Biochemistry
Full-time
Part-time
Four year
Eight year
September 2026
In a nutshell
New for 2026 entry
Biochemistry is the foundation for understanding all biological processes. The knowledge and methods developed by biochemists are applied to all fields of medicine and agriculture as well as many chemical and health related industries. If you want to work at the frontier of science in the future, look no further than our BSc/MSci Biochemistry degrees.
Biochemistry is at the cutting-edge of research and an exceptionally versatile scientific discipline where opportunities in the field continue to develop. Biochemistry explores both protein structure and function, and genetic engineering - the two basic components of the fast-expanding field of biotechnology. As a graduate, you will have excellent and exciting prospective career paths.
This BSc degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and the placement version has RSB “Advanced Degree” accreditation. Their accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills and prepare graduates to directly address the needs of employers, therefore considerably increasing your employability. This MSci degree is a new course that builds upon the BSc offering and we will be applying for the RSB “Advanced Degree” accreditation.
This course includes the option of a year of study in the USA at the University of Toledo, Ohio. This exchange programme has been running for over 40 years which must make it one of the most established transatlantic partnerships in higher education. The University of Toledo is considered to be a leading center for science, with a reputation for taking research from the laboratory to the world.
International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Start your MSci Biochemistry study journey
Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our impressive new computing suites and meet the tutors
You will:
- Have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a placement year
- Develop skills to meet the need of employers in the very diverse area of bioscience
- Apply scientific knowledge to design drugs and develop biotechnological-driven solutions that improve the quality of people's lives
- Learn with visiting scientists and entrepreneurs currently working in industry and who will support you by teaching industry related skills on your modules.
students accepted
This is for you if...
You would enjoy exploring a wide array of research areas eg. drug design and repurposing, cancer, lung diseases, infectious diseases, biotechnology, toxicology and nanotechnology
You want a career that offers diverse opportunities from biotechnology to biomedicine and includes not just laboratory positions but also areas as varied as scientific writing/journalism and teaching.
You wish to learn key and transferable skills needed to take advantage of career opportunities in an ever-expanding field
You wish to gain experience of working with industry professionals, which is facilitated by having guest industry-based lecturers visiting from local and national employers in addition to the placement year opportunity
You are interested in the opportunity of studying in the USA for a year
All about the course
You can choose to study the BSc (Hons) or MSci and if you wish, incorporate a year of study in the USA at our partner, The University of Toledo. Toledo is a city in North-West Ohio that is adjacent to Lake Erie. This exchange programme has been running for over 40 years and Toledo is a leading centre for science, with a reputation for taking research from the laboratory to the wider world. Along with experiencing USA collegiate life, and making memories and new friendships, you can also use the exchange as an opportunity to travel around North America.
You may also choose to gain professional experience by electing to do a placement year in industry. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, a tutor will support you, monitor your progress and assess your final placement report.
Recent biochemistry students have completed placements at the Respiratory Physiology Unit at the Royal Aintree Hospital in Liverpool, AstraZeneca in Cheshire, the Cancer Research UK Manchester institute and the Hochschule in Bremen, North Germany.
Throughout your studies you will also choose from a selection of specialist biochemistry modules and complete your studies with a supervised research project in a subject of your choice.
Course leader: Mark McAuley
Cell biology
This module provides a broad knowledge base in cell biology that acts as a foundation for content covered in other areas of the programme. The syllabus primarily focuses on mammalian cell biology and includes key content on the structure, function, cell cycle and techniques used in visualising healthy and diseased cells. The content also focuses on cellular processes and mechanism that occur during growth and death, you will learn about cell signalling and finally the metabolic processes that occur at a cellular level that are essential for life.
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
The aim of this module is to introduce organic chemistry through structure and mechanism. You will study organic reactions of key functional groups such as alkenes, carbonyl and aromatic compounds.
