MSci Biochemistry - 2025 entry

Entry requirements (typical offer)

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

Course content

The four-year MSci Biochemistry programme mirrors the BSc Biochemistry programme during the first three years, but also includes an additional fourth year during which you will undertake a research project. This will focus on a specialised area aligned with one of our leading research groups. You will also undertake advanced modules in your final year.

The degree programme in Biochemistry focuses on understanding the biochemical control of biological processes, particularly in the cell, and the tools for investigating these mechanisms. After a broad first year, this degree focuses on cellular biochemistry providing specialist modules aimed at understanding key topics at the frontiers of cell biology. As you progress through years two and three, a wide choice of biochemistry module options are available.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Laboratory sessions
• Independent study

You will have the opportunity to undertake challenging independent research projects dealing with questions and issues. Regular research seminars, by our staff and visiting lecturers, bring you the latest issues on a wide range of research topics.

Over the course of your degree, you will participate in a mix of larger lectures to smaller, focused sessions. In the teaching laboratory you will develop the necessary skills to become a professional biologist. We encourage students to publish their results in the scientific literature and make a real contribution to the fields of Biosciences.

We frequently introduce new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment, where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. You can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.

Learn from experts

We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-led culture and being taught by experts. You will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials and be an active member of a research team. Our academics bring their results from the laboratory and the field directly to their teaching, and our students also help to collect this data. The complementary expertise of our staff ensures a vibrant, collaborative research culture within our research groups, made up of researchers at all stages, from Masters to Post-doctoral scientists.

Our staff have close links with a wide range of industrial, medical and conservation organisations, with whom there may be the chance to collaborate for your final year research project. Many of our students work with these organisations during their vacations and others build experience through one of our four-year programmes with industrial experience.

Assessment

Your first year does not count towards your final degree classification, but you do have to pass it in order to progress. All marks after your first year count towards your final classification.
Modules are assessed using a variety of methods including essays, exams, presentations, laboratory reports and a dissertation.

Academic support

As well as more than 15 hours per week of direct contact time with your lecturers, all students have a personal tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies. There are also a number of services on campus where you can get advice and information, including the Students’ Guild Advice Unit.

Facilities

Over the course of your degree programme, you will have access to our multi-million pound teaching, learning and research facilities, including our:

• State-of-the-art teaching laboratories
• World-class Aquatic Resources Centre
• State-of-the-art bioimaging facility, incorporating confocal and electron microscopy
• Next-generation DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry facilities
• Plant growth rooms and greenhouse facilities

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

• A Foreign Language
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Law (Penryn Campus only)
• Leadership
• Management
• Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

A degree in Biochemistry will help you to develop a wide range of essential skills such as analytical problem solving, team work and organising and communicating information. Whatever you choose to do after graduation, your Biosciences degree will stand you in good stead, with excellent employment prospects and transferable skills.

Supporting your career in Biosciences

Each year Biosciences students are able to access a huge range of opportunities to support their future career options. Sector related careers and employability sessions are put on for the students over the course of their programme which include: career talks and networking events with visiting alumni and employers from a range of backgrounds, employability seminar series events hosted by employers, ‘Dragons Den’ style assessment days, mock interviews and an annual Careers Fair where students can develop networking skills.

Careers services

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