Biochemistry with a Year Abroad

The BSc in Biochemistry with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of biochemistry, combined with the opportunity to enhance their global perspective through an integrated year studying abroad. This programme is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research competencies required for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and related fields, as well as for potential postgraduate study.

Throughout the course, students explore key areas such as molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, enzymology, and metabolism, gaining insights into the biochemical processes that underpin life. The programme emphasizes practical laboratory skills, data analysis, scientific communication, and critical thinking, preparing graduates for the challenges of a rapidly advancing scientific landscape. One of the distinctive features of this degree is the Year Abroad component, which is typically undertaken in the third year at a partner institution within Europe or other international locations. This experience encourages cultural exchange, improves language skills, and broadens academic horizons, providing students with a genuinely global outlook.

Courses are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory sessions, fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment. The University of Kent also promotes research-led teaching, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge projects and gain hands-on experience with modern scientific techniques and instrumentation. Support services include dedicated academic advising, career guidance, and opportunities for internships and placements, all aimed at enhancing employability upon graduation.

The programme is accredited by relevant professional bodies and conforms to national and international standards for higher education in sciences. Alongside gaining a solid scientific foundation, students develop transferrable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and independent learning, which are highly valued in various industries. Graduates of the Biochemistry with a Year Abroad degree are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, industry, healthcare, and beyond, or for further postgraduate study such as MSc or PhD programmes.

Overall, the BSc Biochemistry with Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers an enriching educational experience that combines rigorous scientific training with an exciting international dimension, helping students to become capable, versatile scientists ready to contribute to scientific advancements and global health initiatives.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14860 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

BI300 - Introduction to Biochemistry

BI301 - Enzymes and Introduction to Metabolism

BI302 - Molecular and Cellular Biology I

BI307 - Human Physiology and Disease

BI308 - Skills for Bioscientists

BI322 - Biological Chemistry B

BI324 - Genetics and Evolution

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

BI501 - Gene Expression and Its Control

BI503 - Cell Biology

BI505 - Infection and Immunity

BI513 - Physiology

BI520 - Metabolism and Metabolic Disease

BI521 - Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation

BI532 - Skills For Bioscientists 2

BI546 - Animal Form and Function

BI548 - Microbial Physiology and Genetics I

BI514 - Pharmacology

CH606 - Medicinal Chemistry

Year abroad

The Year Abroad programme offers you the opportunity to study at a university in Malaysia (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, where the teaching is in English) or the USA between Stages 2 and 3. Taking a Year Abroad is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and become a more independent person. The courses you take when abroad will complement your studies here and provide a wider learning experience.

Visit the School of Biosciences web pages for more information about the year abroad option for this programme.

Possible modules may include:

BI799 - Year Abroad Assessment

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

BI629 - Proteins: Structure and Function

BI600 - Biology Project

BI602 - Cellular Communication I

BI604 - Biological Membranes

BI610 - The Cell Cycle

BI622 - Advanced Immunology

BI626 - Integrated Endocrinology and Metabolism

BI638 - Bioinformatics and Genomics

BI639 - Frontiers in Oncology

BI640 - Magnetic Resonance in Biosciences and Medicine

BI642 - Cancer Biology

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level:ABB including Chemistry grade B and either Biology or Human Biology grade B

• GCSE:Mathematics grade C

• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma with 30 level 3 credits at distinction and 15 at merit, and to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits in particular subjects at distinction or merit grade.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis. Typical offers when made are Distinction, Distinction, Distinction.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 16 points at HL, including Chemistry and Biology 5 at HL or Chemistry and Biology 6 at SL, plus Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The BSc Biochemistry with Year Abroad program at the University of Kent is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes occurring within and related to living organisms. This integrated course combines core biochemistry principles with practical laboratory skills, critical thinking, and research methodologies. The inclusion of a Year Abroad allows students to gain international experience, enhance language skills, and develop cultural awareness, all of which are highly valued in the global scientific community. Students typically spend their third year studying at a university abroad, where they undertake modules that complement their degree and expand their academic and personal horizons. The program covers key topics such as molecular biology, genetics, enzymology, metabolism, and structural biology, equipping graduates with the knowledge to pursue careers in research, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical abilities, experiment design, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The Year Abroad component often offers placements or modules in partner institutions across Europe, North America, or elsewhere, providing students with opportunities for independent research and collaboration. In addition to the scientific content, students develop transferable skills such as project management, teamwork, and intercultural competence. The university emphasizes a strong foundation in practical laboratory techniques, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and research-led teaching. Graduates from this program are well-prepared for postgraduate study or employment in sectors focused on health sciences and biological research. The program also encourages participation in extracurricular activities, scientific conferences, and professional development workshops to enhance employability and scientific literacy. Overall, the Biochemistry with Year Abroad program at the University of Kent offers a rigorous academic pathway combined with valuable international exposure that prepares students for diverse careers in science and industry.