Integrated Master in Science: Biochemistry and Biotechnology at University of Essex

Programme overview

MSci Biochemistry and Biotechnology is an integrated degree covering how life processes function at molecular level and how biotechnology addresses real-world problems, with three years at undergraduate level and a final Masters-level year of advanced topics and research.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 4 years (5 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; integrated | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 covers Biochemistry of Macromolecules, Molecular Cell Biology, Microbiology, Genetics and Evolution and chemistry modules. Year 2 includes Protein Bioinformatics, Genome Science and Metals in Biotechnology. Year 3 covers Structural and Molecular Enzymology, Biomembranes and Bioenergetics and a Research Project. Year 4 includes Industrial Biotechnology, Gene Technology and Synthetic Biology, Proteomics, Genomics and an Independent Research project (MSci).

Career pathways

Biology (biotechnology, forensic science); health (pharmacology, biomedical science); postgraduate medicine; postgraduate research; science teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE: Mathematics C/4. Plus one of the level 3 qualifications: A-levels ABB-BBB or 128-120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics (Psychology, Statistics, Physics, Applied Science, Human Biology, Geography, PE and Sociology are acceptable as second science A-levels, case by case). BTEC: DDM or 128-120 UCAS tariff points (acceptability depends on subject and units). IB: 32-30 points in the IB Diploma or 128-120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 5 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology and a second science or Mathematics (Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Sport, Exercise and Health Science are acceptable second HL sciences). QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 128-120 UCAS tariff points depending on subject. T-levels: Science T-levels considered case by case, with an offer for most courses of Distinction overall; Health and Healthcare Science T-levels are not accepted. Contextual offers of up to two A-level grades below the standard offer are made to eligible UK-resident applicants. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent accepted test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,600 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 4 years (5 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

Explore more study programmes

STEM