Introduction
Key information
Start date: October 2021
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C700 3 years
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C702 4 years with professional training
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C705 4 years with foundation year
BSc (Hons) UCAS: C706 5 years with foundation year and professional training
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 in our programme, you will have access to our £10million pound Innovation for Health learning laboratories.
What 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) 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.
"I'm really proud to be graduating from Surrey.” Harriet Hicks, student
Foundation year
The Biochemistry BSc with the 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 the 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 the 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
"I do believe work experience is invaluable - I learnt about work and life and it was helpful to know in which direction I didn't want to go.” Jane M Bainbridge, graduate
Entry requirements
A-level
Overall:
BSc (Hons):BBC.
Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry at grade B and a second science or Mathematics. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade C(4) and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.
Foundation year: A-level CCD (or equivalent) to include one Science A-level.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
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.
Fees
The annual tuition fees for courses starting in October 2021
UK: £9,250
Overseas: £22,400
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.
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.
"My biggest achievement so far has been finishing my professional training year with Cefas.” Samantha Treagus, student
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, but you will also develop key skills and knowledge that will strengthen your CV and increase your employability.
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.
"The experience has made me realise how much I love science and has definitely fuelled my passion for a career in biochemistry research.” Josephine Amosah, graduate
