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University of Portsmouth · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry at University of Portsmouth covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
95%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Become a professional scientist on this accredited degree. Explore the latest biochemistry techniques in our molecular biology labs and be eligible to apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology when you graduate. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Portsmouth. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,500. (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.
8.9
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional92
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)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional95
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 80% (2021-23; 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 4 modules
- The Living WorldCore30 credits
Module details
Explore the diversity of life, how it evolved and how major groups of organisms are related. Through a mixture of lectures, workshops, and practical classes, you'll delve into evolutionary concepts and the fundamentals of phylogenetics.
- Cellular and Molecular Basis of LifeCore30 credits
Module details
Discover how life works at molecular level using hands-on lab work and real biological examples to explore cells, biomolecules and microbes. You'll develop a strong understanding of the structure and function of the molecules and organelles that make up living cells.
- Experimental BiologyCore30 credits
Module details
Train with fundamental skills to work effectively in biological science laboratories, and provide key skills in experimental design and analyses. You'll be given a thorough introduction to key laboratory equipment, techniques and methods that are widely used in biological sciences.
- Perspectives in BiochemistryCore30 credits
Module details
Discover the story of biochemistry, you'll explore landmark discoveries, learn essential chemical concepts, and develop practical skills through workshops and hands-on data analysis.
Year 2 8 modules
- Gene Cloning To Enzyme EngineeringCore30 credits
Module details
Master the science behind genetic engineering, you'll clone genes, express proteins, and explore enzyme design through hands-on lab work and cutting-edge bioinformatics tools.
- Cell Biology of Cancer and ImmunityCore15 credits
Module details
Explore the cellular and molecular factors that drive cancer and immune responses while developing the analytical and laboratory skills needed for modern cellular biology.
- Research and Career PlanningCore30 credits
Module details
Build confidence in research and your future career by learning how to design projects, analyse data in R, and prepare for graduate employment.
- Introduction to TeachingOptional20 credits
Module details
If you're interested in maybe one day becoming a teacher, this module will give you an introduction to teaching as a career.
- MicrobiologyOptional15 credits
Module details
Learn about microbial diversity, cultivation techniques, and how to work in a microbiology lab. This module will see you study microbial interactions with humans, animals, and plants, and will learn about antimicrobial resistance.
- GeneticsOptional15 credits
Module details
Explore the foundations of genetics and discover how genes shape organisms, evolution and inheritance through hands-on data analysis and real-world examples.
- Development, Stem Cells and DifferentiationOptional30 credits
Module details
Explore how life develops from a single cell, and how development, repair and disease are closely connected.
- Business for BioscienceOptional30 credits
Module details
Designed to introduce and apply the principles of those business disciplines required to develop a new business idea.
Year 3 6 modules
- Research ProjectCore30 credits
Module details
Design and complete an independent research project, developing advanced investigation, analysis, and communication skills while exploring a topic that matters to you.
- Engineering BiologyCore15 credits
Module details
Explore how biology meets engineering. You'll learn to design and analyse proteins, using cutting-edge techniques to solve real-world challenges in biomolecular science.
- The Genome in Health and DiseaseCore30 credits
Module details
Comprehensive examination of key concepts in gene regulation and the broad applications of genome analysis, aiming to understand how the genome functions in both health and disease.
- BioinformaticsCore15 credits
Module details
Master core skills for analysing genomics and protein data. Bioinfomatics is an essential part in modern life sciences.
- MicrobiomesOptional30 credits
Module details
Gain a deeper understanding of microbial life that drive important interactions with the wider world and drive important processes.
- Current Topics in Development, Congenital Disorders and RegenerationOptional30 credits
Module details
Explore current research in embryonic development and its application in medicine.
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 accredited degree focuses on professional biochemistry practice, with emphasis on the latest molecular biology laboratory techniques. You'll usually start with cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and practical lab skills. Year 2 progresses to molecular biology, physiology and microbiology, alongside research methods and a lab-based project. In your final year, you'll select specialist options such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience. You'll also engage with current research literature and complete an extended supervised research investigation. Throughout, you'll develop hands-on experience in our molecular biology labs and build expertise for professional scientific work.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent (85% of entrants over recent years). The typical UCAS tariff band among accepted students was 112–127 points.
University & format
This is a 3-year full-time BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Portsmouth, a public university. The course is taught in English and is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body system. Upon graduation, you're eligible to apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology. The university holds a Gold award for teaching quality from 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.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 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.
Published entry112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or typical offer · including either biology or chemistry
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 112-120 points to include 3 A levels, or including either biology or chemistry. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent85% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Portsmouth's official course page for the current offer.
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 | 85% |
| a Baccalaureate | 10% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
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.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
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.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 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.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Portsmouth whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£19,950 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Portsmouth →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
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.
Funding matched to this course
All University of Portsmouth funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Criminology graduates joining Thames Valley Police
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
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 | £24,500 | £23,000 – £26,500 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £21,000 – £27,500 | 55 |
| 5 years after | £30,500 | £25,500 – £38,000 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
95%
in work or further study 15 months on
95%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
90%
find their work meaningful
75%
say work fits their future plans
- 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
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,500
£23,000 – £29,000After 3 years LEO
£24,000
£20,400 – £28,800After 5 years LEO
£30,500
£25,075 – £35,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,000 – £36,500
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.
95 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
30% working30% working and studying30% in further study95% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. 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.
This course £30,500Peer median £29,500Middle 50% £27,500–£33,000
55th percentile
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.
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 30% 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: 65; response rate: 60%. 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.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Biological Sciences courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow 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 & NordicsJLLLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is 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
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,500. 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 8.9 out of 10: NSS 91.7% · in work or study 95% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Portsmouth
All students24,015
International24.5%
Aged 25+27.1%
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Portsmouth
2,930 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 1120Anti Social Behaviour 450Public Order 252Shoplifting 242Drugs 164
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 Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £19,950 / 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 University of Portsmouth’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 Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Portsmouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by the University of Portsmouth. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 95% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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