BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year at RHUL structure covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year BSc | Royal Holloway, University of London Skip to main content Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year Thank you for considering an application Here's what you need in order to apply: Royal Holloway's institution code: R72 Make a note of the UCAS code for the course yo From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Integrated Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at RHUL, based in Egham Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry graduates from this provider, 86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 55% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 86% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation Year 7 modules
- Foundation Mathematics for Life ScientistsCore
Module details
Aims to develop mathematical skills of students on Life Sciences degrees with an Integrated Foundation Year. Students learn to apply mathematical principles to applications within Life Sciences including healthcare, chemistry, microbiology and marine biology. Topics covered include unit conversions, balancing equations, functions, logs, exponentials and trigonometry.
- Global and Planetary HealthCore
Module details
Built around global issues of importance. Topics likely include Virtual reality, Health apps, Internet of medical things, Mental Health, Climate catastrophe, Global biodiversity crisis, Technology for monitoring the environment and The 'One Health' approach. Develops study skills including critical thinking, writing, literature review, and academic referencing.
- Foundation Life Sciences and The EnvironmentCore
Module details
Key topics in pre-HE-level biological and earth sciences through interdisciplinary, chronological curriculum. Content divided into three sections: origins, present and future. Covers biological chemistry, metabolism, physiology, planetary science, palaeontology, communicable and non-communicable disease, climate change, biodiversity, ecosystem services, nucleic acid-based technologies and renewable energy sources.
- Foundation Practical Skills and Research (Biological Sciences)Core
- Foundation Statistics for Life SciencesCore
Module details
Develops statistics skills of students on Life Sciences degrees with an Integrated Foundation Year. Students learn to apply statistical analysis to applications within Life Sciences including geology, ecology, biomedical sciences and health studies. Topics include interpreting p-values and errors, linear regression, Chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon test, and principal component analysis.
- Environmental Science for Foundation Life SciencesCore
Module details
Key topics in pre-HE level Environmental Science through interdisciplinary, chronological curriculum. Covers origins of the planet, nutrient cycling, succession, and effects of human actions on environment and species, and mitigation strategies.
- Life Sciences II: Organ SystemsCore
Module details
Key systems including circulatory, ventilatory and reproductive in broad range of species including humans, plants and vertebrate and invertebrate species. Explores key chemical concepts, anatomical and physiological adaptations to life, and impact of disease on these systems.
Year 1 7 modules
- Becoming a BioscientistCore
Module details
Develops understanding of key scientific concepts and effective science communication. Learn to process and critique different forms of information and communicate science to both scientific and non-scientific audiences using diverse media, forms and methods. Examines ethical issues surrounding research and intervention.
- Cell Biology and the Origin of LifeCore
Module details
Understanding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell biology and key functions of structures and organelles. Origin of life and principles of natural selection and evolution. Practical techniques in microscopy including fixation techniques for analysis of cell ultrastructure and aseptic techniques for bacterial culture.
- GeneticsCore
Module details
Understanding of genes and their behaviour in individual organisms, in populations, and at molecular level within the cell. Cellular genetics with respect to mitosis, meiosis, inheritance and recombination. Fundamentals of gene expression, its control, and DNA replication. Genome organisation, transcription, and translation. Practical experience of microscopy techniques including slide preparation for observation of chromosomes.
- Chemistry of LifeCore
Module details
Understanding of fundamental chemistry of life processes and laboratory experiments. Basics of biological chemistry including chemical bonding and reactivity of important biomolecules, intermolecular forces, 3D structure and isomerism. Equilibria in acid/base biochemistry. Basic biochemical lab techniques and data analysis.
- Fundamental BiochemistryCore
Module details
Understanding of basics of biochemistry. Key techniques for biochemical analysis including spectroscopy and fundamentals of protein structure. Structure/function relationships in myoglobin, hemoglobin and serine proteases. Solving biochemical kinetic problems using Michaelis-Menten equation and thermodynamic problems including equilibrium constants.
