Swansea University
Biochemistry with a Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Swansea University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 40 graduates of Biochemistry with a Foundation Year BSc (Hons) and other courses in Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry at Swansea University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry.

Overall student satisfaction
89 /100
40 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26500 £22500 £29000
25-75 percentile range £22000 - £28000 £19000 - £25000 £23000 - £36500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25986 £23450 £28950
25-75 percentile range £21993 - £30000 £18456 - £28917 £22344 - £35829

Course Description

Biochemistry is crucial to the study and treatment of diseases, the development of pharmaceuticals, and the complex relationships with our environment. If you’re interested in Biochemistry but don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme or are a mature student returning to education, our BSc with a Foundation Year is the right course for you.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Biochemistry.

On this BSc programme, you will learn about the chemical processes that occur within living organisms and how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans.

You will develop excellent project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

In the final year, you will complete a research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist. By working as an independent researcher, you will develop effective project management skills and will be trained to design experiments and plan work programmes.

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies, and a powerful supercomputer facility.

Our academic staff are active in a diverse range of biochemistry research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting-edge practice. In addition to your formal studies, we hold regular research talks with Swansea University staff and guest expert speakers from other universities, industry, the NHS and research institutions.

A degree in Biochemistry will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical and food industries.

We have an outstanding reputation at Swansea and are ranked 3rd in the UK for Biomedical Sciences according to the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Biochemistry with a Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at Swansea University

25% Finance Professionals
20% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10%
10% Elementary occupations
10% Natural and social science professionals
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Assessment will take place through examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and presentations. A wide variety of assessment methods is used in addition to the more traditional methods such as: online web assignments, online problem solving, poster production, talks, slide presentations, screencasts, and literature reviews. In your final year you will undertake an independent research project, potentially contributing to scientific research at the school, under the guidance of professional research scientists

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry

Qualification requirements

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

GCSE requirements: English and Maths minimum Grade C Wales (England Pre-2017) or Grade 4 (England Post-2017). For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees

This Course is Open to UK, EU and international students.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Biochemistry with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Swansea University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 29 university rankings of Swansea University

About Swansea University

Swansea University was established in 1920 and is located in the large city of Swansea, in Wales. There are two campuses, the flagship campus is located between Singleton Park, with its green parkland and botanical gardens, and Swansea Bay beach. The more recent Bay Campus on the other hand is located on an extensive beachfront property on the eastern side of town, past the marina. Apart from a vibrant academic life, students can attend the numerous yearly festivals that take place in Swansea, guaranteeing plenty of opportunities for getting out and about in your free time.

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Where is this programme taught

Singleton Park Campus
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