Applying to study Biochemistry at a top UK university is about more than achieving excellent exam results. In a competitive admissions landscape, universities are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a genuine passion for the subject and the ability to think critically beyond the school curriculum. Super curricular activities such as reading for wider understanding, engaging with research papers, participating in summer schools, or completing relevant online courses, allow applicants to deepen their understanding of biochemistry and demonstrate that they are intellectually curious and ready for the demands of the course. These activities not only strengthen personal statements but also help students explore the real-world applications of biochemistry.
Choosing the Right Biochemistry Course
There is a wealth of choice for Biochemistry courses with 710 courses available on UCAS. The main distinction is between three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees and four-year Master of Science (MSci) or Master of Biochemistry (MBiochem) degrees. Some institutions also offer a four-year BSc including an industrial placement year or a year abroad. Note that these are integrated degrees combining the bachelor’s and master’s level of study. Chemistry is normally a required A-Level, plus a second science or Mathematics.
Institutional reputation will likely feature highly in your decision-making process. Remember to look beyond this year’s league tables to judge whether the university is likely to have enduring respect long into your career. For example, Liverpool University has the UK’s oldest Biochemistry department, Imperial is well esteemed across the sciences, and Warwick has particularly strong research output.
The specific focus of each programme will also be relevant. UCL’s final year emphasises immersion in research practice, while Manchester focuses on the applications of research. Imperial’s course has significant maths content. Spot these differences by making a manageable shortlist and then paying close attention to the course pages.
Note that if you are applying to Cambridge, Biochemistry exists only as a track within their Natural Sciences course (which is a three-year BA or a four-year integrated MSci). Specialisation happens in year two, so you will also gain a broader science foundation with this degree. Applicants must take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) in October before the Oxbridge UCAS deadline. Oxford’s equivalent course is the four-year MBiochem in Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular). There is no admissions test for that – but of course both Oxford and Cambridge conduct selective interviews before making an offer.
Super Curricular Learning Recommendations
Listen to Podcasts to Extend your Scientific Literacy
- Inside Science: BBC Radio 4 shares the latest news from the science world.
- The Life Scientific: BBC Radio 4 interviews with leading scientists about their life and work.
- SciShow Tangents: Lighthearted chats about scientific research, with the creators of the SciShow YouTube channel.
- The Infinite Monkey Cage: Comedic panel programme hosted by Brian Cox looking at bizarre science questions with scientists and celebrity guests.
- Gresham College Science Lectures: Popular public lectures for the very latest knowledge.
- Medical Biochemistry: Short university-level introductions to key knowledge.
- University of Oxford Biochemistry: A varied selection of podcasts available to browse via this link.
Read for Wider Understanding
- New Scientist Magazine: Weekly coverage of global science news. The e-editions are available to read for free on PressReader if you sign in with your local library card number.
- The Biochemist journal: News, views, beginner’s guides and career insights published by the UK’s Biochemical Society.
- Portland Press hosts a series of introductory online articles to different aspects of Biochemistry: Understanding Biochemistry | Essays in Biochemistry | Portland Press
- The Ancestor’s Tale by Richard Dawkins and Yan Wong (2016): A reverse journey back through the biochemistry of evolutionary history.
- Y: The Descent of Man by Steve Jones (2002): How molecular, genetic and biochemical mechanisms drive human development.
- Power, Sex and Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life by Nick Lane (2005): The surprising importance of energy production to the complexity of living organisms.
- Advice to a Young Scientist by Peter Medawar (1979): Classic outline of the mindset, problem-solving skills and curiosity that will help biomedical research careers.
- Genome: Autobiography of a Species by Matt Ridley (1999): One chapter for each of the 23 chromosomes in human genetics.
- A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived by Adam Rutherford (2016): What our genes tell us about history and human behaviour, and what they don’t.
- The Seven Daughters of Eve by Brian Sykes (1994): Firsthand account of research on the ‘Ice Man’ and how mitochondrial DNA and biochemistry can trace the ancestry of modern Europeans.
