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Key information

Duration:: 4 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: AAB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: C707
Start date:: September 2025

94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

What are the mechanisms of life?

Studying Biochemistry at Sussex, you’ll explore this question. Taught by leading biochemists and chemists, you’ll:

study life at the molecular scale
explore the chemical processes underpinning the activities of cells and organisms
discover what happens when things go wrong, leading to diseases such as cancer
find out how biochemistry can help us develop new therapeutics.

From Year 1, you’ll be in the lab gaining hands-on practical skills, recording, analysing and interpreting data from your experiments. You’ll learn about current theories in the field, communicating complex topics and working as part of a team.

The course is informed by the latest research. It’s flexible so you can tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. You’ll be inspired by modules in areas such as medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, cell signalling and neuroscience. You’ll be supported by a friendly community of scientists in the School of Life Sciences. Our student mentoring programme can also provide you with academic support should you need it.

When you graduate, you’ll have skills in:

purifying and analysing key biomolecules such as nucleic acids and enzymes
exploring genomics data
carrying out your own research project.

With such skills, a variety of careers are open to you, in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or within forensics. Your data-handling and analytical skills mean you could develop a career both inside and outside of science.

And in addition, in your integrated Masters year, you gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a career in – or related to – research. You’ll spend a semester working on an individual research project in one of our Biochemistry research teams. In this year, you’ll develop advanced skills in technical, analytical and scientific communication skills.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

MSci or BSc?

We also offer this course as a three-year BSc, or a BSc with an industrial placement year. Find out about the benefits of an integrated Masters year.

How to apply

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A-level

Typical offer	AAB
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels must include both Biology and Chemistry. You will also need to pass the separate science practical assessment. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).
Extended Project Qualification	We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Typical offer	Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 27 credits at Distinction
Subjects	You will need substantial amounts of Level 3 credits in both Biology and Chemistry or will need to have taken A-level Chemistry and Biology in addition to the Access to HE Diploma.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M1, M1 and M2 in the Pre-U

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade A in the A-level and M1 and M2 in the two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would normally expect you to have grades AB in the two A-levels and M1 in the Pre-U.

Subjects

A-levels or Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects must include both Biology and Chemistry.

You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in Biology and/or Chemistry. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

GCSEs

You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	You will need Higher Levels in both Biology and Chemistry, with grade 5.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Typical offer	Grade A in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels must include both Biology and Chemistry. You will also need to pass the separate science practical assessment. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Typical offer	Grades AB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	A-levels must include both Biology and Chemistry. You will also normally need to pass the separate science practical assessment in at least one A-level. If you are not able to take the science practical assessment, applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Typical offer	DDD
Contextual offer	View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan
Subjects	The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma will need to be in Applied science and must include the following modules For the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma, please contact admissions ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
GCSEs	You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B).

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	AAABB
Subjects	Highers must include both Biology and Chemistry, with at least grade B. Ideally, you will also have Biology and Chemistry as an Advanced Higher.
GCSEs	You will also need Scottish National 5 in Mathematics and two sciences with grade B in each.

T Level

Typical offer	The T Level in Science will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
GCSEs	You will also need GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and two science subjects with grade 5 in each (or grade B)

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer

AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels

Subjects

A-levels must include both Biology and Chemistry.

GCSEs

You will normally need GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and two Science subjects with grade B in each (or grade 5).

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.
Subjects	You will need Higher Levels in both Biology and Chemistry, with grade 5.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer

Overall result of 80%

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in both Biology and Chemistry with good results (at least a score of 8.0).

Also you must have a good level of Mathematics.

Other international qualifications

Australia

Typical offer

Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and 92% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 3 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Austria

Typical offer

Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of 1.8 or better for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Belgium

Typical offer

Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bulgaria

Typical offer

Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects).

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Typical offer

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses

British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AAABB from 5 grade 12 courses

We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Typical offer

If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects.

