Biochemistry BSc Honours

This Biochemistry degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in science, industry, medical research, and healthcare.

This degree explores how cell components are formed and interact at a molecular level. You'll develop your understanding of what causes diseases such as cancer, and how powerful new technologies can be used in drug design and synthesis.

We're a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research and our world-leading, the expert staff teaches on our degree programs. This means you graduate with cutting-edge knowledge in human health and disease.

Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level and this degree mainly focuses on human body functions. You’ll also explore the chemical processes that occur in cells of other living organisms, from bacteria to humans.

Alongside improving your knowledge and skills in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, and biotechnology, you'll also learn industry-standard analytical techniques, which are used to discover or design new drugs.

Transfer to Medicine or Dentistry

There is flexibility to transfer between our degree programs at the end of the first year if you find your interests change.

You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degree. This opportunity is open to UK, EU, and international students. It is competitive, with a limited number of places available. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a UKCAT score, a personal statement, and, if shortlisted, an interview.

Professional accreditation and recognition

Royal Society of Biology (RSB)

This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

Accreditation by the RSB recognizes academic excellence in the biosciences that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas. If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.

Work placement

Get career ready with work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.

A Global Top 125 university (QS World University Rankings 2023), Newcastle is home to 29,000 students from 140 countries.

A founding member of the Russell Group, we are one of only 19 universities in the world – and just three in the UK – to achieve a five-plus QS Star rating for overall excellence (2022).

We can trace our origins back to the School of Medicine and Surgery, established in 1834.

Today, we combine world-leading research with a world-class academic experience.

A global leader with strengths in ageing and health, data, energy, cities, and the creative arts, we’re pioneering solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the world. In the UK’s Research Excellence Framework 2021, 42% of our research was scored as world-leading.

Through 5-star teaching (QS Stars 2022), we educate for life. Students are challenged and supported to learn from world-class experts across more than 185 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate degrees.

Student experience

Students are supported to reach their full potential by our Student Health and Wellbeing services that provide counselling, mental health, disability and specialist learning support, as well as financial support and faith and spirituality support.

We’ve developed an online Academic Skills Kit to support students in becoming effective independent learners.

Our Students' Union is at the heart of the Newcastle experience, offering more than 180 student-run societies and over 60 sports clubs.

A top student city

Multicultural, vibrant and friendly, Newcastle is the capital of North East England – the University’s city-centre campus is at its heart.

A global top 50 and UK top 10 student city, it’s also one of the most affordable in the UK (QS Best Student Cities, 2023).

Newcastle offers top-class sports, a vibrant arts scene, great shopping and exciting nightlife. It’s also close to beautiful countryside and award-winning beaches.