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Biological Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Biological Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBSc (Hons) Biochemistry with a Foundation Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- 8C70
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis100%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Why BSc Biochemistry with a Foundation Year at UEA?
The Foundation Year builds your skills to explore life from molecules to whole organisms. Learn from scientists at Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window) as you prepare for degree-level study.
Why choose us
- Foundational knowledge: Build a strong base in chemistry and biology before progressing to the full BSc degree
- Teaching excellence: Learn through varied, authentic assessments that support your development as a biochemist
- Groundbreaking research: Study with internationally recognised biochemistry researchers
What is BSc Biochemistry with a Foundation Year?
Biochemistry reveals how life works at the molecular level, from the chemistry of cells to whole living systems. This course offers a supported route into studying Biochemistry at UEA through a foundation year that builds your scientific skills.
Before you arrive, you’ll access award-winning online content designed to help you settle in and feel part of our community. You’ll be introduced to the labs and spaces you’ll soon call your own. Explore everything at your own pace as you take your first steps into university life.
After successfully completing the foundation year, you can progress to the Biochemistry degree, with options for study abroad or a placement year. You’ll venture into areas like protein engineering and cancer biology.
You’ll learn to design experiments that answer real scientific questions. You’ll also learn to communicate your discoveries with clarity and confidence.
As part of the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window), one of Europe’s strongest hubs for food, genomics and health science, you’ll develop the skills to shape your future in biochemistry.
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Careers
Career Pathways
As a graduate of BSc Biochemistry, you could develop a career as a:
- Biochemist: Study the chemical processes within living organisms in research laboratories
- Biotechnology Scientist: Develop biological technologies for healthcare, agriculture, or industry
- Science Teacher: Teach biology or chemistry in schools or colleges
- University Lecturer: Conduct research and teach biochemistry at a university
- Science Policy Advisor: Advise governments on science policy, regulation, and research priorities
Check out careers to find out more.
Career Support
You’ll be ready to start a new life after graduation with the skills you need to step forward with confidence. Partners from industry will help shape your learning, giving you the practical abilities employers genuinely value. Our degree-long Elevate portfolio opens doors to workplace opportunities and inspires you through a vibrant programme of career events. Researchers from UEA and the Norwich Research Park will guide your development, helping you graduate with a strong and adaptable skillset.
After the Course
You’ll graduate ready to make an impact across modern science, from health and nutrition to clean energy and tackling pollution. Career Central is available to support you with career advice, applications, and job opportunities for up to three years after graduation.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the Biochemistry with a Foundation Year, you’ll study the core subjects fundamental to the science of life. Jointly taught across the Schools of Chemistry and Biology, one third of your foundation year programme will be spent studying chemistry, taking you from the structure of the atom to the foundations of organic chemistry and the basics for the chemistry of life. You’ll learn how to characterise and analyse chemical compounds and their mixtures, essential skills for your degree in biochemistry.
The remaining two-thirds of your foundation year will be comprised of biology, skills for scientists, or mathematics. The exact makeup of subjects will be based on your previous studies and your intended future course.
Once you’ve successfully completed your foundation year, you’ll progress on to one of the main degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences.
For the years of study beyond the foundation year, please see the full BSc Biochemistry course(opens in a new window).
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
We’re proud to have a multi-award-winning academic team of lecturers and professors delivering our foundation year. The team specialises in supporting you at this stage of your academic journey as you transition into university study. You’ll learn through a combination of laboratory practicals, seminars, and lectures with drop-in support sessions if you need them.
Assessment
Your assessments during the foundation year will enable you to showcase the learning and skills you’ve achieved. These assessments have been designed to authentically reflect the kinds of activities you’re likely to engage with in your future career. These include communicating your ideas and understanding via presentations, posters, mini interviews (called vivas), lab demonstrations and online tests. No modules are assessed entirely via in-person written exams.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
BTEC
MMM
Contextual offer: MMP
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4
Scottish Highers
BBCCC
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Progression from a Foundation Year may also be dependent on meeting the prerequisite module requirements of the course you wish to progress to. Please note subsequent changes to study or course can affect your tuition fee liability and the amount you are required to pay.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £29,300
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: