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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (with Foundation Year) Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (with Foundation Year) at Northampton. You'll build knowledge across core biochemical theory, research methods and practical laboratory work, while developing specialist expertise through optional modules and an independent project.
About this course
Understand the interconnectedness of chemistry, physics and biology by exploring different topics on our Biochemistry degree. Apply to UON today From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Biological and sport sciences graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £27,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Sport & Exercise Science, 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: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 60% (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.
Year 1 6 modules
- Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to give level 4 students an introduction to human biochemistry and cell biology. You will study the molecules and chemical processes that occur in living organisms, and explore the structure and function of cells, their components, and their interactions with the external environment.
- Introduction to MicrobiologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide an insight into how invading organisms can cause disease and relate human world health issues to populations. This module allows students to develop a broad understanding of infectious disease across the globe and the biology of the causative agents, as well as examining intrinsic & extrinsic strategies to combat microbial pathogens.
- Genetics and Molecular BiologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to give you an introduction to genetics and molecular biology. You will learn about the fundamental mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translation. You will also explore how the tools of molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, allow the manipulation and understanding of genes and the proteins they encode.
- Anatomy and PhysiologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide an appropriate level of understanding of the anatomy and to introduce the student to the basic principles and concepts of physiology. Enabling an understanding of different body systems and how they are integrated to produce homeostasis. The focus will be on human anatomy & physiology and will study the form and functions of the major body systems.
- Biochemical SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the laboratory practices best suited for the discipline of biochemistry. Students will study molecules and chemical interactions and how we identify them while applying this understanding to identifying disease.
- Foundations of ChemistryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide level 4 students with an introduction to the fundamental chemical principles necessary to understand the chemistry of biological systems. The module will study organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. It will entail studying atomic and molecular structure and chemical interactions leading to a description of the reactivity of the function groups and reaction mechanisms that are found in biological systems and the fundamental forces that underpin chemica
Year 2 8 modules
- Bioscience Research MethodsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop knowledge and understanding of quantitative research methods, analysis and research skills within the context of human bioscience. The emphasis will be upon understanding and experiencing the entire research process from conception to presentation and developing the critical skills necessary to undertake an independent research project.
- Processes of Life: BiochemistryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to give the student the opportunity to investigate the mechanisms underlying metabolic activities and physiological processes. By achieving the learning outcomes, this module aims to develop an understanding of biochemical regulation of the processes of life. Students will work toward securing the basic foundation needed to study all areas of biology, preparing them to undertake their independent research projects.
- Applied ChemistryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides students with the skills needed to identify the theory behind chemical and physical processes and how this understanding leads to breakthrough understandings in applied chemistry and biology. Students will be able to understand the need for mathematical importance on all biological systems.
- Molecular & Cellular BiologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to explore the way biological macromolecules interact to sense external and internal stimuli and transmit signals to effect responses by altering cellular processes. This will be examined at the molecular, cellular and systems level and students will gain an appreciation of the complexities of biochemical systems and an understanding of how to evaluate the techniques used to study them and the data that is generated.
- Genes and GenomicsOptional20 credits
Module details
The sequencing of the human genome has enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of disease and led to the emerging fields of both bioinformatics and genomics. This module will extend the students' appreciation of molecular biology learnt in SLS1020 while introducing students to both genomics and bioinformatics. The focus will be on applications of genomics to human disease, forensics and sports science.
- Principles of PharmacologyOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a grounding in pharmacology that will focus on basic mechanisms of drug action, e.g. how drugs interact with the body and understand how drug action is measured quantitatively.
- BioinformaticsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to bioinformatics and equip them with the ability to apply computational skills, knowledge and methods to analyse and interpret complex biological data.
