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Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
From finding new ways to save lives to tackling climate change, studying the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry programme at Aston University will help you succeed in a subject which has never been more exciting, diverse, or important.
**Course Overview**
Our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Biochemistry and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally.
Studying at Aston gives you hands-on experience, world-class facilities, and specialist teaching. In addition, your integrated placement year will...
From finding new ways to save lives to tackling climate change, studying the BSc (Hons) Biochemistry programme at Aston University will help you succeed in a subject which has never been more exciting, diverse, or important.<br/><br/>**Course Overview**<br/><br/>Our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of Biochemistry and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally.<br/><br/>Studying at Aston gives you hands-on experience, world-class facilities, and specialist teaching. In addition, your integrated placement year will give you the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice. You can undertake placements overseas, in healthcare environments, industrial / research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings.<br/><br/>As a Biochemist, you’ll help to comprehend and resolve biological problems using the molecular expertise and processes you will learn whilst at Aston. You will help to lead the way in developing new thinking, techniques, and technology in the fields of Medicine, Pharmaceutics, Biotechnology, Agriculture, and Nutrition.<br/><br/>**What you will learn**<br/>As a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry student, you will learn the skills to work as a competent biochemist in various research, pharmaceutical, and healthcare settings, while gaining a deep understanding of molecular processes critical to advancing science and medicine.<br/><br/>**Year 1**<br/>Develop a thorough understanding of the processes that underpin key areas of biochemistry such as how biomolecules assemble into complex structures, how genetic material is stored and inherited and fundamental microbiological concepts.<br/><br/>**Year 2**<br/>Study topics such as how changes at the molecular level lead to disease, the role that cell signalling plays in life processes, how proteins can be designed to perform specific function, as well as to use micro-organisms to generate proteins. <br/><br/>**Placement year**<br/>Gain valuable career-boosting experience during your integrated placement year by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals.<br/><br/>**Final year**<br/>You will get to choose options which you find interesting, undertaking a substantial original research project, and further develop your professional skills ready for your first career step post-graduation.<br/><br/>**International students and post-study work visa**<br/>Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.<br/><br/>The new post-study work visa enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. For more information visit the government website (https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa).<br/><br/>**During your time on the course you could get to:**<br/>- Design your own practical experiments including producing and testing antibiotics.<br/><br/><br/>- Research how cells communicate as part of our cell membrane research group.<br/><br/><br/>This course is part of the School of Biosciences which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences. <br/><br/>**Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at the admissions review stage.**
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Sandwich
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
Course Address
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
C700
Institution Code
A80
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,B,B,B,B
must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
Access to HE Diploma
D:15,M:30,P:0
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification so you must meet the GCSE entry requirements. Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
31
28
STANDARD: 31 points overall and must include grades 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. OR CONTEXTUAL: 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD
DDM
STANDARD: This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science DDD (you do not require an additional A Level) OR This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in Biology OR Chemistry (for Contextual Offer students, C in Biology or Chemistry). OR If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF National, then you must achieve DDD and grades BB which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. CONTEXTUAL: This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science DDM (you do not require an additional A Level). OR This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade C in Biology OR Chemistry A Level (for Contextual Offer students, C in Biology or Chemistry). OR If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF National, then you must achieve DDD and grades BC which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4
must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics at grade H3 or above.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language. Please note that we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in Chemistry or Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. OR CONTEXTUAL: with this BTEC you must achieve grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. OR STANDARD: If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, you must achieve a grade B in A Level Chemistry OR Biology. OR CONTEXTUAL: if this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, you must achieve a grade C in A Level Chemistry OR Biology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve A Level grades BB in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics OR CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must achieved A Level grades BC in Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready. OR Standard: If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, you must achieve A Level grade B in Chemistry OR Biology. OR CONTEXTUAL: If this BTEC is being taken in Applied Science, grade C in A Level Chemistry OR Biology. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Scottish Advanced Higher
B,B,C
must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. OR CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. OR CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BC in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in A Level must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. OR CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BC in A Level which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve A Level grades BB which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. OR CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve A Level grades BC which must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
A level
B,B,B
B,C,C
BBB must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. BBC must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics with a B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths. BCC must include Chemistry OR Biology plus one other science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths OR Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready. ________________ RESITS: We welcome applications from students who have retaken exams to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered and resit applications are treated the same as all others. PREDICTIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: At Aston University, we are committed to an inclusive admissions process, ensuring every applicant has the best possible opportunity. While our listed grades are the official entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are estimates. We typically offer candidates predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This approach gives applicants
T Level
Not Accepted
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
This will accepted in place of one A Level but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 | |
| International | £21,500 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
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