Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this course?

Do you want to contribute to work that could help solve many of life's biggest challenges? This course will help you understand the molecular processes that control life, from molecules (such as DNA and proteins) and cells, to the complex structures of whole organisms.

In your final year, you'll select from options such as Advanced Analytical Science, Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, and Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases. Choosing a specialist topic that inspires you, you'll have the opportunity to work on an independent research project.

You'll acquire the knowledge and technical skills to work in a wide variety of roles, including those in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. You'll also be able to go on to do further research and contribute to our understanding of how biochemistry underpins all human life.

This course is currently being revalidated for 25/26 entry. We are reviewing our modules to enhance the student-centred learning experience. This includes updating course content to meet industry needs and ensuring you develop the skills needed to become a future-proof graduate.

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time C700 2025
4 years full time with professional placement C701 2025
4 years full time including foundation year C708 2025
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2025

Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.

Main Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). You'll receive one year's free associate membership once you graduate.
  • You'll gain extensive practical experience in laboratories that have recently had a £6.8 million investment.
  • This course received overall satisfaction of 90.9% in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2022.

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1 provides you with a firm foundation in the biological and chemical principles on which life is based. You will gain a comprehensive overview of biochemistry, from the atomic level to that of the whole body. Subject areas include the fundamentals of chemistry, cells and tissues, genetics and molecular biology. A scientific and practical skills module will also introduce you to important laboratory techniques and the necessary mathematics, statistics and IT required by biochemists.

Core modules

Genes, Cells and Tissues

30 credits

This module introduces you to basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, molecular, organismal and population genetics, germ layers and basic tissue types in the human body, and a variety of microorganisms. Core factual material is provided in keynote lectures and supported via material available via CANVAS. Laboratory practicals give you the opportunity to learn selected current techniques used to study cells, tissues, chromosomes and microbial organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to modules at levels 5 and 6 that develops further knowledge in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and microbiology.

The Biochemical Foundations of Life

30 credits

Learn how the building blocks of life work together to create complex molecules that sustain us. Explore the role of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in our bodies, and how they are broken down and used for energy.

Foundation Chemistry

30 credits

This module will refresh your foundation knowledge of the core chemistry concepts required for progress within the field of pharmaceutical science and biochemistry. It includes atomic and molecular structure within various bonding models, the principles of functional group interconversions and synthesis. You will also be introduced to the laws of kinetics and thermodynamics and apply them to simple chemical and pharmaceutical systems.

Scientific and Laboratory Skills

30 credits

This first year module provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study. Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences. Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists. A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.

Accreditation Skills Portfolio 1

0 credits

This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical laboratory skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills. Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.

Year 2 introduces some of the more specialised aspects of biochemistry. You will gain a detailed knowledge of protein function, structure and analysis; the major metabolic pathways; organisation and physiology of cells including cell signalling; genes and their expression; pharmacological principles; and the application of research methods. You will also explore a range of bioanalytical techniques employed in the pharmaceutical industry.

Core modules

Proteins and Metabolism

30 credits

Learn about the structure and function of proteins, including enzymes. Explore how organisms obtain and use energy, from a molecular level to how these processes help in the regulation of health and disease.

Molecular Biology of the Cell

30 credits

This is a core module taken by student in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology route), Pharmacology, and is an option module taken by Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences (General route)

The module builds on topics covered in LS4001 (Genes, Cells and Tissues) and explores more advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides insight into the structure and function of cells, and takes an integrated approach to looking at how cells respond to changes in their environment - from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.

Formal lectures are supported by laboratory classes, tutorials, workshops, independent study and further resources available on Canvas. The module also includes opportunities to develop both data-handling and written skills.

Microbiology

15 credits

This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the structure and function of microbiological agents in health and disease. Through the lectures several microbiological processes will be examined along with methods of controlling the organisms responsible in the laboratory environment as well as within a patient.

