BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BSc in Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry, an undergraduate degree centred on the chemical processes of living things and the molecular basis of disease. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Clinical Skills. Students undertake a compulsory professional placement year in industry following their second year of study, and complete an individual research project in the final year. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Chemistry of Life, Fundamental Biochemistry, Genetics, and Introductory Animal Physiology. The second year introduces core subjects like Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Protein Structure and Function, alongside optional choices including Microbiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Developmental Biology. The final year comprises advanced compulsory studies in Nutrition and Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Diagnosis of Disease, and Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. Students can also tailor their learning through optional modules spanning areas such as Biotechnology in a Changing World, Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease, and Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer, alongside an independent laboratory or theoretical investigation.
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: ABB-BBB (Required subjects: Including Biology plus another science from Chemistry, Physics or Maths. A Pass is required in the practical element of all Science A-levels taken. We require English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4(C)) IB: 6,5,5 at Higher Level or a minimum of 32 points overall including Higher Level Biology and either Chemistry, Maths or Physics
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What students say
Based on about 88 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 90 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 98%
- Left higher education: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 30%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 85 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 45%
- South East: 27%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 175 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Access course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Bioscientist
- Cell Biology and the Origin of Life
- Genetics
- Chemistry of Life
- Fundamental Biochemistry
- Protein Biochemistry and Enzymology
- Introductory Animal Physiology
- Introduction to Human Physiology
- Academic Integrity
- Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Protein Structure and Function
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Neuronal and Cellular Signalling
- Physical Biochemistry for Life Scientists
- Professional Skills and Employability
- Microbiology
- Cell Dynamics: Division and Movement
- Human Physiology in Health and Disease
- Developmental Biology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Natural Product Biochemistry and Sustainability
- Dissertation - Extended Essay
- Year in Industry
- Individual Research Project
- Nutrition and Medical Biochemistry
- Cell and Molecular Neuroscience
- Clinical Diagnosis of Disease
- Biology of Parasitic Diseases
- Evolutionary Medicine
- Biotechnology in a Changing World
- Molecular and Medical Microbiology
- Applications of Genetic Engineering in Health and Disease
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Functional Genomics, Proteomics and Bioformatics
- Human Embryology
- Molecular Basis of Inherited Disease
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £46,000. The £36,000 median after five years is £3,000 more than the UK median for Molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 99 UCAS points.
Is BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London?
98% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.