BSc (Hons) Biochemistry Bachelor's degree at the University of Exeter
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at University of Exeter. Biochemistry at Exeter sits within the university's Biosciences department, giving students access to a research-intensive environment where the study of molecular life sciences is embedded in an active research culture.
About this course
Explore what Exeter graduates do | Career Zone | University of Exeter Section links Career Planning Reflect on yourself Explore your options Exploring Postgraduate Study Employment Sectors Explore what Exeter graduates do Anthropology Arab and Islamic Studies Archaeology Art History and Visual Culture Biosciences Class From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Exeter, based in Streatham Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,500. (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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 100% (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 7 modules
- BiochemistryCompulsory15 credits
- Fundamental Principles for BioscientistsCompulsory15 credits
- GeneticsCompulsory15 credits
- MicrobiologyCompulsory15 credits
- CellsCompulsory15 credits
- Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds ICompulsory15 credits
- General ChemistryCompulsory30 credits
Year 2 31 modules
- Research Skills and BioethicsCompulsory15 credits
- Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds IICompulsory15 credits
- MetabolismCompulsory15 credits
- Advanced Cell BiologyCompulsory15 credits
- Analytical Techniques in BiochemistryCompulsory15 credits
- Learning from Professional Placement ExperienceCompulsory30 credits
- Professional Placement and ReportCompulsory90 credits
- Study Abroad (HLS)Compulsory120 credits
- Horizons of Biochemical ResearchCompulsory15 credits
- Biosciences Research ProjectCompulsory45 credits
- Protein Structure in Research and IndustryCompulsory15 credits
- Forensic ScienceOptional15 credits
- Molecular Biology of the GeneOptional15 credits
- Bioinorganic ChemistryOptional15 credits
- Genomics and Introductory BioinformaticsOptional15 credits
- Modern Theories of EvolutionOptional15 credits
- Molecular Plant ScienceOptional15 credits
- Advanced MicrobiologyOptional15 credits
- Medical GeneticsOptional15 credits
- Experimental PharmacologyOptional15 credits
- Employability and Career DevelopmentOptional15 credits
- Pharmacology and Medicinal ChemistryOptional15 credits
- Beyond the Frontiers of Medical MycologyOptional15 credits
- Molecular Biology of Bacterial InfectionOptional15 credits
- Frontiers in Molecular Cell BiologyOptional15 credits
- Cellular Basis of ImmunityOptional15 credits
- Cell Biology of DiseaseOptional15 credits
- Organic Synthesis and Drug DesignOptional15 credits
- Secondary MetabolitesOptional15 credits
- BioinformaticsOptional15 credits
- Science CommunicationOptional15 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
The course is structured to build knowledge and skills in stages. Early study establishes core theory in biochemistry and related biological sciences, giving students a solid grounding in molecular and cellular processes. This is complemented by research & methods teaching, where students learn the practical and analytical techniques used in laboratory science, and by applied practice, which connects theoretical knowledge to real scientific problems. As the course progresses, students can explore specialist options, such as areas of biochemistry that align with their particular interests, alongside developing professional skills relevant to scientific careers. The course culminates in an independent project, giving students the chance to design and carry out a substantial piece of research of their own, working through a question from planning to conclusions under academic supervision.
Who it's for
This course suits someone who is curious about the chemistry of life and wants to understand biological processes at a molecular level, the kind of person who enjoys asking why a cell behaves the way it does, or how a protein's structure determines its function. It will appeal to students who are comfortable with both biology and chemistry and who like the idea of working methodically in a laboratory, testing ideas, and interpreting data rather than only reading about science. Because the course builds towards an independent research project, it suits someone who is self-motivated and keen to take ownership of a piece of work, developing their own questions and following them through. Most students accepted onto the course arrive with A-levels or equivalent qualifications, typically within the 160–175 UCAS tariff range, reflecting a solid academic foundation in the sciences. Studying biochemistry here will feel like a steady progression: building confidence with core concepts before moving into more specialised, hands-on and self-directed scientific work, in an environment shaped by ongoing research activity.
Careers & job market
Nationally, graduates of Biological Sciences courses tend to move into a mix of employment and further study: 85% of graduates from this field are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and of those in work, 60% are in highly skilled roles or further study. These are national Graduate Outcomes figures rather than statistics specific to this course or university, but they give a general sense of the destinations open to bioscience graduates. National earnings data (LEO) for this field shows starting salaries 15 months after graduation ranging from £23,000 to £29,000, with figures after three years spanning £20,400 to £28,800, and after five years £25,075 to £35,400. These ranges reflect national outcomes across many employers and roles, not a promised salary for any individual graduate. The university's Career Zone also provides resources for exploring what graduates from various subject areas, including biosciences, go on to do, which can be a useful starting point for thinking about longer-term direction.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Biochemistry is a three-year, full-time course delivered in English at the University of Exeter's Streatham Campus. Exeter is a public, Russell Group university founded in 1955, recognised as a degree-awarding body whose qualifications are nationally recognised. The university also offers bursaries and scholarships, and prospective students are encouraged to check Exeter's funding pages for details on eligibility and how to apply.
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.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Industrial placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
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 | 75% |
| a Baccalaureate | 10% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| a foundation course | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Exeter →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 | £26,500 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 75 |
| 3 years after | £23,500 | £18,000 – £30,000 | 375 |
| 5 years after | £30,500 | £23,500 – £37,000 | 415 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% 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: 50; response rate: 55%. 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,500. 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 9.0 out of 10: NSS 85.6% · in work or study 85% · continued 100%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Exeter
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 Streatham Campus
1,452 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 University of Exeter from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Exeter; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. 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 University of Exeter’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 University of Exeter and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Exeter
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.