Medical Biochemistry, MSci (Hons)

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Key Course Details

UCAS Code: C74R
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: See Entry Requirements
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 9,535

4 Year Full Time

UCAS Code: C74R
Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: AAB - More Information
Location: Singleton Park Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2025	£ 22,750

This course is available through Clearing

Clearing Help and Support 0808 175 3071

Course Overview

Medical biochemistry is at the heart of modern medicine. It is crucial to the way we understand the causes and effects of disease and how we develop novel treatments.

The 4 year MSci is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to a 3 year BSc. This will give you an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. The MSci programme follows our BSc in Medical Biochemistry course, but offers specialist training in a broad range of laboratory techniques. In the additional year you will develop an extended, research project.

In this advanced undergraduate degree you will learn about the chemical processes that occur within living organisms and study how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels, and 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.

Why Medical Biochemistry at Swansea?

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including bioanalytical equipment such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies.

Your Medical Biochemistry Experience

Our academic staff are active in a diverse range of genetics research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting edge practice.

In addition to your formal studies, we hold regular research talks with Swansea University staff and guest expert speakers from other universities, industry, the NHS and research institutions.

You may also have the opportunity to spend time undertaking research in industrial or medical laboratories either in the UK or abroad.

A mix of compulsory and optional modules gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

Medical Biochemistry Employment Opportunities

An MSci Medical Biochemistry opens up a range of exciting career opportunities in diverse fields including:

Medicine and other health professions
Pharmaceutical development
Diagnostics
Bioinformatics
Veterinary sciences

This degree also provides an ideal base for further study to become a medical doctor and many of our students have gone on to study Graduate Entry Medicine at Swansea.

Modules

Your first year is made up of compulsory modules covering the essential foundations of medical biochemistry, including human physiology, energy and metabolism, biochemistry skills development, organic chemistry, molecular genetics, and eukaryotic cell biology.

As you progress, you will further develop your knowledge, studying specialised topics including clinical biochemistry, human and medical genetics, human immunopathology, techniques in molecular biology, membrane trafficking, and doctors patients and the goals of medicine.

In your final year you will complete an advanced independent research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist.

Year 1 (Level 4)

FHEQ 4 Undergraduate / HECert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Academic support and professional development	September-January (TB1)	0	PM-143
Genetics, Genomics & Evolution	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-164
Organic and Analytical Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-162

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introductory Biochemistry	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-150
Cyflwyniad i Fiocemeg	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-150C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Human Physiology	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-154
Ffisioleg Ddynol	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-154C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Skills for being a Medical Scientist	September-June (TB1+2)	20	PM-138
Sgiliau ar gyfer Gwyddorau Meddygol	September-June (TB1+2)	20	PM-138C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Cell Biology	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-161
Bioleg Celloedd	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-161C

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Undergraduate / HEDip

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human and Medical Genetics	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-226
Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-245
Clinical Biochemistry & Physiology	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-243

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Biostatistics	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-238
Ystadegau Biolegol	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-238C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.


Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advanced Metabolism	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-278
Metabolaeth Uwch	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-278C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.


Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Skills for Researchers	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-280
Sgiliau i Ymchwilwyr	January-June (TB2)	20	PM-280C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:


Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Techniques in Molecular Biology	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-277
Technegau Bioleg Foleciwlaidd	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-277C

AND

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Human Immunology	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-249
Imiwnoleg Ddynol	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-249C

AND

Choose Exactly 10 credits from the following Modules:

Compulsory module with Welsh language option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Introduction to neuroscience	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-275
Cyflwyniad i Niwrowyddoniaeth	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-275C

Year 3 (Level 6)

FHEQ 6 Undergraduate / Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Membrane Trafficking	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-331
Practical Quantitative Research	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-363
Nucleic acids: components, metabolism and modification	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-330
Human Immunopathology	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-347

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : You must choose TWO of the following modules.