- Transformer by Nick Lane (2022): How the living metabolic network is ‘a scientific renaissance hiding in plain sight’.
- Life Ascending by Nick Lane (2009): Ten evolutionary innovations and their legacy today.
- The Eighth Day of Creation by Horace Judson (1979): A classic history of early molecular biology, including personalities, discoveries and techniques.
- What is Life? by Paul Nurse (2020): Fundamental questions answered by a biochemist.
- Catch Up Chemistry: For the Life and Medical Sciences and Catch Up Maths and Stats: For the Life and Medical Sciences: Excellent preparation for Oxford or Cambridge interviews and admissions tests.
- Oxford has a much longer reading list for Biochemistry applicants here: Recommended Reading List | Biochemistry
Take Online Courses for Academic Depth
- Biochemistry: The Molecules of Life (University of East Anglia on FutureLearn): Core biochemical concepts and their real-world applications. Includes interviews with researchers explaining the career opportunities available.
- Principles of Biochemistry (Harvard University on edX): Comprehensive university-level introduction covering molecular structure, metabolism, enzyme function and cellular processes.
- Industrial Biotechnology (University of Manchester on Coursera): Explores how biotechnology and biochemistry drive innovation in pharmaceuticals, environmental solutions and food production. Practical insight into industrial careers.
Subscribe to YouTube Channels and Watch Documentaries for Short Introductions to Interesting Topics
- SciShow (YouTube channel): Half-hour science explorations that pique your interest – including Biochemistry topics among others.
- The Amoeba Sisters (YouTube channel): Humorous animations to demystify science ten minutes at a time.
- AK Lectures (YouTube channel): The presenter, Andrey, explains key concepts in 10-15 minutes with amazingly detailed notes in the background. There is a playlist of Biochemistry videos specifically.
- Royal Institution Lectures (YouTube channel): Full-length lectures and short films across the sciences and technology.
- The Cell (2009): BBC documentary series exploring how life’s essential processes are powered by complex biochemical reactions.
- Our Secret Universe: The Hidden Life of the Cell (2012): Visual dramatization from inside a human cell, narrated by David Tennant.
- Chemistry: A Volatile History (2010): Documentary series on how the chemical elements were discovered and ordered.
Gain Practical Experience for Realistic Career Insight
- University laboratory visits: Take the initiative and contact departments directly for shadowing opportunities. This is a good way to test your interest in a Biochemistry-related research career.
- Work experience placements: Formal or informal opportunities with NHS pathology labs, pharmaceutical companies. The Biochemical Society have a helpful page on gaining relevant work experience.
- Volunteer in your school laboratory to hone basic technical skills. This demonstrates initiative and commitment valued by admissions tutors.
Join a Summer School to Develop your Analytical Skills
- Oxford UNIQ Biochemistry: Four-day residential immersion in undergraduate-level Biochemistry. Late June to early July. For state school students only.
- University of Cambridge Sutton Trust Summer School: Five-day residentials available in the natural sciences including a Biochemistry track. Lectures and practical sessions to experience Cambridge’s academic environment. For Year 12 students who have never attended a fee-paying school.
- Nuffield Research Placements: 4-6 weeks in the summer of Year 12. Real-life research or development projects in STEM leading to a final report and presentation.
- In2STEM programme: Online activities and in-person work experience over the summer of Year 12. For students in non-fee paying and non-selective state schools only.
Enter Competitions to Inspire your Motivation
- Biochemical Society Science Communication Prize: Write a 1,500-word article, create a 5-minute video, record a podcast or make an infographic aimed at the general public on a topic in the biosciences. See previous winners on the website. Deadline is mid-August.
- British Biology Olympiad: Advanced problem-solving competition for A-Level students in February. Two 45-minute multiple-choice papers on unfamiliar topics. Past papers available on the website.
Biochemistry University Admissions Support
If you'd like further information about applying to study Biochemistry do contact us. We work with a range of tutors who have experience preparing students for the ESAT admissions test, Biochemistry super curricular learning and mock interview preparation.