Biochemistry BSc at Royal Holloway University of London

The course

Gain insights into the intricate, elegant workings of the building blocks of life in Biochemistry at Royal Holloway, University of London.

The course provides a comprehensive coverage of the principles of biochemistry, and includes a range of options that span the spectrum from medically-oriented biochemistry, through biochemistry in plants, to industrial applications of biochemistry. Our flexible degree structure allows you to tailor your course to your own interests, even within the first year.

You’ll gain invaluable laboratory experience across all three years of your degree. In year 3, you’ll complete an individual project, becoming part of our renowned research culture. The Department  of Biological Sciences was ranked 25th in the UK for influential research output by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, and our low student-to-staff ratio maximises your contact time with our internationally respected and enthusiastic academics. Many of our former students have contributed to published scientific papers.

Our campus is close to several sites of national scientific importance, including Windsor Great Park and the Millennium Seed Bank, while our on-site glasshouses, marine and freshwater aquaria and plant and animal cell culture facilities provide opportunities for rewarding independent study.

The skills and experience you’ll gain studying Biochemistry will make you an attractive prospect to employers. A combination of laboratory experience, ground-breaking research and a wide range of additional skills and competencies have helped our graduates find work in fields from forensic medicine to biotechnology. Pursue your passion for the fascinating principles of biochemistry and graduate with the skills and qualifications you need to find success in your chosen field.

Our flexible degree programmes enable you to apply to take a Placement Year, which can be spent studying abroad, working or carrying out voluntary work. You can even do all three if you want to (minimum of three months each)! To recognise the importance of this additional skills development and university experience, your Placement Year will be formally recognised on your degree certificate and will contribute to your overall result. Please note conditions may apply if your degree already includes an integrated year out, please contact the Careers & Employability Service for more information. 

• On-site marine and freshwater aquaria, glasshouses and plant and animal cell culture facilities for rewarding independent study.
• Conduct an individual research project in your third year and experience our renowned research culture.
• Join a close-knit and supportive learning community with a high staff-to-student ratio.
• Gain invaluable transferable skills to take into the workplace, including lab experience, numerical skills and communication skills.
• Summer placements offered to help you gain invaluable work experience.
• A close-knit graduate network to draw on, with alumni often visiting Royal Holloway to share their experiences.

Your future career

Study Biochemistry at Royal Holloway, University of London and gain the skills and experience you need to move into the workplace. 96% of our graduates are in work or higher education within six months of graduating, (DLHE, 2018) and a close graduate network means you can draw on the knowledge and connections of illustrious visiting alumni. 

You’ll gain invaluable laboratory experience throughout the duration of your studies and you can choose to complete a lab-based research project in your third year, helping to develop the transferrable skills employers look for in successful candidates. Royal Holloway Biological Sciences alumni have gone on to careers in sectors including medical research, forensic science, clinical trials coordination and biotechnology.