Biochemistry BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons) – 2021 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2021
Why choose this course
Biochemists play a crucial role in the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer, studying the chemical and physical principles of living things and biological processes. As a student on our programme, you will have access to our £10million pound Innovation for Health learning laboratories.
Five reasons to study Biochemistry BSc (Hons) /MSci
Read moreWhat you will study
Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental processes of life at the cellular level. It deals with fascinating subjects such as metabolism, molecular biology, neuroscience, pharmacology and sleep.
As a BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons) Biochemistry student, you’ll gain extensive practical skills in our internationally-renowned, research-oriented environment. This will prepare you to work at the forefront of developments in this exciting field.
Our course will give you a sound and broad background in biochemistry, providing opportunities to familiarise yourself with contemporary biochemical methodology and sample some of its most intriguing applications.
You can apply to study for either a BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons). The MSci (Hons) builds on the BSc (Hons) course with a masters year and is a direct route to a masters qualification.
Find out more about the benefits of an integrated masters degree.
Foundation year
The Biochemistry BSc with foundation has an additional year of study designed to support your transition on to latter years of the course. You will study full-time for one year at foundation level, and after successfully completing it you will be ready to move on to the next three years of the course.
Professional recognition
BSc (Hons) - Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our biochemistry graduates are found in academic and industrial research laboratories around the world. You’ll also find them in cities, schools, hospitals, cockpits, submarines and boardrooms.
The majority of our students gain immediate employment after they graduate, but further study comes a close second. This includes taught masters courses, PhD studentships and fast-track medical courses.
Our recent biochemistry graduates have gone on to roles such as:
- Medical Laboratory Assistant, Royal Surrey County Hospital
- Clinical Trial Associate, Inventiv Health
- Customer Services Analyst, Sanosi
- Pharmacy Assistant, North Hampshire Hospital
- Clinical Data Manager, Institute of Cancer Research
- Clinical Research Associate, Novartis
- Quality Engineer, The Body Shop International plc.
Staff
This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biosciences and Medicine.
Accreditations
Accreditation
Academic year structure
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the 2020/21 academic year. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach. View detailed information on the changes.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
Please note: If there is an optional Professional Training placement as part of your course you can view the full module listing for this on the relevant programme specification.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| FOUNDATION YEAR FOR BIOSCIENCES | Compulsory | Year-long |
Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3
For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry.
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Optional modules for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
Optional modules for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
1 from 2 listed optional modules
Optional modules for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
5 from the 8 listed optional modules.
Students must take either BMS3092 or BMS3093 or both in addition to the compulsory modules.
| Module title | Status | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | Year-long |
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Teaching
We offer a modular course based on a structured programme of advanced study. During your first year, a significant part of teaching time is spent in laboratory practicals, preparing you for your final-year scientific research project, which is usually conducted in one of our research laboratories.
Each week, you’ll have an average of 20 hours of contact time (lectures, practicals and tutorials) and you’ll also be expected to carry out private study such as laboratory write-ups, essays and other coursework.
There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by postgraduate research students. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
Other international qualifications
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year, run by the Surrey International Study Centre.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you may be invited to an Applicant Day. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2021
BSc (Hons)
UK £9,250
Overseas £22,400
BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK £9,250
Overseas £22,400
Professional training £1,850
BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)
UK £9,250
MSci (Hons)
UK £9,250
Overseas £22,400
MSci (Hons) (with professional training year)
UK £9,250
Overseas £22,400
Professional training £1,850
BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)
UK £9,250
Professional training £1,850
View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.
- Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms.
- Fees for EU students: While the UK is part of the EU, the University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by the Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. Once the UK has left the EU, the fees rules may change and the University is bound to comply with applicable legislation.
- Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
- Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
Professional Training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
See the information about 2019/20 academic year Professional Training placement fee.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
Safety equipment and/or uniform: £20 – equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory book, pen and padlock). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment.
Grand total: £20
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
Placements
You have the option to complete a Professional Training placement as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, helping to prepare you for your future career.
A significant proportion of placement students at Surrey are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.
Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices.
Biochemistry placements
The majority of our students choose to take a Professional Training placement to gain vital work experience and develop professional skills required by employers.
Most of our Professional Training placements are salaried roles, with opportunities in the UK including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and research institutes.
Recent placements have included roles at international institutions like Cornell University, Washington State University, Harvard Medical School (USA), the University of Turku (Finland) and several other European universities.
Our experienced Professional Training tutors will help you choose and apply to a selection of excellent placements in industry, hospitals and academia.
Applying for placements
You can apply for numerous opportunities via an open and free-to-all process. Placement providers use their own recruitment and selection procedures and the majority of students will secure their placement in this way.
Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement.
Find out about more about the application process.
Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.
Some of our students talk about their decision to do a placement year in the US at the Genetics Lab at North Carolina State University.
Study and work abroad
We give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their studies by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities or by completing a Professional Training placement abroad.
Want to study at an overseas institution as part of your degree or work abroad during your Professional Training year? Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With more than 200 partnerships, from 50 different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone.
Not only is the opportunity to go abroad a hugely enjoyable experience, you will develop key skills and knowledge that will strengthen your CV and increase your employability.
View our study and work abroad exchange information to find out more and see where you can go.
Please note: the status of the Erasmus+ scheme is dependent on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
Our international exchange programme offers you the opportunity to study abroad at a partner university for either one semester or a full academic year as part of your course. For biosciences students, this might be at one of our partner institutions in the US (for example Texas or Florida) or in Singapore.
Studying abroad also enables you to become more independent, teaching you how to adapt and adjust to the culture and climate of another country.
In addition, or alternatively, you may choose to spend your Professional Training placement working in another country. Students have travelled to the US, Canada, Australia and many European countries, typically working in a research laboratory at a partner institution.
Recent placements have included roles at international institutions like:
- Cornell University
- Washington State University
- Harvard Medical School (US)
- The University of Turku (Finland)
- and several other European universities.
If you work in another part of Europe in a foreign university laboratory you may be eligible for an Erasmus+ grant, as well as your full student loan if taking an unpaid research placement in an overseas university.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online guide has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Placement location
As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH