Medical Biochemistry, BSc (Hons) / MSci (Hons)

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A foundation in the basis of Modern Medicine

Course Overview

At the heart of modern medicine, Medical Biochemistry is crucial to the way we understand the causes and effects of disease and how new treatments are developed.

Medical Biochemistry at Swansea University successfully bridges medicine and science, ensuring you develop the core knowledge, practical and employability skills needed to work at the highest levels of science, medicine, pharmaceutical and biomedical science industries.

You will gain fundamental knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and immunology, whilst developing a deep understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, as you study the chemical processes that occur and study cell function at sub-cellular and molecular levels.

Throughout the programme, you will gain excellent analytical and project management skills as you learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc.

This programme is also available as a 4-year MSci, which is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to your degree. Our MSci leads to a master’s level qualification, in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

Why Medical Biochemistry at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, Swansea University’s Medical School is home to state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities.

Your will benefit from access to our cutting-edge facilities, such as:

  • HPLC
  • Gas Chromatography
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • DNA and protein analytical equipment
  • Computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies

Medical Biochemistry at Swansea is ranked:

  • 9th in the UK for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026)*
  • 11th in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)**

As one of our Pathways to Medicine courses, provided you meet the minimum entry requirements for Graduate Entry Medicine, and have successfully completed the pathway, you will be guaranteed an interview for our flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh course.

*Assessed under Biomedical Science

**Assessed under Biological Sciences

Your Medical Biochemistry Experience

Medical Biochemistry at Swansea offers an unrivalled blend of teaching excellence and cutting-edge practice. You will enter a supportive learning environment, guided by our expert academic team, many of whom are active in a diverse range of genetics research fields.

Your studies will be enriched through regular collaboration with colleagues in healthcare, academia, industry, and the general public, enhancing your knowledge and skills, and enabling you to adapt to careers, research, and further study within the field of biochemistry, genetics, and science.

You will develop the reflective skills and practices necessary to support lifelong learning, and the ability to present, evaluate, and develop arguments on the fundamental molecular concepts relevant to the application of genetics in medicine, exercising initiative and specialist knowledge.

At Swansea we recognise that the skills, knowledge and competencies of Medical Biochemistry graduates are very much in demand. You will have unique opportunities to network with established academics, researchers, practitioners and professionals as part of your studies, with the potential for invaluable career opportunities.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Medical Biochemistry Employment Opportunities

Employability skills are embedded throughout Medical Biochemistry at Swansea. You will be equipped with the necessary core knowledge, practical and employability skills to succeed in the global, changing environment for medical and life sciences.

Graduates will leave with essential skills in presenting and analysing data, and the fundamental skills needed to succeed as a biomolecular scientist.

Medical Biochemistry graduates from Swansea are well-prepared for a range of career destinations, including:

  • Medical and Life Sciences Commercial Sector – research, sales and marketing for pharmaceutical companies, lab technicians
  • Medical and Life Science Research – technician in academia, non-profit research sector, further study as a PhD student
  • Medical and Life Science Regulation – Medicines and Health Care Products Regulatory Food Agency, Food Standards Agency
  • Science and Technology Teaching in Schools and Further Education (with further study)

As a Pathway to Medicine, our programme is also an excellent base for graduate entry into more clinically focused roles, including Graduate Entry Medic MBBChine (MBBCh).

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Medical Biochemistry, BSc (Hons)

Medical Biochemistry, MSci (Hons)

Medical Biochemistry with a Foundation Year, BSc (Hons)

Medical Biochemistrywith a Placement Year, BSc (Hons)

Medical Biochemistry with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)

Medical Biochemistry with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)