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Develop hands on laboratory skills essential for biochemical research. Investigate the molecular mechanisms of disease and how biological systems respond to drug interactions. Explore the science at the interface of biology and chemistry, and build the knowledge needed to thrive in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and wider life sciences sectors.
Biochemistry sits at the interface between the life sciences and chemistry, providing a broad education that allows you to explore the molecular mechanisms underpinning life. Our Biochemistry course is built upon a strong foundation of core scientific disciplines, including molecular and cellular biology, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as analytical sciences.
As you progress through the course, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how diseases develop at the molecular level and how drugs interact with biological systems, insights that are particularly valuable in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. You'll explore applied areas such as bioinformatics, in silico protein-protein interaction studies, and bioprocessing, all of which are increasingly essential in modern biochemical research and development. A key focus of the course is the development of laboratory skills, with practical sessions embedded across nearly all modules. You’ll be trained to conduct experiments, analyse biochemical data, and interpret scientific results with precision.
Throughout your studies, you'll work on real world case studies with clear industrial relevance, and you'll engage in simulated professional scenarios through our mock pharmaceutical company, Sunderland Therapeutics. Furthermore, assessments mirror real world tasks and aim to prepare you for a wide range of careers, whether in laboratory based research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or other sectors such as finance, business, and education.
Graduates of this course leave with not only a deep scientific understanding but also highly transferable skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and communication, making them well equipped for diverse roles across the life sciences.
You’ll engage in a wide range of learning and teaching methods including laboratory practicals, lectures, workshops, tutorials, group work, and e-learning. Interactive approaches such as problem-based and team-based learning are used to develop both subject knowledge and key transferable skills. Peer assessment and feedback mechanisms are embedded throughout, encouraging critical reflection and the development of communication and collaboration skills valued by employers. Research projects and simulated laboratory activities further enhance scientific understanding and practical competence.
Assessment methods are varied to reflect real-world scientific tasks and include essays, laboratory reports using pharmaceutical proformas, presentations, posters, podcasts, and scientific article writing. You’ll also be assessed through practical competency evaluations, clinical case studies, CPD portfolios, and peer review. For those undertaking the placement route, employer assessments are also an integral part of the evaluation process.
This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science, which allows you to easily change course at the end of the first year should one of these routes appeal to you.
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement | GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+) |
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
A Levels must include Chemistry at grade C. Please note we do not accept General Studies AS or A Level. We accept T Level Science only.
Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you in studying with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
The annual, full-time fee for this course is:
*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.
Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
This course offers a broad-based scientific education that opens pathways to a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical and related industries, as well as further academic study, including progression to PhD.
Assessments are designed to reflect real-world tasks (many aligned with the simulated company Sunderland Therapeutics) providing you with practical, industry-relevant experience.
Dedicated sessions with employers and placement providers offer valuable insights into career opportunities, industry expectations, and practical advice on how to avoid common pitfalls when entering the workforce.
Graduates are well-equipped to enter a variety of sectors, including life sciences, research and development, and the pharmaceutical and allied industries, particularly in areas such as quality control, quality assurance, and manufacturing.
Career opportunities also extend to forensic science, the food industry, and healthcare, particularly in laboratory-based roles, some of which may require additional study.
For those interested in academia, the course provides a strong foundation for further study, including postgraduate research.
The course offers an optional 48-week placement year between Years 2 and 3, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience. While placements are not guaranteed, you'll be supported through the application and interview process. Previous placements have taken place at leading companies including Sterling Pharma Solutions, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Croda, Target Healthcare, Rokshaw Laboratories, Onyx Scientific, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and Parker Hannifin.
There are also opportunities to apply for funded summer placements, often in collaboration with academic staff, with support from organisations such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, Applied Microbiology International, and the Chromatographic Society. Industry speakers and potential placement providers regularly contribute to the course, offering insights into careers, application advice, and the real-world relevance of scientific skills.
You'll also benefit from access to the Royal Society of Chemistry seminar series, broadening your exposure to current research and industry developments.
We have well-established links with professionals working in all the main branches of pharmacy. Through these links we organise a programme of guest speakers who will help you relate academic theory to current trends and issues. Previous speakers from the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences industries have included: