Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry - Including Foundation Year

Our BSc Biochemistry (including foundation year) will be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for the three-year version of this course and you want a programme that improves your skills to support your academic performance.

This four-year course includes a foundation year (known as Year Zero) which is delivered by our Essex Pathways Department, followed by a further three years of study in our School of Life Sciences. During Year Zero, you study three academic subjects relevant to your chosen course as well as a compulsory academic skills module, with additional English language for non-English speakers. After successful completion of Year Zero, you progress to complete your course with our School of Life Sciences.

Your three years with our School of Life Sciences focuses on structure-function relationships of biomolecules which offers insight into the interactions that occur in the complex cellular pathways that control vision and cell death. On this course you will consider molecular-level processes across a range of disciplines including genetics, microbiology, forensics and medicines. Because of this breadth, biochemistry is hugely important, and advanced in this field over the past 100 years have been staggering. It's an exciting time to be part of this fascinating area of study.

All applications for degree courses with a foundation year will be considered individually, whether you

think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course,
have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you havent studied A-levels or a BTEC),
are returning to university after some time away from education, or
are looking for more support during the transition into university study.

Standard offer:
Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent, to include a science subject.
Examples of the above tariff may include:
A-levels: DDD (including a science subject)
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP (in a science subject)
T-levels: Pass with E in core, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided.
For this course we require level 3 (i.e. A-level, BTEC, etc.) scientific study.
Considered science subjects from all qualifications include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Maths, Geography, Sports Science and Applied Science.
All applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in an OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.

We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.

We might not need evidence of level 3 scientific study where you have relevant work experience in a scientific field, or where you have previous successful study at degree level.
You will still need to meet our GCSE requirements.

IELTS - 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component,
TOEFL IBT -72 overall, with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing