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Biochemistry

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
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Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Biochemistry answers the ultimate questions about how living organisms work.

On this three-year Biochemistry degree at the University of Southampton will explore the breadth of the discipline, from DNA to proteins, single molecules to cells, all the way up to complex lifeforms. You will study the molecular processes of life itself, and gain the skills needed to become a biochemist.

This flexible course offers a variety of options to tailor your degree to your passions, with an opportunity to select a year in employment (if you wish to gain experience in an industrial setting), to study abroad at one of our partner institutions, and to complete a final year project that gives you an opportunity to engage with science in either a laboratory or an alternative area such as business or communication.

You will be based in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building and will graduate prepared to kick-start your career* in areas including the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensic science, food technology, agriculture, and further study.

*99% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/2021).

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, to offer you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. Examples of modules include:

Year 1: Chemistry of Life, Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology, How to Think Like a Scientist, Human Genome and Disease.

Year 2: Bioinformatics, Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function, Flow of Genetic Information.

Year 3: Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Recognition, Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease.

Please visit the course page for more information.

Please note: information included was correct at time of publication, March 2024.

Assessment method

You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating.

The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning.

The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 22/09/2025

Apply by
29 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:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton 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
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:
C700
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

Not accepted

A level

AAB
AAB to include Chemistry and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry

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

DDD
We do not accept BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-Levels to include Chemistry and one further science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent). Science practical components must be passed.

Access to HE Diploma

D: 39 credits M: 6 credits
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

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

DD
We do not accept BTEC Level 3 National Diploma without two A-Levels to include Chemistry and one further science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed.

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

D
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed.

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

D
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

34 points
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at higher level: including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

B
AA from two A-Levels, to include Chemistry and one further science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Extended Project

A
ABB in 3 A-levels to include Chemistry and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical component must be passed.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3, D3, M2
D3, D3, M2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

GCSEs: The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

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.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton 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£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£30500Year 1
International£30500Year 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

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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