We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution.

The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Croatia

Typical offer

Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of 4.5

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Typical offer

Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average of 19/20 and above will be considered for first-year entry.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Czech Republic

Typical offer

Maturita with a good overall average.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Typical offer

Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 8-10 on the new grading scale.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Finland

Typical offer

Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result of at least EEMM

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Typical offer

French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 14/20.

Additional requirements

You will need to be taking the science strand within the French Baccalauréat with good results (12/20) in the key areas (Chemistry).

You must also you must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Typical offer

German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 or better.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results (12/15) are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Typical offer

Apolytirion with an overall average of at least 19 will be considered for first-year entry. You must also have either Apolytirion pathway in Chemistry with a score of 19 or the Pan Hellenic in Chemistry with an overall score of 17.

Additional requirements

You must also you must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Typical offer

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 5, 4 from three subjects including two electives

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results of 5 or 4 are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hungary

Typical offer

Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55555 to 55544.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Typical offer

Standard XII results

85%-80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE)
85%-80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
85%-80% HSC Higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Typical offer

Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential. Also you should have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ireland

Typical offer

Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3.

Additional requirements

Highers will need to include Chemistry, normally grade H1.

You must have at least grade O3 in Mathematics and two sciences

Israel

Typical offer

For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Typical offer

Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of 85/100.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Typical offer	Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years
Additional requirements	Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential. Also you should have a good level of Mathematics.

Latvia

Typical offer

Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lithuania

Typical offer

Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English).

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Luxembourg

Typical offer

Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with 48 points overall

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer

at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Netherlands

Typical offer

Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average of at least 8.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Typical offer

You are expected to have one of the following:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Typical offer

Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of between 4.5 to 5

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Typical offer

You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies.

You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Poland

Typical offer

Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 80th percentile including Chemistry

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Portugal

Typical offer

Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark of 18/20.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Romania

Typical offer

Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average of 8.7 including a score of 8 in Chemistry.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Typical offer

Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses.

Additional requirements

Evidence of existing academic ability in Chemistry is essential. Also you should have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Typical offer

A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovakia

Typical offer

Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average grade of 1.5 from 4 subjects including Chemistry.

Additional requirements

You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Slovenia

Typical offer

Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 25 points overall.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Typical offer

National Senior Certificate with very good grades.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Typical offer

Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 8.0

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Typical offer

Sri Lankan A-levels.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sweden

Typical offer

Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include A and B grades in the majority of subjects including grade B in Chemistry.

Additional requirements

You must have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer

Federal Maturity Certificate.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Typical offer

We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1.

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Typical offer

We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications.

Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26

AP and SAT Subject tests

Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:

A Level requirements	AP test grades
AAA	555
AAB	554
ABB	544
BBB	444

We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table

If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject.

College level credits

We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis. These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests

Associate degrees

An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 will meet our entry requirements for year 1.

Foundation Year entry

Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year

Additional requirements

Evidence of academic studies to a high level in Chemistry with good results are essential. You must also have a good level of Mathematics.

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component

Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about IELTS

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.

Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.

Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements

Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A – C in English

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

Admissions information for applicants

Transfers into Year 2	Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

For me, the most favourite thing about my course is I get to collaborate with students who do a range of degrees different to my own.” Liam Shaugy
Biochemistry MSci

Video transcript

Liam: So, for me, the most favourite thing about my course is I get to collaborate with students who do a range of degrees different to my own, so I get to learn about how they learn, and how they process information. So, for me, that’s the most interesting thing about my course.

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Modules

This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.

Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex
Year 4 at Sussex

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you

If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student

Placement (optional)

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.

Find out more about placements and internships

Recent Life Sciences students have gone on placements at:

Oroboros Instruments
Pfizer
the NHS.

I gained a huge variety of valuable experience that will help further both my learning and my career.”Jack Turner
Biochemistry BSc
Electron Microscopy, The Francis Crick Institute

Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Options

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Advanced Methods in Molecular Research

Spring teaching

Life Sciences MSci research project

Options

Autumn teaching

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Video transcript

[Music starts – light pop – no vocals]

On screen text

Want to help shape a better world through science?

Want to tackle real world problems?

And create world-changing impact?

It all starts at the University of Sussex.

Our research focussed courses span the whole of Life Sciences:

Chemistry

Biochemistry

Neuroscience

Biology

Zoology

Ecology and Conservation

Biomedical Science

Genetics

Using the latest in cutting-edge advances.

Guided by world-leading experts.

Gain hands-on experience, in both our teaching labs and out in the field.

Influence important policies on things such as the pesticides that kill our wildlife, and policies that protect endangered species.

Work towards unlocking the secrets of the brain and ending the despair of cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Join a community of leading scientists and like-minded students striving to make the world a better place for all.

And follow in the footsteps of our 3 Nobel-prize winning alumni.

We’re here today, to train the scientists of tomorrow.

And you could be one of them.

Find out more about the School of Life Sciences at sussex.ac.uk

[Music ends]

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Our staff

Understanding how proteins interact and polymerise is important if we are to tackle diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”Professor Louise Serpell
Professor of Biochemistry (Dementia Research Group)

Dr Leandro Castellano

Reader in RNA Biology

View profile of Leandro Castellano

Prof Neil Crickmore

Professor of Microbial Biocontrol

View profile of Neil Crickmore

Prof Georgios Giamas

Professor of Cancer Cell Signalling

View profile of Georgios Giamas

Dr Greig Joilin

Lecturer in Biochemistry and Biomedicine

View profile of Greig Joilin

Prof Erika Mancini

Professor of Biomedical Structural Biology

View profile of Erika Mancini

Dr Ethan Morgan

Lecturer in Biochemistry and Biomedicine

View profile of Ethan Morgan

Dr Rhys Morgan

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Rhys Morgan

Dr Haruko Okamoto

Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry

View profile of Haruko Okamoto

Dr Mark Paget

Reader in Molecular Genetics

View profile of Mark Paget

Dr Frances Pearl

Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics

View profile of Frances Pearl

Prof Zahid Pranjol

Professor in Biomedical Science Education

View profile of Zahid Pranjol

Dr Chrisostomos Prodromou

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Chrisostomos Prodromou

Dr Joanna Richardson

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Joanna Richardson

Dr Mark Roe

X-Ray Crystallography Collaborative Research Facility Manager

View profile of Mark Roe

Dr Pascale Schellenberger

View profile of Pascale Schellenberger

Prof Louise Serpell

Professor of Biochemistry

View profile of Louise Serpell

Dr Lorraine Smith

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Lorraine Smith

Prof Michelle West

Interim Head of School of Life Sciences

View profile of Michelle West

Dr David Wood

Lecturer in Immunology

View profile of David Wood

Dr Edward Wright

Senior Lecturer in Microbiology

View profile of Edward Wright

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Fees

Home students:: £9,250 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £9,250 per year
International students:: £26,250 per year
Study abroad:: Find out about grants and funding, tuition fees and insurance costs for studying abroad
Placement:: Find out about tuition fees for placements

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our Tuition fees page.

Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Chancellor's International Scholarships

£5,000 in the first year of full-time study

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Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

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Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

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Sussex India Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

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Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

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Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

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Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

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Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more

How to apply

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Careers

Studying Biochemistry at Sussex prepares you for a range of careers – not just in science.

You’ll become skilled in numerical and data analysis, problem-solving and laboratory work. Transferable skills such as time management, communication and analytical skills are embedded in the modules throughout your course.

You can use your Biochemistry degree to work in areas including:

energy, environment and health
research and universities
the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

What to do with a Biochemistry degree

Explore the careers you might be interested in after studying for a degree in Biochemistry

Working while you study

Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

How to apply

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