BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

Biochemistry at Hertfordshire is built for curious, problem-solving students who want to understand what’s really happening inside living cells — from genetics to disease mechanisms. You’ll explore how life works at the molecular level while developing the scientific and lab experience that employers and research labs look for.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year gives you the essentials. You’ll study Molecular Biology & Genetics, Core Biochemistry, Cell & Microbiology, and Human Physiology with Pharmacology, all while building your confidence in the lab through Practical & Transferable Skills. There’s even a chance to start exploring Bioinformatics if you’re interested in the computing side of biology.

Year 2

In your second year, the course becomes more specialised and hands-on. You’ll go deeper into Biochemistry, Genes & Genomes, Principles of Immunology, Cell & Molecular Biology, and Chemistry & Analytical Science. You’ll also learn how real research is carried out through Bioscience Research Methods, and you can choose a Work Experience module to gain industry insight.

Final Year (Year 3)

Your final year is all about applying your skills to real scientific problems. You’ll complete a major Project, working closely with academics on research that genuinely interests you. Alongside this, you’ll take advanced modules like Advanced Biochemistry, Advanced Therapies, and Cellular Technologies & Applications to Disease, giving you a strong grasp of how biochemistry connects to modern medicine and biotechnology.

Focus Areas

Molecular biology, cellular biochemistry, metabolism, immunology, advanced therapies, disease processes, laboratory and research skills.

Learning Outcomes

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to design experiments, interpret scientific data confidently, understand the molecular basis of disease, and communicate complex ideas clearly — skills that open doors across biotech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, and graduates can also gain Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Reputation / Employability

Hertfordshire ranks 9th in the UK for health science (Daily Mail University Guide 2025), and its bioscience graduates are known for being career-ready, moving into roles across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, research labs, clinical trials, and more.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best things about studying Biochemistry at Hertfordshire is how much real lab time you get. Instead of just hearing about scientific techniques, you’ll actually use them — working in modern teaching labs, practising with industry-standard equipment, and gradually building the confidence to run experiments independently. As you progress into your final year, you’ll join the University’s active research community, where your project work takes place in specialist labs used by real bioscience researchers.

All of this hands-on learning is backed by strong facilities and structured opportunities to apply your knowledge, and here’s how that happens in practice:

State-of-the-art Science Building labs designed for biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology practicals.
Specialist bioscience research laboratories (Biosciences Research Group) equipped for cell culture, molecular biology, advanced microscopy, NMR, and microbial biotechnology.
A major final-year research project, where you work one-on-one with an academic supervisor and run your own experiments from start to finish.
Optional work placement (sandwich year) between Year 2 and your final year, giving you real industry experience before graduating.
Optional study-abroad year, allowing you to learn science from a global perspective at one of Hertfordshire’s partner universities.
Access to computing and bioinformatics resources, supporting modules that introduce digital tools, databases, and analytical software used across modern bioscience.
24/7 Learning Resources Centre (LRC) on College Lane campus — a mix of a large library and full computer suite where you can study, analyse data, or work on reports any time.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Biochemistry degree from Herts opens doors to some genuinely exciting career paths. Many graduates move into roles in pharmaceuticals, research labs, biotech companies, or healthcare environments — jobs like Research Assistant, Lab Scientist, Clinical Trials Associate, or Biomedical Scientist. Employers value the practical lab experience and confidence you’ll build throughout the course, which helps you step smoothly into the professional world.

To give you a clear picture of what Herts offers and what graduates achieve:

Dedicated Careers & Employability Service that supports you with placements, CV reviews, interview coaching, and direct connections to life-science employers.
93% of graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Biochemistry graduates from Herts earn a median salary of around £29,200 three years after graduation.
Strong placement links with major employers, including GlaxoSmithKline, NHS research units, and other leading science and healthcare organisations.
Long-term value from the degree’s Royal Society of Biology accreditation, which strengthens your professional profile.
Positive graduate outcomes overall — with many alumni progressing into healthcare, life sciences, and research-driven roles.

Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue studying, you’ll be in a great position to move into a specialised Master’s — such as Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or Pharmacology. Many students also go on to pursue a PhD, especially if they enjoyed their final-year research project and want to build a career in scientific research or academia.