- Protein Biochemistry and EnzymologyCore
Module details
Understanding of main concepts of classic protein biochemistry including protein purification, enzyme kinetics, and enzyme structure. Basic principles of protein purification techniques and enzyme kinetics using Michaelis-Menten equation. Underlying biochemistry of analytical methods and applications in research and diagnostics. Practical experience in performing analytical methods in laboratory practicals. Biochemical buffers and preparation from stock solutions.
- Academic IntegrityCore
Module details
Key principles of academic integrity focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning described as activities that undermine academic integrity. Consequences of engaging in such activities. Activities with feedback to reflect and develop understanding of academic integrity principles.
Year 2 5 modules
- Bioenergetics and MetabolismCore
Module details
Understanding of major pathways for electron transfer and energy conversion in living systems. How energy is utilised in biosynthesis and the role of enzymes, coenzymes and metabolic intermediates. Principle of flux control and metabolic regulation and mechanisms that balance activity of key pathways to physiological demands. Main features of human energy metabolism and relationship to obesity and diabetes. Importance of protein glycosylation and biosynthesis of protein glycans.
- Protein Structure and FunctionCore
Module details
Understanding of protein structure, protein folding in vivo, and principles of protein engineering and protein-protein interaction. Methods for separation, purification, detection, and structural analysis of proteins. Practical experience in techniques such as SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Mechanisms of enzyme catalysis and regulation.
- Molecular BiologyCore
Module details
Understanding of chemical structure of DNA and RNA, and how genes are organised and expressed. Gene characterisation using recombinant DNA technology. DNA as template for RNA synthesis. Molecular biology techniques widely used in life sciences including preparation and handling of purified DNA, restriction enzyme digestions, and polymerase chain reaction.
- Physical Biochemistry for Life ScientistsCore
Module details
Understanding of behaviour of macromolecules in solution and key analytical methods used for their study. Range of spectroscopic techniques including fluorescence, phosphorescence and circular dichroism. Surface plasmon resonance measurements, interferometry, and biocalorimetry. Principles of scanning force microscopy (SFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Emerging field of nanobiotechnology.
- Natural Product Biochemistry and SustainabilityCore
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines a foundation year with a full biochemistry degree, giving you time to build your knowledge before specialising. You'll usually start with cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and practical lab skills. As you progress through Year 2, you'll move into molecular biology, physiology and microbiology, alongside research methods and supervised lab work. In your final year, you'll choose from specialist areas such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience. Throughout, you'll develop competence in lab technique and data analysis, culminating in an extended research project that lets you investigate a topic of genuine interest under supervision.
Who it's for
This course suits students aiming for a biochemistry qualification who may benefit from a foundation year to consolidate their scientific knowledge. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical entrants achieving a UCAS tariff of 112–127 points. The integrated foundation year provides additional preparation before progressing to the main degree.
University & format
This 4-year full-time degree is taught at Royal Holloway, University of London, a higher education college located on the Egham Campus. The course is taught in English and leads to a BSc (Hons) award. Royal Holloway is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its degrees are nationally recognised. The university received a Silver award in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework in 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| a Baccalaureate | 6% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| an Access course | 2% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C70F). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at RHUL →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £26,000 | £24,000 – £28,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £27,500 | £24,000 – £36,000 | 75 |
| 5 years after | £36,000 | £28,500 – £46,000 | 85 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 771 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Secretarial and related occupationsDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 95; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Head of School, Biological Sciences - Strategic Leadership & GrowthUNIVERSITY OF READINGEducation-Focused Assistant Professor, Biological SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambicBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambic Therapeutics, IncCrop Geneticist The James Hutton Institute, Department of Cell & Molecular SciencesEuropean Plant Science OrganisationRegional Lead, Life Sciences FM, UK, Ireland & NordicsJLLIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
86% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 87.9% · in work or study 86% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Egham Campus
437 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to RHUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £29,900 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check RHUL’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with RHUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at RHUL
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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