Genetics
Genetics has become a central topic not only in biological science, but also for topics such as data science, art and culture. Genetics is revolutionising all spheres of life at an unprecedented speed. It is central to all areas of biology, from cellular development and reproduction to conservation and biodiversity. In this core module, we will provide you with the framework of this diverse area, covering areas from DNA fingerprinting and DNA/RNA editing, to ethics and conservation biology. We will expose you to the latest research in the area of molecular genetics and provide the foundation for your future.
Introductory Biochemistry
The aim of this module is to introduce principles of biochemistry. You will study biochemical pathways and organelles, relevant to cell biology.
Biological Chemistry
This module will help you understand key concepts in biological chemistry, including spectroscopy and spectrometry techniques for identifying small organic molecules; chemical reactivity and molecular interactions; chromatography; and kinetics and thermodynamics.
Biochemical & Pharmaceutical Skills
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
This module comprises a series of laboratory practicals and lectures that focus on teaching core skills in protein biochemistry and key aspects of metabolism.
Chemical and Biochemical Research Skills
This module will help you develop your scientific writing and communication skills and understand key statistical methods that may be applied to the chemical and biochemical sciences.
Human Systems Physiology
The aim of this module is to provide a reflective, systems-led approach to understanding the functions of human physiological structures. You will develop awareness and understanding of the multidisciplinary aspects of taking human physiological measurements with a clinical emphasis. This module will illustrate the adaptations of human organ structures to perform their functions within changing environments and physical activity.
Medical Biochemistry
You will be introduced to the concepts of chemical and biochemical testing and their relevance to clinical diagnostics. The module will develop your knowledge and understanding about biochemical changes in disease, and you will learn practical techniques used in clinical chemistry laboratory. This module is a combination of lectures and practical sessions.
Clinical and Molecular Genetics
Clinical and Molecular Genetics will enable students to gain practical skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics, through linked laboratory and computer sessions. The lecture programme is delivered by three academics, each an expert in their specific area of clinical and molecular genetics. Topics covered include, current molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques, the control of bacterial and eukaryotic gene expression and the effect of mutations on gene expression and how this can lead to human genetic diseases.
Genomics and Proteomics
This module provides an appreciation of topics in biochemistry with an emphasis on genomics, proteomics, structural biology and their application in research and industry.
Current Topics in Biochemistry
This module comprises a series of lectures based around the latest research developments in biochemistry. There is also a lab practical/mini-project on gene function analysis in Caenorhabditis elegans using the technique of RNA-interference (RNAi).
Biochemistry of Drugs and Disease
This module will provide a contemporary overview of some important disease processes and associated drug intervention mechanisms.
Final Year Project and Professional Skills (Bio 40A)
Content coming soon
Choose one from the following:
Biotechnology
This module will help you develop an understanding of molecular techniques underpinning the science associated with the societal grand challenges of feeding the world and antibiotic resistance, and introduce the principles and techniques of genetic modification. On completion you will be able to apply a range of research and presentation techniques to a choice of research projects.
Clinical Immunology
Immunology is the study of the immune system. Clinical Immunology is now a well-developed basic science which is useful for the diagnosis and management of a great number and variety of human diseases. This module is designed to give an in-depth view of the basic components of the immune system, their mechanism of action and how they influence human disease. Research-based discussion will be part of this module in understanding our well-orchestrated immune defence mechanisms and the causes and consequences of abnormal immune function. You will also gain an understanding of selected immunological techniques. Such techniques, along with our ever-growing understanding of the human immune system, lead to better detection, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment possibilities that define the field of Clinical Immunology.
Cancer: Bench to Bedside
Students will learn the critical biological capabilities that enable tumour cancer initiation, maintenance and progression, and how some of these hold promise as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. The module contains an overview of the basic biology of cancer and applicable therapeutic strategies, with attention paid to relevant current technologies and future directions in cancer biology. Lectures will be complemented with tutorials where students will be involved in critical reading of scientific papers, while learning to evaluate scientific data and familiarise themselves with a variety of modern techniques.
