Biochemistry
MSci Honours
- UCAS code: C701
- Full time
- 4 years
- Next start date: September 2021
This four-year Biochemistry MSci degree prepares you for a career at the forefront of life-saving medical developments with advanced knowledge and practical skills.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAA-AAB
- IB: 34-35 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our Biochemistry integrated master's degree studies life at the molecular level. You'll develop an understanding of what causes diseases like cancer and how new technologies and drug treatments can help patients.
You’ll explore the chemical processes that occur in cells of other living organisms, from bacteria to humans. You'll also gain knowledge and skills in molecular biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology.
You’ll learn how analytical techniques used by the industry – particularly the pharmaceutical or biotech companies – are used to discover or design new drugs or solve environmental problems.
The course includes topics such as:
- DNA replication, recombination and repair
- control of gene expression
- molecular basis of cancer and chronic diseases
- applications of biochemistry in real-world problems such as biofuels, drug-design, nano-circuits and bio-sensing
BSc or MSci?
Some of our degrees are offers at two levels:
- three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- four-year Master in Science (MSci)
Our MSci degrees include an additional year of advanced study at master’s level, where you will gain additional research and practical experience to increase your employability and have the opportunity to work alongside our world-leading experts.
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Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Additional information
Transfer to Medicine or Dentistry
There is flexibility to transfer between our degree programmes 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.
Quality and ranking
We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.
Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.
Professional accreditation
This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences that educates the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as:
- DNA replication, recombination and repair
- cell signalling and cell cycle
- proteins, enzymes and analysis
- protein trafficking and membrane
- biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
- applied and integrated biochemistry
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | 15 |
| Genetics | 15 |
| Microbiology and Immunology | 15 |
| Cell Biology | 15 |
| Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences 1 | 15 |
| Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 2 | 15 |
| Pharmacology | 15 |
| Physiology | 15 |
Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as:
- DNA replication, recombination and repair
- cell signalling and cell cycle
- proteins, enzymes and analysis
- protein trafficking and membrane
- biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
- applied and integrated biochemistry
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.
Modules
Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as:
- DNA replication, recombination and repair
- cell signalling and cell cycle
- proteins, enzymes and analysis
- protein trafficking and membrane
- biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
- applied and integrated biochemistry
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.
You will undertake an extended individual research project which begins in the final semester of Stage 3 and continues throughout your final year.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Integrated Biochemistry | 10 |
| Biochemistry of Gene Expression | 20 |
| Applied Biochemistry | 20 |
| Biochemistry of Cancer and Chronic Diseases | 20 |
Our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as:
- DNA replication, recombination and repair
- cell signalling and cell cycle
- proteins, enzymes and analysis
- protein trafficking and membrane
- biochemistry of cancer, chronic diseases and gene expression
- applied and integrated biochemistry
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree.
You will undertake an extended individual research project which begins in the final semester of Stage 3 and continues throughout your final year.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Project | 80 |
Choose your remaining 40 credits from the range of Master's-level modules outlined above.
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes, and small group seminars.
To support your learning, you will be able to access online resources such as lecture and teaching materials and recordings on our main Virtual Learning Environment.
You also have the chance to attend optional research talks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of our biomedicine+ programme.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Research skills
In your third year, you complete a research project on a topic that interests you. This gives you practical experience of planning and conducting research, boosting your CV with desirable skills.
During your final year, you will undertake a 10-week research project, and work alongside research staff, in either one of our cutting-edge research laboratories or in one of our laboratory-based projects in different parts of Europe.
You'll plan, design and conduct your experiments under the supervision of a member of academic staff, learning advanced research technical skills.
Business skills
In your third year, you'll select a module, designed to boost your professional skills in an employment area that we know many of our graduates progress to, for example:
- microbiology
- healthcare organisation and practice
- science communication
- research in biochemistry
- bioethics
- bioinformatics
You'll have the chance to take a 6-to-8-week summer research placement in a research lab and develop strong professional skills, or a one-year professional placement in industry or in a research laboratory.
Practical skills
Biochemistry is a practical science. You’ll have many opportunities to develop technical laboratory competencies, as well as essential professional skills.
You'll develop fundamental biochemistry techniques, bioinformatics knowledge and data analysis and problem-solving skills through practical laboratory sessions.
You'll also have opportunities to further develop your technical and transferable skills, by applying for a part-time laboratory assistant job during your second year working in one of our research labs, and contributing to the world-leading research carried in our institutes.
Opportunities
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.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a 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 of 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. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at our city-centre campus. The Faculty is also home to Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology and Pharmacy.
Situated next to Newcastle’s RVI hospital, we’re one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.
Our facilities include:
- a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
- large teaching laboratories
- hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
Find out about the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.
Your future
Graduates from our Biochemistry degrees have gone on to work in internationally recognised companies, such as:
- BUPA
- Helena Biosciences Europe
- Cellmark
- Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
- Quantum Pharmaceutical
- GlaxoSmithKline Plc
Make a difference
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Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
AAA-AAB
International Baccalaureate
34-35 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa you'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
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