13Jun
UndergraduateDurham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Course details Biochemistry plays a vital role in scientific and medical developments. It is the force behind many life-improving advances, from vaccines that protect against disease to the analysis of forensic samples used to help solve crimes. Combining aspects of life sciences and chemical sciences, the BSc in Biochemistry explores processes that are key to our understanding of life at a molecular level. This wide-ranging degree will build your understanding of a diverse range of topics from genetics and biotechnology to physiology and metabolism. It develops the analytical and practical skills you will need to address the challenges of the modern world. The ever-changing discipline of Biosciences gives us valuable insight into life in its many different forms, from molecules to global populations. Biosciences explores many of the fundamentally important questions facing humankind – finding the answers will shape the future of life on Earth. Why Durham University? We are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Our equipment includes electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transgenic studies, genomics, DNA analysis and proteomics, bioinformatics, remote sensing, ecological field sampling and computer modelling. Teaching and research in the Department covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and often collaborate on projects with other disciplines such as the physical sciences. Our research-led approach to teaching has been designed to immerse you in a mix of theoretical and practical learning from day one, equipping you with a wide range of analytical and practical skills that will prepare you to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Rankings 4th in the Guardian University Guide 2025 5th in the Complete University Guide 2025 6th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 Careers Opportunities Students receive an outstanding education in biosciences, also gaining valuable transferable skills to prepare them for future challenges, enhancing personal development and improving their employment prospects. Graduates have gone on to roles in teaching, the health sector, industrial R&D and biotechnology, management, accountancy, conservation, ecological and environmental services, broadcast and print science journalism, environmental and biological patent law, the pharmaceutical industry, the civil service, and the armed services. Graduates have also entered the NHS scientist training program. A large number also progress to postgraduate study at universities across the UK and overseas.
Modules
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
Assessment method
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations and coursework including essays, practical reports, analytical exercises, case studies and oral presentations. Literature reviews, project reports and laboratory workshop reports also play an important part in Biochemistry. In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C702
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/ International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - AAAAB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 37 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB (or equivalent, to include Mathematics at grade A, and Chemistry and a third subject at grades B). To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component under 6.0 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | with no component under 23 |
Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/
English Language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £33250 | Year 1 |
| International | £33250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Sponsorship information
Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE