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MSci Biochemistry and Biotechnology (four-year integrated masters)

Course details
  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 10/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Colchester Campus

Course summary

With over 100 years of staggering advances in the field, the time to study biochemistry and biotechnology is now. At Essex, you’ll have the opportunity to explore how the processes of life function at molecular level and learn how biotechnology is addressing real-world problems and challenges.

The subjects of biochemistry and biotechnology are continually expanding, and our curriculum constantly evolves to reflect the latest findings and their applications. You’ll learn in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and benefit from a research-led education, taught by world-leading experts at the forefront of their fields.

At Essex, we specialise in structure-function relationships of biomolecules and use computational approaches and bioinformatics to complement our research. You’ll find that our course has a very high proportion of practical work that provides valuable experience for your career and our research-led teaching addresses the latest challenges and breakthroughs. Topics include:

  • Molecular enzymology

  • Neurodegeneration

  • Structural biology

  • Bioenergetics

  • Metabolism

You’ll also learn about and appraise the approaches that can be used to address the challenges facing our planet, including:

  • The development of biofuels, pharmaceuticals and crops to support and feed the growing human population

  • Industrial, plant and medical biotechnology

  • Gene and protein technology

  • Synthetic biology

  • Bioinformatics

With our Integrated Masters you’ll be able to fast track your degree and complete your final year in nine months compared to a regular MSc which usually takes twelve months. The course will cover key skills in biochemistry and biotechnology and provide you with the knowledge, understanding and hands-on experience required in this rapidly growing area of technology.

When you combine your undergraduate and postgraduate study in one degree you’ll be equipped with a strong theoretical background, specialist expertise through independent research and practical insights into current commercial applications. This combination makes graduates from our course attractive candidates for many employers.

Visit our biochemistry subject page for more information and content.

How to apply

Apply by
29 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:
CZ99
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 120 - 128 points

128 - 120 tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels

A level - ABB - BBB

ABB- BBB or 128 - 120 tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including Science or Mathematics grade B (PE and Psychology are considered to be science A-levels).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

Entry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis. Please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice on acceptability

Access to HE Diploma - D: 15 credits M: 30 credits

QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit – 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, please contact ugquery@essex.ac.uk for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 - 32 points

Or three Higher level certificates with 655-555, including Higher Level Science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard Level Science and Mathematics or Maths Studies grade 4, if not taken at Higher Level. Please note that Maths and Science in the IB are not required if you have already achieved GCSE or IB Middle Years Maths and Science at grade C/4. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

T Level - D

For our Life Sciences courses we can consider T-levels taken in Science on a case-by-case basis. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. We cannot accept the T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science.

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.

At Essex we consider your whole application – not just grades. If you don’t meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
We’re dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application. Involvement in our on-campus events may also support eligibility for a Contextual Offer.

Learn more on the University of Essex 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

LocationFeeYear
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Scotland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1
Channel Islands£9250Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£23200Year 1
International£23200Year 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

Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

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