Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)

Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Gain knowledge and practical experience of molecular, biochemical and analytical science.
- Combine the chemical and biological sciences to understand cellular mechanisms underpinning disease and advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- Apply the material taught at university to real-world experience as a biochemist with year-long or summer placement opportunities available.
- Transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research intensive study working alongside our internationally recognised researchers.
This is an academically challenging course which will develop your practical and digital skills. You will gain a deep understanding of the subject through placements and extensive lab work in our award-winning laboratories graduating as an experienced and employable biochemist.
How you learn
Student View
Watch student Lucy Flint talk about what it’s like to study on this course.
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Through the study of modules including molecular biology, analytical science, cell biology and organic and biological chemistry you will gain an in-depth understanding of a breadth of biochemistry with the flexibility to choose optional subjects in your second and final years focussing your specialisms.
With a strong focus on employability throughout your course you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or postgraduate education providers.
You learn through
- lectures
- interactive workshops
- small group academic tutorials
- scenario-based laboratory classes
- project work
Course leaders and tutors

Dr Nikki Jordan-Mahy
BSc/MSci Biochemistry Course Leader and Principal LecturerDr Nikki Jordan-Mahy is the BSc/MSci Biochemistry Course Leader and Principal Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University. She is a graduate of Royal Holloway and Bedfor … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
Between your second and final year of study you have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and professional skills that will give you a significant advantage at the start of your career. Or if you’re unable to commit to a year, it’s also possible to work for a shorter period of time during a summer placement (which can still contribute towards your degree).
Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.
By securing a placement with one of our industry partners, you will enter the jobs market with a CV that attracts employer attention. You can apply for placements in companies such as Reckitt Benckiser, GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute or in research laboratories, universities and hospitals.
If you are undertaking a work placement in another European country, there may be the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.
Research projects
During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.
Networking opportunities
On top of your work placement, the course has excellent links to potential employers and previous graduates, allowing you plenty of opportunities for networking.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:
- medical research
- clinical science
- analytical science
- scientific sales and marketing
- pharmaceutical research and development
- biotechnology industry
- scientific communication/journalism
Graduates have also progressed to further study on specialist masters courses and PhDs or have gone into teaching.
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for world-leading companies such as:
- senior study scientists in the Biological Immunoassay Department at Huntingdon Life Science, Cambridge
- food biochemists at Marks & Spencer
- analytical scientists at Covance and Reckitt Benckiser
- graduate scientists at stem cell production company Future Health
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our teaching and research laboratories are equipped with industry standard instrumentation which you will learn how to use in scenario-based practical sessions. Examples of facilities you will have access to include:
- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrophotometers
- state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment
- our award-winning cell culture suite with laminar flow hoods and incubators
- an extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)
- real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment for quantitative analysis of nucleic acids
- high-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
Learn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Entry requirements
All students
80 UCAS points from two A levels or equivalent, or an alternative qualification such as an Access course. Must include both Biology and Chemistry A level qualifications studied and passed wiith at least 24 UCAS points from Biology or Chemistry A level or equivalent qualifications.
If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Cellular Biology And Biochemistry With Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Fundamentals Of Organic Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Human Physiology And Anatomy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Principles Of Chemistry And Analytical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Labs | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Skills | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Analytical And Bioanalytical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Molecular Biology And Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module: Topics In Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Advanced Cell Biology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Organic And Biological Chemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 3
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Advanced Analytical Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Applied Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Advanced Organic Synthesis And Spectroscopy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Bioethics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Bioinformatics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Medicinal Chemistry And Drug Discovery | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Pharmacology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/2023 are £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Biosciences and chemistry courses (PDF, 770.8KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.