Skip navigation
Biochemistry at Aston University, Birmingham - UCAS

Course summary

Dive into the molecular world and unlock solutions to global challenges! Our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry programme at Aston University places you at the cutting edge of discovery. You'll delve into the molecular 'nuts and bolts' of proteins to drive innovative drug discovery, learn to design and build novel biological solutions using synthetic biology, and engage with revolutionary technologies like organ-on-a-chip that are transforming how we study life and disease. Join us at the forefront of this dynamic and vital scientific field. This degree equips you with a deep understanding of biochemical principles and the practical, computational, and analytical skills demanded by employers. You'll explore the intricate mechanisms of life, from biomolecules to complex biological systems, while also delving into cutting-edge areas like bioinformatics, computational modelling, and synthetic biology. Choose the pathway that suits your ambitions: 4-Year Programme - full-time, with integrated placement year: Gain invaluable real-world experience, enhance your CV, and often secure graduate roles through our highly recommended, transformative placement year. This is the pathway most Aston Biochemistry students choose for its proven career benefits. 3-Year Programme - full-time: A focused route for those seeking direct progression to further study or specific career paths that do not require an industrial placement. Whichever route you choose, you'll benefit from hands-on laboratory work in state-of-the-art facilities, expert teaching informed by the latest research, and a curriculum designed to develop not just your scientific knowledge, but also your leadership potential and professional skills. As an Aston Biochemistry graduate, you'll be empowered to contribute meaningfully to fields like medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science. Why study Biochemistry at Aston University? • Flexible pathways: Tailor your degree with a 3-year direct route or the highly regarded 4-year programme featuring a placement year. Our dedicated and award-winning placements teams will be able to guide you through the process. • Cutting-edge curriculum: Explore core biochemistry alongside modern disciplines like computational biology, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology. • Professionally accredited: Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), ensuring high standards and enhancing your employability. • Gold standard teaching: Aston University proudly holds Triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023) – the highest possible rating and only one of a few institutions in the county to be awarded this prize. • Excellent student experience: Join a supportive community. 94% of our students felt positive about teaching on their course (NSS 2024). Facilities • Modern teaching and research labs: In addition to well-equipped spaces designed for hands-on experiments, we also house state of the art cell culture facilities as well as chemistry labs. • Specialist equipment: Access industry-standard instrumentation including spectrometers (UV-Vis, Fluorescence), microscopes (confocal, electron), chromatography systems (HPLC, GC), cell culture facilities, and molecular biology tools. • Dedicated computer labs: Utilise powerful workstations equipped with specialised software for molecular modelling, bioinformatics analysis, data visualisation, and statistical processing. • Aston library: Access vast digital and print resources, scientific databases, e-journals, and quiet study spaces 24/7 during key periods. • Collaborative study areas: Spaces designed for group work and discussion. • Virtual Learning Environment: Comprehensive online access to course materials, lecture recordings, and resources.

Modules

Year 1: Biomolecules | Cells to Systems | Microbiology and Genetics | Molecular Metabolism. Year 2: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology | Mechanisms of Pathology | Cell Membranes | Protein Structure and Function. Year 3: Biosciences placement year if you choose the 4-year course option. Final Year: Research Project Preparation | Research Project | Professional Development for Biochemists. See website for full details.

Assessment method

Everyone is different and we use a variety of assessment methods to evaluate your understanding and skills, reflecting the diverse demands of a scientific career. These include: • Examinations (essays, short answers, MCQs) • Laboratory reports and practical assessments • Data analysis and interpretation tasks (including computational work) • Research project reports and dissertations • Oral presentations and posters • Essays and critical reviews • Group projects • Computer-based assessments.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
C700
Institution code:
A80
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Please visit our helpful webpage for International Applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/international

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Offerholders Visit Days Once you have received an offer, you will be invited to an Offerholders Visit Day to discover more about the course and Aston University.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/courses/biochemistry-bsc/


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit 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
International £21500 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

UK students (Home Undergraduate): The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250. International students (Overseas Undergraduate): The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500. All students: The duration of your programme is set out above and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions (aston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-12/Terms_and_Conditions_of_Enrolment_2025-6.pdf) and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Sponsorship information

Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding

Biochemistry at Aston University, Birmingham - UCAS