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Medical Biochemistry with a Placement Year

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with year in industry
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Singleton Park Campus

Course summary

On this BSc programme, you will learn about the chemical processes that occur within living organisms and study how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels.

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, particularly animals and humans.

You will develop excellent project management skills and learn how 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 bioanalytical equipment such as HPLC, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies.

This degree is a Pathway to Medicine programme. Provided you meet the minimum entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine. You have successfully completed this Pathway, you will be guaranteed an interview for our flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh course.

Modules

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics and Evolution, Biochemistry, Organic and Analytical Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences, Human Physiology, Skills for Medical Sciences and Cell Biology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction, Techniques in Molecular Biology, Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology, Advanced Metabolism, Skills for Researchers, Biostatistics, Human Immunology, Introduction to Neuroscience, Human and Medical Genetics, Microbial Molecular Genetics.
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to gain real-world industry experience and develop your employability skill set. We have a strong network of industry contacts, and you will receive dedicated support from our employability team.
In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Membranes and Energy Transduction, Practical Quantitative Research, Nucleic Acids: Components, Metabolism and Modification, Animal Development, Membrane Trafficking, Advanced Biostatistics, Human Immunopathology, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Advanced Research Topics in Biochemistry, Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function.

Assessment method

A wide variety of assessment methods is used in addition to the more traditional written exams, essays, lab reports and project dissertations. Students may undertake coursework such as: online web assignments, online problem solving, poster production, talks, slide presentations, screencasts, and literature reviews. Some of these tasks develop groupwork skills.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

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.

Application codes

Course code:
C74P
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - AAB - BBB

Chemistry essential, plus at least one other science (usually Biology)

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

Distinction (D) in a relevant BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (6 units) is accepted in place of one A-Level (A2) (other than Chemistry or Biology).

Access to HE Diploma

At least 24 Distinctions and 15 Merits in Level 3 Credits including Distinctions in ALL Biology and Chemistry modules.

Scottish Higher

Scottish Advanced Higher at equivalent grade is accepted in place of any A-Level (A2).

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 - 34 points

To include Higher Level grades in Chemistry, plus at least one other science (usually Biology)

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Swansea University accepts the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales as fully equivalent to x1 A-Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Welsh Baccalaureate at equivalent grade is accepted in place of one A-Level (A2) (other than Chemistry or Biology).

Extended Project

We recognise the EPQ as an excellent indicator of success. If you are predicted a grade B or above in the EPQ, you will receive an offer with a one grade reduction, to include your EPQ with a grade B.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

5 Higher subjects at min. H3 inc. Biology = H2 & Chemistry = H2

GCSEs: English Grade C, Maths Grade C

English language requirements

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.

English Language Requirements at Swansea University https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

UK applicants who meet course requirements are guaranteed a conditional offer. We assess applications on individual merit. We consider making reduced offers, eg. to Care Leavers or students with extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to disclose any relevant circumstances.

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is considered as equivalent to one full A-Level and students can take x2 A-levels alongside this. EPQ students predicted Grade B or above will receive a one-grade offer reduction.

Learn more on the Swansea University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/

Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/

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