Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
Become a professional scientist on this accredited degree. Explore the latest biochemistry techniques in our molecular biology labs and be eligible to apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology when you graduate.
Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
C700
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, including either biology or chemistry
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Discover life at its most fundamental level.
On this BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), you’ll learn how biochemists fight disease, edit genomes, understand human and animal development and apply synthetic biology to current problems in biotechnology.
By exploring the latest scientific theory through lab training, you'll gain the skills and expertise to become a professional biochemist and apply for Associate Membership of the RSB on graduation.
Course highlights
- Experiment with the latest biochemistry techniques in lab practicals, such as protein purification and genome editing, both vital processes in the development of plastic-digesting enzymes and medical testing.
- Study genes and clone DNA in our molecular biology research labs, globally regarded as some of the best available at a university
- Learn from academics involved in trailblazing research at our Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare and Centre for Enzyme Innovation
- Get involved with the European Xenopus Resource Centre, one of the largest frog genetics resource facilities in the world
- Have the opportunity to study abroad on a summer research placement at a European university
- Undertake a work placement or study abroad year or experience a summer research placement
19th
for biology in UK
(Guardian University Guide, 2026)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
98%
of students were positive about the support provided by teaching staff on this course
(NSS, 2025)
92%
of students were positive about the teaching on this course
(NSS, 2025)
Accredited by:
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Explore BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at Portsmouth
Discover how our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree course will equip you with the skills and experience you need to fight disease, edit genomes, develop new fuels, and understand human and animal development.
Colin Sharpe: What we do in biochemistry is we look at how cells and organisms are put together and how they work.
The thing that makes students want to study the course is an interest, not just in chemistry and not just in biology, but how these two relate to each other.
What is the process of life?
The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Some of the topics that are covered in the course include looking at macromolecules, things like proteins, DNA and RNA and how they all interact.
Then, we move into cell biology, how cells work, and then we move on to systems like chemistry topics like immunology, microbiology and how embryos develop which also comes into biochemistry too.
I think one of the things that students enjoy most about this course is the laboratory practical work.
It's an opportunity to actually do the experiments, use equipment and make findings.
We have the possibility of doing a one year placement. Our students in the past have gone to some of the large pharmaceutical companies.
There are lots of career opportunities for biochemists.
We've had students who go to work for some of the big pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline. We've had students go to work for the big sequencing company Illumina.
Also for other smaller companies that are involved in protein engineering, as well as obviously working for the NHS in analytical laboratories.
Portsmouth is a great place to be. Lots of things going on.
A vibrant student community and also there are lots of things happening in the department too so it's a good place to come in and work as an undergraduate.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing 2025 is now closed
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
Even if you don't receive the grades you need, we recommend still calling us on 023 9284 8090 as we still may be able to consider you for a course
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After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
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If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
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See our accommodation page for more information.
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Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
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See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, including either biology or chemistry. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health, T level in Science
Applications with Merit can be considered, but applicants will require adequate qualifications in chemistry
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
Must be in a Science subject - International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Your facilities
Biophysical laboratories
Use professional-standard equipment to explore how the structures and functions of molecules change under different conditions.
Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare
Our multidisciplinary research environment supports the translation of science for societal benefit.
European Xenopus Resource Centre (EXRC)
Discover the world’s largest Xenopus research facility and access different Xenopus specific resources, including antibodies, wild-type strains, DNA resources and egg extracts.
BSc Biochemistry - University of Portsmouth
On this BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), you’ll learn how biochemists fight disease, edit genomes, develop new fuels, and understand human and animal development.
0:01
What were we do in Biochemistry is
0:03
we look at how cells and organisms
0:05
are put together and how they work.
0:07
The thing that makes students want
0:09
to study the course is an interest
0:11
not just in chemistry and
0:13
not just in biology, but how these
0:15
two relate to each other.
0:16
What is the process of life?
0:18
The course is accredited by the
0:20
Royal Society of Biology.
0:22
Some of the topics that are covered
0:24
in the course include looking
0:26
at macromolecules, things like
0:28
proteins, DNA and
0:30
RNA and how they interact.
0:32
And then we move into cell biology,
0:34
how cells work, and then we move
0:36
on to systems.
0:38
Biochemistry, topics like
0:39
immunology, microbiology
0:42
and how embryos develop also comes
0:44
into biochemistry too.
0:46
I think one of the things that
0:47
students enjoy most about this
0:48
course is the laboratory
0:50
practical work.
0:51
It's an opportunity to actually do
0:53
the experiments, use the equipment
0:56
and make findings.
