Subject overview

Why biochemistry?

Biochemistry seeks to understand and explain living systems at the molecular level and underpins the biotechnology revolution, the amazing rate of development of which makes it an exciting and challenging subject to study.

Biochemists answer questions that are fundamental to understanding life. What are the molecules that constitute living organisms? How are they made and how is their synthesis regulated? What is the molecular structure of cells and how do cells communicate with each other in whole organisms? How are genomes organised and what are the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression? What is the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules and how do these structures enable function? What are the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biological reactions?

Biochemistry is central to genetics, development, ageing and disease. Practical applications range from genetic fingerprinting and the genetic manipulation of organisms to the use of enzymes in biological detergents, the development of personalised medicine, and drug discovery. 

Louise's faculty perspective

‘My research specifically tackles the problem of protein misfolding and feeds directly in to my teaching of first- and second-year students.

‘Understanding how some proteins interact and polymerise is very important if we are to improve how we tackle diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, in which protein assembly is central. Working at the cutting edge of research also allows me to communicate the most up-to-date advances in the protein self-assembly fields to final-year and Masters-level students.’

Professor Louise Serpell
Professor of Biochemistry,
University of Sussex

Programme content

Applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis and will present with a range of post-GCSE qualifications. The typical A level offer is currently BCC. There is a separate international foundation year for overseas students (refer to International Foundation Year and International Year One). The Biosciences foundation year is taught at Chichester College.

This four-year course is designed for those who want to study biological sciences at a top-rated university but lack the qualifications necessary for direct entry to one of our other courses. Typical entrants include those with non-science A levels and mature students returning to education who do not have appropriate science qualifications. Crucial to a successful application will be evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree.

For recent UK school leavers, if you are thinking of applying for the foundation year, we would normally expect that you either did not have the opportunity to take A levels in science at school or that you have since decided on a change of direction. If you have grades in relevant subjects (like Biology, Chemistry, Physics) but these are simply below our requirements for first-year entry, we would recommend that you resit these rather than apply for the foundation year. For those with other A levels, we would generally expect you to meet our standard offer of at least BCC.

The foundation year is specifically designed for the needs of students who will subsequently transfer to one of the courses offered by the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex. Introductory modules in biology and chemistry each make up 40 per cent of the study content. Practical work is an important element of these modules. The remaining 20 per cent of time is split between mathematics and study skills, including IT. 

Teaching is by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom discussions and exercise classes. Small-group teaching is emphasised throughout. All modules run in parallel throughout the year, and assessment is by coursework and exams. 

After successful completion of the foundation year, you are guaranteed a place on one of the following BSc courses at the University of Sussex: Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Ecology and Environment, or Neuroscience. Other BSc courses may also be available. Your final overall pass mark will determine which BSc course you can progress to.

Entry requirements

Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.

All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

A level

Typical offer: at least BCC, but applicants may well have much higher results

Specific entry requirements: If you are applying with A levels, we would normally expect that you either did not have the opportunity to take relevant science A levels at school or that you have since decided on a change of direction. If you have (or are taking) A levels in relevant subjects (like Biology and/or Chemistry) but your grades are simply below our requirements for first-year entry, we would recommend that you resit these rather than apply for the foundation year. Crucial to a successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree. Successful applicants for Biosciences (with a foundation year) will need both GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics, at least grade C in each.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer: at least 28 points overall

Specific entry requirements: The foundation year would typically be for IB applicants who have not taken sufficient Higher level science subjects for entry direct to the first year (rather than for those who have under-performed in relevant discipline areas). Crucial to a successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree.

For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.

Specific entry requirements: Access applicants welcomed (although the foundation is itself an alternative to taking an Access to HE Diploma in Science). The foundation may be suited to applicants who took an Access to HE Diploma which lacked sufficient Level 3 credit in science or was in a non-science area, where the applicant now wishes to change discipline. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, grade C, also required.

For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.

Advanced Diploma

Typical offer: Pass with grade B or C in the Diploma and B in the Additional and Specialist Learning

Specific entry requirements: Ideally the Additional and Specialist Learning would be a science A-level. Crucial to a successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.

For more information refer to Advanced Diploma.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

Typical offer: DMM

Specific entry requirements: GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.

For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer: 70% overall

For more information refer to European Baccalaureate.

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level)

Typical offer: BBCCCC

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

Typical offer: BBBCC

Specific entry requirements: If you are applying with Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, we would normally expect that you either did not have the opportunity to take relevant science subjects at school or that you have since decided on a change of direction or you were not able to take relevant science Advanced Highers and are applying just on the strength of Highers. If you have (or are taking) Advanced Highers in relevant subjects (like Biology and/or Chemistry) but your grades are simply below our requirements for first-year entry, we would recommend that you resit these rather than apply for the foundation year. Crucial to a successful application for the foundation year will be evidence of your potential to do well in a demanding science degree. Applicants will also need Maths and English at Standard Grade, grade 1 or 2.

For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.

Related subjects

• Biology
• Biomedical sciences
• Chemistry
• Medicine
• Neuroscience

Fees and funding

Fees

Home/EU students: £9,000¹
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,000²
Overseas students: £13,000³

¹ The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
² The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
³ The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.

Funding

The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.

Careers and profiles

Biochemistry is one of the best preparations for a scientific career in biomedical and life sciences. This course prepares you for research, administration and management within government, universities, the NHS, and for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.

Recent graduates have taken up a wide range of posts with employers including: lab assistant at GlaxoSmithKlein • scientific officer at the Institute of Cancer Research • technical sales executive at Scientifica • research assistant at the University of Sussex.

Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

Careers and employability

For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).

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Jonathan's staff perspective

‘Sussex provides world-leading teaching and excellent academic facilities, with a vibrant student life in a fantastic location. All of this meant that I left Sussex with a unique set of experiences and a degree that has prepared me for my future.

‘Joining Student Recruitment Services at the University has enabled me to share my experiences of Sussex with others. Coming to an Open Day gives you the opportunity to meet our research-active academics and our current students, while exploring our beautiful campus. But don’t worry if you can’t make an Open Day, there’s plenty of other opportunities to visit Sussex. Check out our Visit us and Open Days pages or our Facebook page to find out more.

‘I’ve loved every moment of my time at Sussex – these have been the best years of my life.’

Jonathan Bridges
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services