Swansea University
Medical 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 Medical 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

The study of how cells work at the molecular and sub-molecular levels has been described as the basis of modern medicine. Medical biochemists develop new ideas and products that are applied to the biggest health challenges we face today. The Medical Biochemistry course with integrated Foundation is intended for students who have studied Chemistry and Biology, though we will consider students without biology qualifications at Alevel. If you don’t make or are predicted lower entry requirements than our 3 year degree, this foundation adds an additional year of intense tuition to ready you to progress to undergraduate study.

This course will appeal to students who are enthusiastic about understanding the molecular basis of life processes and disease in humans. This degree will:

  • train you to work in areas such as cancer research, medical laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry.
  • prepare you for further study that enables you to take up research positions in industry.
  • provide you with transferable skills, including team working, communication, presentation, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

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.

The Medical Biochemistry degree provides excellent training for students who wish to undertake further study to become a medical doctor. Many of our students who decided to follow this career path have successfully gone on to study Graduate Entry Medicine at Swansea. This degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to work in the biotechnology, agrochemical and food industries. Our graduates have gone on to employment or further study in: university research, industrial research & development, clinical sciences, teaching, forensics, scientific management, medical sales, scientific publicity.

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

25% Natural and social science professionals
20% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
10% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Teaching Professionals
10% Information Technology Professionals
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory classes and independent projects Assessment will take place through a variet of differenr methods including examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and presentations. 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

Minimum Required UCAS Tariff

Enquire for more information

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)

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

Access to HE Diploma

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

If you don't think you meet our standard entry requirements please contact us on [email protected] to discuss entry onto the Foundation Year.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

    • 6.5
    • All Degrees

We welcome applications from international students from across the globe. Swansea University’s dedicated international team provides advice on applying, fees, funding and settling into life here at Swansea. For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in any component (or equivalent) further information can be found here: www.swansea.ac.uk/international
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Medical 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 27 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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