What A-levels do you need to study biochemistry?
Calling all future scientists! We’ve done the research to help you with what subjects to take if you're serious about studying biochemistry at uni.
- Essential A-levels for biochemistry
- Useful or handy A-levels for biochemistry
- Examples of university entry requirements for biochemistry
- Other degree subjects with similar A-level requirements
If you want to study biochemistry, then it’s crucial that you pick the right A-levels. Chemistry is a must-have subject wherever you plan to study, but there are certain other ‘essentials’ depending on the course you apply to.
Taking chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or both) will keep all biochemistry courses open to you.
A-level subjects for biochemistry
What A-level subjects are needed or essential for biochemistry?
- chemistry and often one from biology, maths or physics.
What A-levels are useful for biochemistry?
- biology
- maths
- physics
Take a look at individual biochemistry courses on The Uni Guide to find out the most popular subjects biochemistry students studied before attending their degree course.
Examples of biochemistry degree requirements
University of Southampton: ‘AAA to include Chemistry and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.'
University of Kent: 'B,B,B - B,C,C. including any required subjects as listed in the relevant qualification section.’
University of Reading: 'ABB with B in Chemistry. Or BBB with B in Chemistry and a second science. Acceptable second science subjects: Biology, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.'
Other similar degree subjects
Even similar subjects may have different A-level requirements to biochemistry, so if you want to keep your degree options open, be sure to check the entry requirements of specific courses before you finalise your choices.