MSci Biochemistry
About this course
MSci in Biochemistry, studying the molecular processes that control life at cellular and organism levels. Core topics include laboratory techniques, data analysis, programming, research methods, fieldwork, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. The programme extends the standard BSc curriculum by one additional year to achieve a master's-level qualification, with an Advanced Research Project in the final year. Graduates may apply for Chartered Biologist status, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: CCD C in Chemistry AND one other science subject (second science can be grade D) Acceptable subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. CCC C in Chemistry IB: 24 points, including HL4 Chemistry
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 25%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 230 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 18%
- South East: 38%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Foundation course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- General Chemistry B
- Fundamentals of Evolution
- History of Life on Earth
- Human Pathology
- Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Medical Genetics
- Research and Professional Skills
- Molecular Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Haematology and Immunology
- Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
- Integrated Biochemistry
- Advanced Research Techniques
- Research Project
- Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
- Microbiology Field Course
- Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
- Forensics
- Evolution in Health and Disease
- Neuroscience
- Pathogens
- Applied Microbiology
- Cancer and Cell Communication
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Innovation and Product Development
- Advanced Research Project
- Critical Analysis and Problem Solving
- Project Planning, Laboratory Skills and Experimental Design
- Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
- Microbiology Field Course
- Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
- Forensics
- Evolution in Health and Disease
- Neuroscience
- Pathogens
- Applied Microbiology
- Cancer and Cell Communication
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Innovation and Product Development
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £36,000. The £29,000 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry.
What do graduates of MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading?
The typical offer is CCD at A level, or 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 120 UCAS points.
Is MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Biochemistry at University of Reading?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.