Start date:
Course information
Typical offer ABB
UCAS code C700
International fee £24,500
Institute code L34
Course description
Course description
The basic principle of biochemistry is that the processes of living things are ultimately explicable in terms of the properties and interactions of the molecules from which they are made. Biochemists study molecular processes in all types of organisms - and how errors in these processes can cause disease.
In your first year, you will focus on understanding of the fundamental biological processes that occur in cells, including DNA and protein synthesis, as well as the metabolic reactions that sustain cells and organisms. In your second and final years you will develop a greater understanding of how molecular processes are exquisitely controlled to ensure that the right process occurs in the right location – and at the right time. This control is essential to the correct functioning of cells, and the body as a whole, and errors can lead to disastrous consequences. One example of this is in cancer formation, where genetic mutations lead to loss of control of proteins that govern when cells replicate. You will learn how our knowledge of these molecular processes is leading to breakthroughs in disease treatment, through targeting and inactivating key molecules in defective pathways.
Moreover, much of our understanding of molecules, their interactions with each other, and effective therapeutic drug design, now comes from studying molecular structures at the atomic level. Opportunities to learn how we use and generate molecular structures are embedded throughout the course and this is the focus of a final year module, which benefits from the expert knowledge of academic staff associated with the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology.
On this course you will develop a range of skills that are valued by employers, including practical, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining experience in handling complex information. You will also develop transferable skills in time-management, meeting deadlines, giving oral presentations and working in teams to achieve a goal. By studying biochemistry alongside options in other biological sciences specialisms, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and become a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.
This course is identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry).
What's the difference?
At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of different courses to choose from.
- Biological Science covers major aspects of biology and molecular science across a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to humans and plants. All 14 courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
- Medical Science allows you to select specialist modules that focus more closely on the application of biological principles to medicine. All eight courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
- A-levels: ABB, including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. General Studies not accepted.
- EPQ with A-levels: BBB + EPQ grade B. A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
- Level 3 Core Maths with A-levels: BBB + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level). A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
- GCSE: At least Grade 4/C in both English Language and Maths (if not held at A2/AS-level).
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 30 of which must be at distinction.
- International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in SL Maths or 3 at HL and grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language and Maths at GCSE.
- BTEC Nationals: Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences.
- T Levels: Distinction in Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician).
Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.
If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.
Second year entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.
Contextual offers
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.
Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.
Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School of Biological Sciences.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in 2025
Tuition fees for 2025/26 are yet to be confirmed. As an indication of what you might pay, the fees for students who started in 2024/25 were:
- £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
- Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,385 for that year
- Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
- You will be travelling between the University and hospitals in Leicester. The cost of a Hospital Hopper bus card is included in your tuition fee.
International Students
Starting in 2025
- £24,500 per year
- Year Abroad: £6,125, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
- Year in Industry: £3,675, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
- You will be travelling between the University and hospitals in Leicester. The cost of a Hospital Hopper bus card is included in your tuition fee.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our 'Careers After Biological Sciences' series of lectures features Leicester graduates giving insights into their career experiences and good advice for finding jobs.
In the summer vacation between Years 2 and 3, a range of internal research placements are available in research labs, giving you the chance to develop your scientific skills.
We run bespoke bioscience careers events in the summer term each year, based on what our students tell us about their career intentions.
As a student in the School of Biological Sciences, you are welcome to attend seminars in any department, presented by national and international experts in the biosciences. This allows you to enhance your knowledge and get useful insights into current topics.
Graduate destinations
Graduates from our Biological Sciences courses have gone on to jobs in:
- Future Science Group
- Illumina
- Cambridge LTD
- Ebury
- Allied Healthcare
- Kings College Hospital
- Lonza Biologics
- RBS
Careers and Employability Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 3: Health and well-being
- Goal 14: Life below water
- Goal 15: Life on land
Course structure
Year 1
Year 1
In your first year of study, you'll take classes with students from different subjects within Biological Sciences. You'll study modules that cover a wide range of topics, including biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology and zoology. This knowledge will introduce the fundamental principles of Biology, which will help you find the area you’re interested in, so you can focus on it in your second year.
Modules
- The Molecules of Life: An Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (double module)
- The Cell: An Introduction to Cell Biology and Microbiology (double module)
- From Individuals to Populations: An Introduction to Genetics
- Multicellular Organisation: An Introduction to Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (double module)
- Biodiversity and Behaviour
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year 2
Year 2
Core modules
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Research Skills 1
- Research Skills 2
- From Genes to Proteins
- Protein Control in Cellular Regulation
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Genomes
- Physiology and Pharmacology
- Physiology of Excitable Cells
- Principles of Microbiology
- Global Change Biology and Conservation
- Medical Microbiology
- Introduction to Python programming for Bioscientists
Then choose three option modules from:
- Bioinformatics
- Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis
- Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
- Genes, Development and Inheritance
- Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology
- Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
- Behavioural Neurobiology
- Neurobiology and Animal Behaviour
- A Field Guide to Evolution
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.
Year Abroad
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 of your degree.
Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.
For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.
Please note
- A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
- You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
- Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2.
- Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.
Year in Industry
An industrial placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of laboratory work - and will normally be a paid position, more than offsetting the additional cost of the extra year.
Industrial placements are limited and are awarded through a competitive selection process, based on your performance in your first year. Previous students have worked for pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Oxford Biomedica and GlaxoSmithKline, and in research institutions such as the Animal Health Institute and Kew Gardens.
A year in industry still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Final Year
Final Year
Core modules
- Structural Biology
- Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance
Option modules
Choose one pair of option modules from:
- Experimental Research Project A plus Experimental Research Project B (double module)
- Education Research Project A plus Education Research Project B (double module)
- Analytical Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list below
Then choose two option modules from:
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
- Human and Environmental Microbiology
- Neuroscience Futures
- Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
- Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Conservation and Ecological Genetics
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biodiversity in Practice
- Introduction to Astrobiology and the Origins of Life
- Sustainability Enterprise Partnership Project
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Our history of genetic achievements include the invention of DNA fingerprinting and the genetic identification of the remains of King Richard III. More recently, we have brand-new cryo-EM facilities and have leading research into antibiotic resistance.
With a high staff to student ratio, we ensure that every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work.
Our standard of teaching and support is reflected in our NSS 2024 results. We scored 90% and above in subjects aligned to Biological Sciences for questions regarding teaching, approachability of staff and introducing new subjects (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data). View the NSS questions all students were asked for individual themes.
Teaching and learning
Most of your teaching will be delivered through lectures, which may include practical demonstrations. Individual lecture styles vary considerably, depending on the topic – and the lecturer! In tutorials, a small group of students meets with a member of staff for an hour to discuss and explore topics, or solve problems as a group. Some tutorials will require you to research a particular topic beforehand.
All of our Biological Sciences courses are practical degrees with strong emphasis on lab work and fieldwork.
Your first year exams will mostly be multiple choice and short answer papers, with longer essay-style questions in your second and final year exams. Coursework may include practical lab work, a lab write-up or report, a practical skills test, essays, online multiple choice assessments, a data handling exercise, solo or group presentations, a field journal or critical evaluation of a scientific paper. At the end of each semester in Years 1 and 2 you will be able to judge your overall performance, enabling you to closely monitor your progress and, if necessary, adjust your work pattern.
A significant part of your final year will be spent on an individual research study which will form the basis of your dissertation.
You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they are academic, financial, housing, career or social issues. You will also have access to the University's student welfare services.
Independent learning
In addition to attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) | Qualification BSc | Duration 3 years full-time | UCAS Code C700 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) with Year Abroad | Qualification BSc | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code C700 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) with Year in Industry | Qualification BSc | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code C700 | Availability How to apply |
Data about this course
I love how flexible my course is, I’m free to pursue all of my passions.