculum designed to develop not just your scientific knowledge, but also your leadership potential and professional skills. As an Aston Biochemistry graduate, you'll be empowered to contribute meaningfully to fields like medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.
Why study Biochemistry at Aston University?
• Flexible pathways: Tailor your degree with a 3-year direct route or the highly regarded 4-year programme featuring a placement year. Our dedicated and award-winning placements teams will be able to guide you through the process.
• Cutting-edge curriculum: Explore core biochemistry alongside modern disciplines like computational biology, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology.
• Professionally accredited: Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), ensuring high standards and enhancing your employability.
• Gold standard teaching: Aston University proudly holds Triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023) – the highest possible rating and only one of a few institutions in the county to be awarded this prize.
• Excellent student experience: Join a supportive community. 94% of our students felt positive about teaching on their course (NSS 2024).
Facilities:
You’ll study in a professional scientific environment with modern teaching and research labs: In addition to well-equipped spaces designed for hands-on experiments, we also house state of the art cell culture facilities as well as chemistry labs.
Specialist equipment such as industry-standard instrumentation including spectrometers (UV-Vis, Fluorescence), microscopes (confocal, electron), chromatography systems (HPLC, GC), cell culture facilities, and molecular biology tools, and dedicated computer labs: Utilise powerful workstations equipped with specialised software for molecular modelling, bioinformatics analysis, data visualisation, and statistical processing.
This course is also available as a 3-year option.
International students and post-study work visa
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.
No Foundation Programme available
Your UCAS Application: Explain any gaps in your education, list full qualification names, provide an academic reference, and include predicted grades (even if sitting privately). More tips: https://shorturl.at/cNR2e
Modules
For a full list of modules and course objectives, visit the course page on Aston University's website: https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/biochemistry-bsc/
Assessment method
Everyone is different and we use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate your understanding and skills, reflecting the diverse demands of a scientific career. These include:
• Examinations (essays, short answers, MCQs)
• Laboratory reports and practical assessments
• Data analysis and interpretation tasks (including computational work)
• Research project reports and dissertations
• Oral presentations and posters
• Essays and critical reviews
• Group projects
• Computer-based assessments
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Sandwich • 4 Years
Start dates
- 14/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C700
- Institution code:
- A80
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Aston University, Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C700
- Institution code:
- A80
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Please visit our helpful webpage for International Applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/international
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB - BCC
BBB must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
BBC must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics with a B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths.
BCC must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
________________
RESITS: We welcome applications from students who have retaken exams to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered and resit applications are treated the same as all others.
PREDICTIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: At Aston University, we are committed to an inclusive admissions process, ensuring every applicant has the best possible opportunity.
While our listed grades are the official entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are estimates. We typically offer candidates predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This approach gives applicants the opportunity to improve upon their predicted grades. However, the offer made will contain the listed grade requirements.
We also consider applications from students who have already achieved at least CCC in their A Levels. These applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the strength of the application, a strong academic reference and any explanations for gaps in academic history.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD - DDM
STANDARD:
This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science DDD (you do not require an additional A Level)
OR
This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in Biology OR Chemistry (for Contextual Offer students, C in Biology or Chemistry).
OR
If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF National, then you must achieve DDD and grades BB which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
CONTEXTUAL:
This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science DDM (you do not require an additional A Level).
OR
This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade C in Biology OR Chemistry A Level (for Contextual Offer students, C in Biology or Chemistry).
OR
If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF National, then you must achieve DDD and grades BC which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits P: 0 credits
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits.
Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification so you must meet the GCSE entry requirements.
Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences.
Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
Scottish Higher - ABBBB
must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve A Level grades BB in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics
OR
CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must achieved A Level grades BC in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
OR
Standard: If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, you must achieve A Level grade B in Chemistry OR Biology.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, grade C in A Level Chemistry OR Biology.
Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve A Level grades BB which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve A Level grades BC which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in Chemistry or Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: with this BTEC you must achieve grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
OR
STANDARD: If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, you must achieve a grade B in A Level Chemistry OR Biology.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: if this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, you must achieve a grade C in A Level Chemistry OR Biology.
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) - DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BC in A Level which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 31 - 28 points
STANDARD: 31 points overall and must include grades 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language.
OR
CONTEXTUAL: 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
This will accepted in place of one A Level but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3, H4
must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics at grade H3 or above.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language.
Please note that we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
T Level - Not accepted
Offer Holder Days
Once you have received an offer, you will be invited to an Offer Holder Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in. Details of eligibility criteria can be found on our website.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| International | £21500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
UK students (Home Undergraduate):
The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.
International students (Overseas Undergraduate):
The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.
All students:
The duration of your programme is set out above and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions (aston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-12/Terms_and_Conditions_of_Enrolment_2025-6.pdf) and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.
Sponsorship information
Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding
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