Year 3 Medical Biochemistry optional modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Membranes and Energy Transduction	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-319
Advanced Biostatistics	September-January (TB1)	10	PM-364
Medical Genetics	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-300	Only available to students who took PM-226 in Year 2.
Genetics of Cancer	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-317	Only available to students who took PM-226 in Year 2.
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-358
The Neuroscience of Learning, Memory and Cognition	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-371
Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science	January-June (TB2)	10	PM-376

AND

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Biomedical Laboratory Techniques	September-June (TB1+2)	40	PM-378
Technegau Labordy Biofeddygol	September-June (TB1+2)	40	PM-378C

AND

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.


Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-361
Biowybodeg: O ddilyniant i swyddogaeth	September-January (TB1)	20	PM-361C

Year 4 (Level 7)

FHEQ 7 Advanced Honours

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Science Communication	September-June (TB1+2)	10	PM-401

Optional Modules

Choose Exactly 50 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.

Compulsory Modules with Welsh Language Option
Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advanced Research Project A	September-June (TB1+2)	50	PM-400
Prosiect Ymchwil Uwch A	September-June (TB1+2)	50	PM-400C

AND

Choose Exactly 60 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select one of the following modules.


Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Advanced Research Manuscript	September-June (TB1+2)	60	PM-405
Traethawd Hir Prosiect Ymchwil Uwch	September-June (TB1+2)	60	PM-405C

Entry Requirements

We have vacancies across a variety of subjects for September 2025 entry – please call our Clearing Helpline on 0808 175 3071.

We also welcome enquiries from candidates researching starting a course in 2026 - please see our Entry Requirements Page to find out typical offer ranges or get in touch by email or by telephone 01792 295111.

Are you an international student, waiting on exam results or an English Language test score? If so, we'd encourage you to apply through our free and easy to use direct application system, as you may be eligible for a conditional offer.

How You're Taught

At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods, carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. Most courses are taught in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider university community.

You can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions - including laboratory work, skills training, or studio-based teaching where relevant to your discipline. These sessions are designed to encourage active participation, collaboration, and the development of both subject-specific and transferable skills.

Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your learning experience. These may include:

Recorded lectures to support flexible study and revision.
Virtual labs or simulated environments, particularly in science, healthcare, and technical disciplines.
Online resources on the university’s virtual learning environment (Canvas), including videos, reading materials, quizzes, and discussion forums.

This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.

This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present) will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions will be monitored and data made available on request.

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages.

Meet Your Lecturers

Medical Biochemistry students will be taught by a range of world leading researchers based at the Medical School, giving you unrivalled access to teaching on our latest Medical Biochemistry research.

Principle teaching staff for the Medical Biochemistry programme are:

Course Director: Dr Ed Dudley
Admissions Tutor: Dr Aled Roberts
Dr Paula Row
Dr Nick Jones

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2024	£ 9,000	£ 21,650
September 2025	£ 9,535	£ 22,750

Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government

Fees for full time Undergraduate International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Personal Tutor:

You will be assigned a Personal Tutor from a pool of trained personnel drawn from academic staff in the Medical School, or possibly clinical staff from Health Boards for GEM and PA.

Personal Tutors are your first point of contact while studying at the Medical School and can provide assistance and guidance on a range of issues that may affect your wellbeing, attendance and educational progress. Personal Tutors may also help with your personal development planning and careers advice. Your tutor may also direct you to Welfare and other support services as appropriate.

Student Life Officer:

Our Student Life Officer focuses on student support and identifying students who may need to be referred on the services both within and outside of the University, and working with these students to put a plan in place to manage their welfare. This officer is trained to recognise signs of domestic abuse, hate crimes through to dealing with homesickness and any other pastoral issues.

Medical School Information Office:

Our team of administrators and student information co-ordinators are on hand to support with your academic queries and signpost you to additional services where required.

Study Abroad and Global Opportunities

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all schools. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

How to Apply

UK applicants: Apply now via Clearing

For further information please see our Guide to Clearing.

International applicants: If you don't have all of your results yet, apply using our free direct application system and we'll consider making you a conditional offer. Be sure to check our application deadlines before you submit.

EU applicants: visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our Information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.