- Physiology 2Optional20 credits
Module details
This module emphasises the integration of sensory input and effector output that play a role in specific human behaviour. It also considers a range of human behaviours such as movement, emotion, sleep, addiction and stress, from a biological viewpoint. This module aims to help students develop skills in preparation for more independent learning in level six. To help students understand which biological systems are responsible for human behaviours and to allow students to develop and understand h
Year 3 8 modules
- Clinical BiochemistryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to explore the ways in which the analysis of body fluids and tissues are critical to patient care and contribute significantly towards the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prognosis to most disease processes. A wide range of laboratory-based tests with relevance to clinical conditions will be covered.
- Contemporary Issues in BiochemistryCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to empower students with the understanding of key issues that biochemists face in today's society through the critical exploration of issues such as pandemics, epidemics, testing, outbreak variants and future concerns.
- Biochemistry DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
This module allows the student to formulate a research question and undertake independent research in a chosen topic area of Biochemistry.
- Integrated Medical GeneticsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to build on the understanding of material learnt in SLS2001. This will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of how genes behave both at the level of the individual and in populations. There will be an emphasis on linkage, association, and interaction of genes with other genes and the environment, and a discussion of how these factors influence complex traits and diseases.
- Molecular and Cellular NeuroscienceOptional20 credits
Module details
Build on the knowledge of the CNS, neurophysiology and pharmacology studied in previous years. To develop an understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying phenomenon such as neural plasticity and synaptic potentiation. To develop an understanding of the CNS in health and disease.
- Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide an apropriate level of understanding of the anatomy and to introduce the student to the basic principles and concepts of physiology. Enableing an understanding of different body systems and how they are integrated to produce homeostasis. The focus will be on human anatomy & physiology and will study the form and functions of the major body systems.
- Gene RegulationOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to explore the complex mechanisms of genetic regulation in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms and to gain an understanding of how changes in gene expression and RNA processing can impact phenotypes or behaviours. The module aims to develop students' ability to critically interpret and use research data and publications to form conclusions about gene regulation and RNA processing.
- Work based learningOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to develop students' laboratory skills in either a; medical, industrial or research setting in order to gain confidence in the highly transferable skills which lead to increased employment potential.
Foundation Year 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in ScienceCompulsory40 credits
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 degree explores the interconnectedness of chemistry, physics and biology through biochemistry. You'll normally begin with foundational material in general science before progressing to specialist study. A course like this typically moves from core topics such as cellular chemistry and molecular biology, through applied areas including analytical and organic biochemistry, and into independent research. As you progress, you'll usually combine laboratory practicals with theoretical study. In later years, you may specialise in areas such as medicinal chemistry, protein science, or industrial applications, culminating in a substantial research project that draws on your practical and analytical skills developed throughout the course.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding how molecular processes sustain life and want to develop strong hands-on laboratory skills alongside scientific rigour. You'll thrive if you enjoy solving complex problems, working through detailed experiments and thinking across disciplines. This course suits you if you're considering research, pharmaceutical development, quality assurance or postgraduate study, and you're ready to commit four years to building real expertise in a field that demands precision and intellectual curiosity.
University & format
The University of Northampton is a university located at Waterside Campus. This is a 4-year full-time degree studied in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. The University of Northampton holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
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 | 100% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
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. 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 Northampton →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
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 Sport & Exercise Science 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 | £27,000 | £23,000 – £30,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £22,000 | £18,500 – £26,000 | 110 |
| 5 years after | £27,500 | £23,000 – £32,500 | 110 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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 sport & exercise science · 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 Sport & Exercise Science nationally
National figures for Sport & Exercise Science 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: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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 Sport & Exercise Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 915 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.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Therapy professionalsSOC 2020 222 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,338
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: 105; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (with Foundation Year) worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (with Foundation Year) earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The model remains below break even after 30 years. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Sport & Exercise Science 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 Sport & Exercise Science 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
- Sports clubs & NGBs
- Leisure providers
- Schools
- The NHS
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Sport & Exercise Science graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £27,000. 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 7.4 out of 10: NSS 87% · in work or study 75% · continued 60%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
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 Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 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 Sport & Exercise Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / 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 Northampton’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 Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
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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