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Biochemistry (including a year abroad)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • October 2026
  • Undergraduate
Colchester Campus
More about University of Essex

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the fundamental chemical processes within living organisms. Biochemistry considers molecular-level processes across a range of disciplines including genetics, microbiology, forensics and medicine. Because of this breadth, biochemistry is hugely important, and advances in this field over the past 100 years have been staggering. It’s an exciting time to be part of this fascinating area of study.

At Essex, we specialise in structure-function relationships of biomolecules which offers insight into the interactions that occur in the complex cellular pathways that control vision and cell death. We also use computational approaches and bioinformatics to complement our research. On our BSc Biochemistry you study areas including:

  • Molecular enzymology

  • Neurodegeneration

  • Structural biology

  • Bioenergetics

  • Metabolism

In our large, friendly School, you learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical lab sessions, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and develop skills by doing experiments at the laboratory bench.

You gain a solid grounding across a range of related topics, with the chance to contribute to real-world research projects in your final year of study.

Visit our biochemistry subject page for more information and content.

Modules

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • October 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:
C703
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

University of Essex 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:
C703
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

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Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 112 - 120 points

Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.

A level BBB

Offers will be made in the range of BBB to BBC
or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels

Including Chemistry or Biology plus a second science or Mathematics.
Psychology, Statistics, Physics, Applied Science, Human Biology, Geography, PE and Sociology (on a case by case basis) are all acceptable as second science A-levels.

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

Offers will be made in the range of DDM to DMM
or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels

Entry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.

Access to HE Diploma D: 6 credits M: 39 credits

We will consider science based Access to Higher Education Diplomas. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.

We can only accept QAA approved Access to HE Diplomas

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 29 - 30 points

or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard level Mathematics grade 4 if not taken at Higher Level.
Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, exercise and Health Science at Higher Level are all acceptable as second science subjects.

We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above.

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

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

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.

Related courses

At University of Essex

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