The Student Room GroupThe Student Room Group

Course name

Find a course

Search, shortlist and compare thousands of courses to find that perfect one.

Search for a course

Personalise your search by expected grades and more.

A-level explorer

See where your A-level subjects will lead you.

Where to study

See what makes a university special and discover where you belong.

0
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry
Image from Biochemistry

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Biochemistry

Durham University

(3.9)
114 reviews

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the Biochemistry course at Durham University.

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

A,A,A

including Chemistry and Mathematics

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,535 per year
Scotland£9,535 per year
Wales£9,535 per year
Northern Ireland£9,535 per year
Channel Islands£9,535 per year
Republic of Ireland£9,535 per year
EU£33,250 per year
International£33,250 per year

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: C702

Here's what Durham University says about its Biochemistry course.

Course details Biochemistry plays a vital role in scientific and medical developments. It is the force behind many life-improving advances, from vaccines that protect against disease to the analysis of forensic samples used to help solve crimes. Combining aspects of life sciences and chemical sciences, the BSc in Biochemistry explores processes that are key to our understanding of life at a molecular level.

This wide-ranging degree will build your understanding of a diverse range of topics from genetics and biotechnology to physiology and metabolism. It develops the analytical and practical skills you will need to address the challenges of the modern world. The ever-changing discipline of Biosciences gives us valuable insight into life in its many different forms, from molecules to global populations. Biosciences explores many of the fundamentally important questions facing humankind – finding the answers will shape the future of life on Earth.

Why Durham University? We are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Our equipment includes electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transgenic studies, genomics, DNA analysis and proteomics, bioinformatics, remote sensing, ecological field sampling and computer modelling. Teaching and research in the Department covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and often collaborate on projects with other disciplines such as the physical sciences. Our research-led approach to teaching has been designed to immerse you in a mix of theoretical and practical learning from day one, equipping you with a wide range of analytical and practical skills that will prepare you to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Rankings Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 21 subjects in the World Top 100 (QS World University Rankings 2025) 5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026 5th in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

Careers Opportunities Students receive an outstanding education in biosciences, also gaining valuable transferable skills to prepare them for future challenges, enhancing personal development and improving their employment prospects. Graduates have gone on to roles in teaching, the health sector, industrial R&D and biotechnology, management, accountancy, conservation, ecological and environmental services, broadcast and print science journalism, environmental and biological patent law, the pharmaceutical industry, the civil service, and the armed services. Graduates have also entered the NHS scientist training program. A large number also progress to postgraduate study at universities across the UK and overseas.

Course details

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Department

Biological Sciences

Location

Durham City | Durham

Duration

3 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• Biochemistry

Start date

September 29, 2025

Application deadline

January 29, 2025

The modules you will study

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

How you will be assessed

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations and coursework including essays, practical reports, analytical exercises, case studies and oral presentations.

Literature reviews, project reports and laboratory workshop reports also play an important part in Biochemistry.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/

Durham University reviews

(3.9)
Based on 114 reviews from Durham University's students and alumni
5 star
35%
4 star
35%
3 star
19%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
All reviews

Showing 106 reviews

Graduate

The SU building is uninviting. The SU didnu2019t seem to run many events or fun activities. It seemed to just exist.

(1)

1 year ago

Graduate

Itu2019s good if youu2019re able to participate in college life. But, it can be quite cliquey and as a non-British student it can be isolating.

(2)

1 year ago

Graduate

Accommodation is way too expensive for what and where it is. Durham is a small place with not much to do. Itu2019s beautiful and can be lovely, but rent prices are clearly inflated for student homes and the atmosphere and access to amenities does not warrant the prices.

(1)

1 year ago

Graduate

All around I think Durham does support rather well. Academic support especially - the process of getting extensions was smooth.

(5)

1 year ago

Graduate

The available facilities are great. But, there are very limited places to eat on campus and those available are often not very clean. All the ones I went to were also far more expensive than my friendsu2019 at other universities cafes and refectories.

(4)

1 year ago

Graduate

The teaching was good but I think it sacrificed giving space and time to learn the basics that would later be assessed in national exams like the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam in favour of delving deep into academic and theoretical aspects of law. For someone choosing to go into academia itu2019s t...

(4)

1 year ago

National Student Survey (NSS) scores

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

Here you can see ratings from Durham University students who took the Biochemistry course - or another course in the same subject area.

Biosciences

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

91%

high

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

98%

high

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

89%

high

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

96%

high

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

90%

high

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

89%

med

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

90%

high

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

93%

high

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

85%

med

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

86%

med

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

86%

med

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

68%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

81%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

78%

med

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

97%

high

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

96%

high

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

93%

high

How well organised is your course?

96%

high

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

86%

med

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

86%

med

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

88%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

66%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

90%

high

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

89%

high

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

29%

low

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

94%

high

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

83%

med

Student information

See who's studying at Durham University. These students are taking Biochemistry or another course from the same subject area.

Biosciences
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female65%Male35%
Where students come from
International13%UK87%
Student performance
2:1 or above96%
First year dropout rate2%
Number of students695
Most popular A-levels studied
SubjectGrade
BiologyA*
ChemistryA
MathematicsA
GeographyA*
PsychologyA*
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

Facts and figures about Durham University graduates who took Biochemistry - or another course in the same subject area.

Biosciences

Graduate statistics

80%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

88%

In work, study or other activity

75%

Say it fits with future plans

60%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

15%

Business and public service associate professionals

15%

Natural and social science professionals

10%

Teaching Professionals

5%

Administrative occupations

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from Durham University graduates who took Biochemistry - or another course in the same subject area.

Biosciences

Earnings

£23.7k

First year after graduation

£33.2k

Third year after graduation

£39.1k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Biochemistry.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

Discussions

Discussions

Students are talking about Durham University on The Student Room.

Mobile phone in hand

Durham University socials

Tap these links to go to this university's social media channels

Durham University open days

Are you thinking of applying to this university?

Before you do, it's a good idea to go to an open day. You can have a good look around campus, getting a better idea of what it's like to study there. You'll meet current students and staff and get the chance to ask them questions.

Universities will list upcoming open days on their websites. Most will also have virtual open days; these are a great alternative if you really can't get there in person. For tips on preparing for open days, check the advice section here on The Uni Guide.