0:58
We have the possibility of doing a
1:00
one year placement the end
1:02
of the second year.
1:03
Our students in the past have gone
1:05
to some of the large pharmaceutical
1:06
companies.
1:08
There are lots of career
1:09
opportunities for Biochemists.
1:11
We've had students who go to work
1:12
for some of the big pharmaceutical
1:14
companies like GlaxoSmithKline.
1:16
We've had students go to work for
1:17
the big sequencing company Illumina,
1:19
also for other smaller
1:22
companies that are involved in
1:23
protein engineering, as well
1:25
as obviously working for the NHS
1:27
in analytical laboratories.
1:30
Portsmouth is a great place to be.
1:32
Lots of things going on.
1:34
A vibrant student community
1:36
and also there are lots of things
1:38
happening in the department too.
1:39
So it's a good place to come in
1:41
and work as an undergraduate.
Careers and opportunities
Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry within living things – everything from humans and animals, to plants and cells. It combines biology, chemistry and molecular analysis to develop new approaches within many scientific fields, including healthcare and medicine, agriculture, biotechnology and the environment.
This means there is a huge range of sectors you can go into with a biochemistry degree, and there will always be a high demand for your skills.
Once you complete your BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, you’ll be ready for a career in scientific research, forensic science or pharmaceuticals. With specialist modules like Business for Biosciences and Mechanisms of Development, you’ll have many opportunities to discover your niche.
In the UK, you could earn an average of £24 000 as a newly-graduated biochemist and an average of up to £50 000 with more experience.
What I loved the most about this course was being able to work among senior scientists and assist in investigations addressing global issues and human diseases.
What can you do with a biochemistry degree?
There are many career paths a BSc (Hons) Biochemistry degree can lead you to.
Previous students have gone on to do valuable work in fields such as:
- industrial research
- academic research leading to a PhD
- biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
- science teaching
- the health service
- scientific writing and the media
Graduates have gone on to work in roles including:
- research scientist
- sequencing and validation scientist
- research and development leadership programme scientist
- pharmaceutical data analyst
- site intelligence specialist
- phlebotomist
Graduate destinations
Organisations our graduates have gone on to work in include:
- Pall Europe
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies
- MedPharm
- Celgene
Placement year (optional)
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Summer research placement
You'll also have the opportunity to apply to a study exchange scheme, which involves a summer research placement at a European university.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.
There is a lot of practical work which helps me to learn, as you can put into practice what you have learnt in your lectures and see it first hand.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 30 credits each or two modules worth 45 credits each and one module worth 30 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
Through a mixture of lectures, workshops, and practical classes, you’ll delve into evolutionary concepts and the fundamentals of phylogenetics.
You’ll also gain an understanding of the rich diversity of life from its origins to present day and you’ll explore the major groups of organisms from the smallest bacteria to the largest plants and animals.
This module will give you a strong foundation on which to build your understanding of diversity, ecological processes, choice of biomedical or industrial model organisms, comparative physiology and more.
You'll develop a strong understanding of the structure and function of the molecules and organelles that make up living cells.
Sessions in laboratories will see you build your practical confidence in using key biochemical and microbiological techniques.
Your progress on this module will see you explore the diversity of microbial life, including how microorganisms grow and how they are studied in the labs.
You'll be given a thorough introduction to key laboratory equipment, techniques and methods that are widely used in biological sciences, and that will allow you to adopt good laboratory practice (GLP).
You'll learn these important lab techniques through various hands-on lab practical sessions, providing a learning-by-doing approach.
Additionally, a series of lectures and computer sessions will provide theory and practise for experimental design strategies and statistical analyses of resulting data sets, providing fundamental skills for interpreting scientific experiments and data. These skills will collectively form a basis for your future scientific studies and careers.
You'll uncover how biochemistry evolved from early ideas to modern breakthroughs shaping biology today.
Learn key concepts like enzyme kinetics and chemical equilibrium while exploring big data analysis.
Take part in practical sessions and workshops to build critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills for your future career.
Core modules
you'll learn how gene cloning and protein expression drive breakthroughs in biotechnology. Take part in practical lab sessions and workshops to develop advanced molecular biology skills.
Explore enzyme structure, kinetics, and engineering, and discover how these techniques shape modern research and innovation.
This module will see you examine in context the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin cell division, differentiation and death. You'll connect core cell biology to human disease and modern therapeutic approaches.
Through hands-on laboratory work, you'll also develop practical experience with immunological techniques used in cellular and molecular biology.
Learn how to plan and design a scientific research project, exploring experimental design, ethics and health and safety.
