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Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc

Course code

C722

C723 with placement

Start date

September

Placement available

Mode of study

3 years full-time

4 years full-time with placement

Fees

2024/25

UK £9,250

International £23,615

Entry requirements

2024/25

AAB - BBB (A-level)

DDM (BTEC)

30 (IB)

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Overview

What's happening inside our cells? What's happening at a molecular level? The bringing together of biology and chemistry allows scientists to use chemical knowledge to understand biological problems.

At Brunel, we understand that your specialist knowledge should be built on a sound grounding of all the areas of biomedical sciences. This means that your first year will cover areas such as the human body, biochemistry and research skills. As you continue through your degree you'll study specialist areas that will teach you about the various biochemical pathways and how they may be altered during specific human diseases.

And if you change your mind about your specialist area, don’t worry. The flexibility of our course at Brunel means that you can switch to another specialist pathway in the second year or even take the general Biomedical Sciences BSc.

The Royal Society of Biology has awarded its accreditation to all of Brunel’s biomedical sciences BSc courses. This means that you can be confident that your degree will prepare you for the working world – and your prospective employers will know this too. You'll receive a one year’s membership as an Associate Member once you graduate, integrating you into the sector with access to key contacts and up-to-date knowledge.

In your final year you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our research programmes in cellular and biochemical pathways, the regulation of gene expression, DNA repair and immunological responses to microbial infection. This will give you first-hand experience of real-world laboratory research and prepare you for your future career.

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.

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Course content

You'll study a range of areas relating to human health from stem cells and genetic manipulation through to food safety. The content of the programme means that you'll graduate with an understanding of the main subject areas in biosciences and medically related research and with an in-depth specialist knowledge of biochemistry.

Year 1 includes practical lab skills and research skills, alongside a taster of the various pathway options.

Year 2 introduces the biochemical and molecular processes which are altered in various human diseases. You’ll also develop your employability skills in the 'Career Skills' study block.

The placement year will follow year 2, if opted for.

In year 3, you're given the opportunity to really follow your specialist interest.

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with placement, starting in September.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

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Careers and your future

As a graduate in Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry) you’ll have skills that cross over between biology and medicine. Some of the careers you may be interested in include an analytical chemist, a healthcare scientist, forensic scientist or a toxicologist.

Whatever your future goals are, this course is focused on helping you achieve your career ambitions. The employability teaching blocks at Brunel provide a personalised approach towards developing your skills. You’ll work on improving your CV and your interview techniques, as well as attending careers events and carrying out research projects with academics.

Each year, we hold a Biomedical Sciences Careers Fair where you’ll have the opportunity to network with some of the biggest names in the business such as GlaxoSmithKline, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Parexel, Age UK and Royal Brompton Hospital NHS Foundation.

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UK entry requirements

2024/25 entry

  • GCE A-level AAB-BBB, including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science or Physics.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science or Biomedical Science only.
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM in any subjects with an A-level at grade B in: Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Chemistry or Physics.
  • BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in any subjects with two A-levels at grade BC, to include: Biology, Human Biology, Applied Science, Chemistry or Physics.
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
  • Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine or Health and Human Science course, with 45 credits at Level 3. All Biology and Chemistry units must be Distinctions at Level 3.
  • T levels : Merit overall in Health, Healthcare Science and Science

Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required, including English Language, Maths and one Science subject.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.

If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Biomedical Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc.

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EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
  • Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
  • BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
  • TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 entry

UK

£9,250 full-time

£1,385 placement year

International

£23,615 full-time

£1,385 placement year

Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.

More information on any additional course-related costs.

See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.

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Teaching and Learning

How the course will be delivered

Required equipment

How you'll learn on your course

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Assessment and feedback

You'll be assessed through a mixture of coursework and written examinations to test your knowledge, understanding, problem solving and data interpretation.

Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.

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