Science and Industry
This module will help you develop the understanding of the fundamentals of sustainability and greenness and recovery from a post-pandemic landscape featuring skills sets of biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical, pharmaceutical and personal health care from the laboratory to gaining understanding of the workings of industry. The material issued as lecture notes and support guides will be all released pre-module and each lecture session will ‘flip-learning’ to ‘workshop’ through the academic staff and invited industry speakers for ‘real world’ experience
Biochemistry of Ageing and Disease
Content coming soon
Advanced Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Analysis
Content coming soon
Data Analysis Skills
Content coming soon
Research Project
Content coming soon
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.
Shaped by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to take your career potential further.
After your Biochemistry Integrated Masters degree
Employment
Integrated Master’s courses are becoming increasingly popular across the UK as they are highly valued by employers due to the greater depth of knowledge and skills that graduates possess and they boost career prospects and earnings potential. With training allowing you to develop your own personal skills set in laboratory science, theoretical science and softer skills ready for the working world, this programme will enhance your employability and personal development and facilitate you entering the working world with an enhanced and divergent skills set. In the North-West, there is a burgeoning life sciences and chemical sciences sector, and this course is aligned to the demand for skills that this industry is generating.
Biochemistry is at the cutting-edge of research and is an exceptionally versatile scientific discipline with opportunities in the field continuing to grow and develop. The knowledge and methods developed by biochemists are applied to all fields of medicine and agriculture as well as many chemical and health related industries. Biochemistry is also key to providing teaching and research in both protein structure and function, and genetic engineering - the two basic components of the rapidly expanding biotechnology field.
This course is ideal if you are interested in a career in the biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, food or brewing industries, as well as in clinical or other biomedical areas such as forensic science and analytical biochemistry. Our graduates are employed across the bioscience sector by companies such as AstraZeneca and Cancer Research UK Manchester, and many also carry on with further study towards a doctorate degree (PhD). Additionally, biochemists with knowledge of physiology are in demand in sports science, in healthcare and hospitals and in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in research establishments and other areas of bioscience.
FURTHER STUDY
This is a course that contains an integrated PG course, it is ideal for enhanced employability and for those wishing to go on to further PhD studies.
Career Links
The programme has strong industry links, going back many years through the long established 3-year BSc Biochemistry course at Salford. This course includes a unique L6 Science and Industry module that involves external industry visitors. An integral part of this is a “Dragons Den” session for students to showcase a product they have developed for commercial release. This course is part of an academic partnership with the Oil and Color Chemistry Association (OCCA), which is collection of over 80 companies working in the Chemical Sciences area. They sponsor students with a bursary, provide lab coats and organize bespoke career and recruitment events for students taking this and related degrees at the University of Salford. Member companies from OCCA donate staff time and resources to teach our students on campus and graduating students have forged careers with OCCA companies.
How to get accepted on the biochemistry integrated masters degree course
Applicant profile
We are looking for applicants with a strong interest in both the chemical and biological sciences, and a desire to operate in a cutting-edge research field that will contribute to solving problems of health, or industry related.
English language requirements
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
International applications
Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Professional accreditation
This degree is accredited by Royal Society of Biology (RSB). An accredited degree provides a valuable contribution towards professional membership and evidencing breadth of knowledge. Some employers give preference to applicants who have accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
GCSE
The minimum requirement is a Level 4 GCSE (Grade C) or above in English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry at Grade C or equivalent.
International student entry requirements
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
UCAS tariff
You will need 112 UCAS points including Biology and Chemistry at grade C.
Scottish Highers
You will need 112 UCAS points including Biology and Chemistry.
Irish Leaving Certificate
You will need 112 UCAS points including Biology and Higher Chemistry.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: admissionssee-pgt@salford.ac.uk
International Baccalaureate
You will need 30 points including grade 4 in Higher Level Biology and Chemistry.
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have the traditional entry requirements may be able to apply through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.
The cost of studying an integrated masters in Biochemistry
Applicants may also be able to apply for the Steve Pearce scholarship. See our Fees and Funding page for more information.
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships are available to home fee students who are part of one of nine underrepresented groups as identified by the OfS, with scholarships prioritised for women, black students, students registered disabled and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
For full eligibility criteria and further information, visit our fees and funding page.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.