You’ll develop practical data analysis and coding skills by working with real datasets and using R to run and interpret statistical tests.
You’ll strengthen your career readiness by developing academic writing skills, creating professional CVs and cover letters, and reflecting on your future career goals.
Optional modules
You’ll get familiar with the big issues and contemporary debates in education studies as well as the role and expectations of a teacher.
You’ll develops fundamental knowledge and skills that teachers require, as well as your capability to structure and critique a lesson plan.
This module will see you study microbial interactions with humans, animals, and plants, and will learn about antimicrobial resistance.
You will also learn how microbes can modify the availability of essencial nutrients and their role in the environment.
In the laboratory practical sessions, you will learn how to work independently in a microbiology lab and how to cultivate and identify microbes.
This module will introduce you to the core principles of genetics, from inheritance and gene expression to molecular and evolutionary processes.
You’ll work with real genetic data through practical sessions and interactive workshops, building confidence in analysing sequences, mutations and inheritance patterns.
You’ll also apply bioinformatic tools and case studies to solve problems and understand how genetics informs modern bioscience research.
This module introduces you to developmental biology, exploring how complex organisms form, grow and change from early development through to adulthood.
You’ll learn how organs develop, how things can go wrong before birth, and how cells and stem cells help repair tissues later in life, linking development to disease and modern medicine.
Taught by active researchers, the module combines lectures, workshops and practical sessions to build your understanding, curiosity and confidence in this fascinating area of biomedical science.
The teaching and learning is accelerated to enable non-business students to gain a flavour of real world entrepreneurial opportunity as it exists within the bioscience sector and how they might successfully access it.
The module will: Develop graduate skills inclusive of enterprise, self-starting, effective communication, effective team work to include cooperation, negotiation and diversity, effective project management, problem solving, decision making, independent development by reflection and handling critical feedback, research and critical skills analysis, effective use of IT, numeracy and literacy.
It also provides a medium for students to develop 'simulated business relationships' to enhance confidence and become assertive professionals. Outside practitioners will also contribute to the learning to ensure transference to the real world of business.
Core modules
You'll plan and deliver an independent research project guided by your interests and career ambitions.
Through structured supervision and self-directed enquiry, you'll strengthen your ability to frame research questions, work with evidence, and evaluate findings critically.
The module helps you build confidence as an emerging professional, preparing you for postgraduate study or graduate roles that require independent thinking, problem solving and clear communication.
You’ll discover how biology and engineering combine to create innovative solutions. Learn to design and analyse proteins using advanced biophysical and molecular techniques.
Take part in hands-on case studies and explore emerging technologies that shape the future of biomolecular science.
In this module you'll discover the complexities of gene regulation, focusing on how gene expression is controlled at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
Through hands-on workshops you'll develop your data analysis abilities for gene expression studies, learning how to find, access, and effectively use key information from sequence databases. You'll also investigate the wider applications of genome analysis and critically eavluate methodologies for sequencing human genomes. By the end you'll deepen your understanding of gene regulation and its role in health and disease.
Bioinfomatics is an essential part in modern life sciences. This module will introduce key concepts in bioinformatics and its application in various fields of biology and biochemistry.
You'll develop practical skills in computer workshops. These include the application of web-based apps and databases, as well as scripting to employ existing programme libraries.
Optional modules
In this module, you'll study the presence, functions and activity of microbes in their natural environments; looking at how they adapt to different environments and interact with each other.
You'll learn modern approaches and techniques - including advanced molecular methods - and apply these in practical lab sessions after which you'll interpret and analyse results in scientific reports.
In computational workshops you'll learn how to analyse microbiome sequence data and enhance on the skills needed for exciting careers in microbiome sciences.
In this research-led module you’ll explore current hot topics in developmental biology. Embryonic development not only is a fundamental life process but also holds the key to understanding birth defects and regeneration.
Through seminars and workshops you’ll delve into current research papers, giving you the opportunity to learn about advanced methods and to analyse and interpret experimental evidence.
With the focus on up-to-date research, you’ll also develop critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of developmental biology and its medical applications.
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad.
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
- coursework, essays and write-ups
- presentations
- online exams
- data analysis problems
- research project
- written exams
- multiple choice tests
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- workshops
- lectures
- computer classes
- seminars
- practical lab work
- one-on-one tutorials
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Biochemistry degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and guided independent study sessions for about 13.5 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,790 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £19,950 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional course costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 units a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each unit.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,468 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,545 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £3,000 a year (subject to annual increase)
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – C700
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.