MSci (Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Experience Integrated Master's degree at the University of Reading
MSci (Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Experience at University of Reading. You'll undertake an independent project and develop research and professional skills throughout, moving between university-based study and workplace application across five years.
About this course
MSci (Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Experience is an Integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons)) at the University of Reading. It runs 5 years, studied full-time.
For Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (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: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2021-23; 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.
Year 1 8 modules
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of LifeCompulsory
Module details
Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You'll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.
- Fundamentals of MicrobiologyCompulsory
Module details
Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You'll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
- Anatomy and PhysiologyCompulsory
Module details
Explore how organs work to support life. You will be introduced to the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body, and to the physiological processes taking part within and between them.
- Fundamentals of BiochemistryCompulsory
Module details
Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.
- General Chemistry BCompulsory
Module details
Understand how the chemical reactions that occur in living systems follow the same principles and mechanisms as those that take place in the laboratory. Designed specifically for students in the life sciences, this module covers the fundamental chemical concepts for the molecular sciences, including core ideas in physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry.
- Fundamentals of EvolutionOptional
Module details
Learn about the mechanisms of evolution, the diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution, and discover how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology.
- History of Life on EarthOptional
Module details
Gain an understanding of the development of life on our planet. You'll cover the major events and processes that shaped life on Earth, including climate change and mass extinctions, evolution of plants on land and when vertebrates stepped out of the water.
- Human PathologyOptional
Module details
Gain solid theoretical and practical knowledge and essential skills to understand the role of pathology in human disease diagnosis in biomedical research or healthcare.
Year 2 9 modules
- Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to DiagnosticsCompulsory
Module details
Build on what you've learned in previous modules and explore in depth the biochemistry of cellular pathways in both healthy and disease states. You'll explore how changes in these pathways can dictate physiological outcomes and contribute to disease development and progression.
- Bioinformatics and Computational BiologyCompulsory
Module details
Learn the key concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology, including the basics of algorithms, machine learning, and agent-based systems. You'll gain the necessary programming and computational skills required for a successful career in modern biology.
- Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular BiologyCompulsory
Module details
Expand your understanding of the processes underlying cellular function, and explore at the molecular level the mechanisms by which cells work and how these mechanisms are regulated.
- Medical GeneticsCompulsory
Module details
Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You'll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.
- Research and Professional SkillsCompulsory
Module details
Through a combination of lectures, workshops, academic tutor-led sessions and group activities, you'll develop and refine your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, effectively communicate ideas, handle data and apply appropriate quantitative approaches.
- Molecular MicrobiologyOptional
Module details
Learn about microbial genetics and evolution, including the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer. You'll also learn how bacteria protect the integrity of their genomes against DNA damage, discover they sense and respond to environmental stress, and how they regulate their cell cycle and control the replication of their genomes.
- Infectious DiseasesOptional
Module details
Explore the infectious diseases afflicting the various systems of the human body, and the pathogens that cause them. You'll gain a deep understanding of their transmission, dissemination, pathogenesis, detection, and the development of therapies and prevention methods.
- Haematology and ImmunologyOptional
Module details
Discover the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. You'll explore topics such as the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease, the main forms of immunopathology, and how vaccines are produced.
- Integrated Anatomy and PhysiologyOptional
Module details
Learn about the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body and the physiological processes taking part within and between them.
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 Integrated Master's places professional experience at its core, combining taught biochemistry with a work placement that gives you real-world laboratory and research skills in industry or academic settings. You'll usually begin with foundations in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and practical lab technique. Year 2 moves deeper into molecular biology and physiology or microbiology, alongside research methods and your first substantial lab project. Year 3 introduces specialist options, such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience, alongside critical engagement with current research literature and an extended research project. The professional experience component (typically Year 4) immerses you in a placement role before you return for final-year advanced study, deepening your specialist knowledge and research independence.
Who it's for
You'll thrive here if you have strong analytical skills and genuine curiosity about biological and chemical processes at the molecular level. This course suits those who value hands-on investigation: you'll run experiments, interpret data, and solve problems in real time. You'll want to combine independent research with direct involvement in professional science, and to spend a year working in industry, research, or clinical settings during your degree. If you're drawn to biochemistry but want to test your skills in a workplace before deciding your career path, this setup gives you that space.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 85% of Biological Sciences graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree. Among those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. Graduate earnings across Biological Sciences are typically £23,000–£29,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years, according to national Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data. The professional experience year on this degree may enhance your understanding of career options and strengthen your employability in research, industry, or clinical roles.
University & format
This course is studied full-time at the University of Reading, a University located in England, over 5 years. Taught and assessed in English, it leads to an MSci (Hons) degree, an Integrated Master's award. Reading is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its teaching in this area was judged Silver 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.
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 | 95% |
| an Access course | 5% |
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 (code C704). 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 University of Reading →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 | £24,000 | £23,000 – £26,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £23,500 | £21,000 – £28,500 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 | 35 |
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
- 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: 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.
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.
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
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: 40; 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. 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 8.6 out of 10: NSS 88.4% · in work or study 80% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Reading
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 University of Reading
1,062 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 Reading from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £30,650 / 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 Reading’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 Reading and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Reading
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Foundation YearBSc (Hons) · University of ReadingBSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Professional ExperienceBSc (Hons) · University of ReadingBSc (Hons) BiochemistryBSc (Hons) · University of ReadingBSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation YearBSc (Hons) · University of Reading
Common questions
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