Biochemistry

MSci Hons

  • UCAS code C706
  • Entry year 2025
  • A level requirements AAA
  • Duration Full time 4 years

We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

Biochemistry examines the structure and function of living organisms at the molecular level. It is an exciting and rapidly developing subject and the primary investigative science within biology and medicine.

Our four-year MSci Biochemistry includes core modules in biochemistry and chemistry combined with modules in related fields.

The MSci is a four-year integrated master’s with three years of undergraduate study followed by a year of study at master’s level. The additional year of study and higher qualification can enhance your job prospects or give you the experience to decide whether a research career might be for you.

In the first year, you will study a range of core modules designed to provide you with a broad overview of biology and chemistry and a good foundation in key modern biochemical concepts. In your second year, you will focus on a range of biochemistry modules, as well as some more practically oriented modules designed to equip you with the laboratory skills and knowledge required by a successful biochemist.

The fourth year of the MSci is master’s level study and includes an extended research project, during which you will benefit from the research experience of our internationally renowned academics.

The facilities for studying biochemistry at Lancaster University are excellent. We have invested over £4 million in new life science teaching laboratories, which you will use for practical learning and your dissertation project.

Careers

Lancaster University is ranked number one in the UK for graduate prospects in Biomedical Sciences (Guardian University Guide 2023), and number 11 in Biological Sciences (The Times Good University Guide 2023). We embed employability in our curriculum to prepare our students for the world of work and postgraduate study.

After studying biochemistry at Lancaster University, you can look forward to a promising career in areas such as academic, industrial and medical research, pharmaceuticals, the food industry and forensic science. 90% of Lancaster’s biochemistry graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating.

During your degree you will gain practical skills such as laboratory competence and experimental design; numerical skills such as statistical analysis and data recording and presentation; and interpersonal skills such as team working, communication and negotiation. The transferable skills and analytical training you will gain during your degree will allow you to enter science or diverse fields such as management, marketing and finance. You will also study an employability skills module to help you manage your professional development and prepare for the job market.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

A Level AAA

Required Subjects A level Chemistry and one other science subject from Biology, Mathematics or Physics

GCSE Mathematics grade B or 5, English Language grade C or 4

IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component. For other English language qualifications we accept, please see our English language requirements webpages.

Other Qualifications

International Baccalaureate 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in HL Chemistry and 6 in one further HL science subjects from Biology, Mathematics or Physics

BTEC considered alongside A level Chemistry for entry to the standard BSc Hons course variant only. Subject to academic progression and availability students can transfer to the MSci Hons course.

We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK and international qualifications, including combinations of qualifications. Further guidance on admission to the University, including other qualifications that we accept, frequently asked questions and information on applying, can be found on our general admissions webpages.

Contact Admissions Team + 44 (0) 1524 592028 or via ugadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Lancaster University offers a range of programmes, some of which follow a structured study programme, and some which offer the chance for you to devise a more flexible programme to complement your main specialism.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, and the University will make every reasonable effort to offer modules as advertised. In some cases changes may be necessary and may result in some combinations being unavailable, for example as a result of student feedback, timetabling, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

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Fees and funding

Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month session, starting in the October of your year of study.

Our Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2025/26 are:

Home International
£9,535 £29,820

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status:

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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