Research Methods and Skills

15 credits

This module aims to further develop the scientific, research and Future Skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate the application of these skills to the broader discipline and beyond. You will be provided with the opportunity and encouragement to apply original and unconventional ideas, to be imaginative, and to tackle problem-solving using techniques that develop individual and group creativity, using design thinking and scientific method.

You will also develop core research skills such as locating and evaluating relevant scientific literature, enhancement of scientific writing skills, and managing, analysing and presenting data, using software such as Excel and R. You will also learn about the impact of your discipline on ethical, sustainable, and societal issues along with being able to communicate your outputs and findings.

Analytical Science

30 credits

This module introduces you to the applications of analytical science within analytical biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and the pharmaceutical sciences. It allows you to build your knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning. You will learn the principles of the stages within the analytical process model, including understanding sampling methods, sample preparation, errors and statistics and data recording in analytical science. This module will enable you to select and optimise appropriate analytical methods to solve problems in biomedical, forensic and pharmaceutical cases.

Accreditation Skills Portfolio 2

0 credits

This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills.  Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.

Year 3 has specialist modules in Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science and Molecular Genetics & Bioinformatics, with a choice between Advanced Analytical Science and Clinical Chemistry & Haematology. You will undertake an independent research project providing an opportunity to research a topic of your choice within your specialism as either a laboratory, data project or a systematic review.

Core modules

Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for students taking Biochemistry and Biological Sciences (Genetics & Molecular Biology route), and may be taken as an option by Forensic Biology and Pharmacology students.

This module introduces you to the processes involved in maintaining genome stability, causing genome variability and controlling the coding potential of the genome. Mutation, recombination and transposition, and the interplay between them, are examined as causes of genome instability. The impact of genome instability/change upon gene expression, and its control, links these two main themes of the module. The module also introduces you to bioinformatics and sequence analysis. The use of sequence databases and analysis tools permits the analysis of gene/genome variability, along with the patterns of variability and conservation of sequences. This strand of the module gives an introduction to an area of increasing importance in many areas of bioscience research, including molecular diagnostics and drug development.

Core factual material is provided via lectures, including demonstrations of the databases and analysis tools in the case of the bioinformatics elements, with additional resources being placed on Canvas. Over 50% of the teaching time in the module is spent on computer and laboratory practical work.

Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for students taking Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Environmental Biology; Medical Biology; Genetics and Molecular Biology), Medical Biochemistry, and Pharmacology.

This module will provide you with insights into the scientific basis of recent technological advances in biomolecular science through selected examples of contemporary scientific research and their impact on society. It will build on key knowledge, consolidated at Levels 5 and 6, to demonstrate the application of theory to current research, developments in bioindustry and the effect of advancements on society. The scientific areas selected are designed to stimulate topical debate and are blended as a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. The interaction of science and the media, public engagement, and how these can guide scientific policy will also be discussed together with the challenges facing today's bioindustry, including the role of intellectual property rights, bioethics and enterprise. Employability and enterprise are embedded to develop your scientific and professional skills.

Project (Bioscience)

30 credits

You will complete your own independent research project, with the guidance of an academic supervisor. There are several types of projects you can choose from, such as a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, questionnaires, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, comparison and original presentation of reported research data.

You will review and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to predict and answer a research question, and produce a written report.

Accreditation Skills Portfolio 3

0 credits

This is a non-credit-bearing module for students studying BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences which must be passed in order to achieve a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. It is designed to record satisfactory completion of a range of key practical skills and to provide a record of a student's achievement of competence in such skills.  Students will receive a portfolio record of their competence at the end of the year to demonstrate their experience to future employers.

Optional modules

Advanced Analytical Science

30 credits

This is a core module of MPharmSci (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science and MChem (Hons) Chemistry and an option for BSc (Hons) Chemistry  and BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science students. It takes forward the themes of spectroscopy that were introduced in the previous modules and develops a more rigorous theoretical footing and advanced applications. In parallel to this, analytical themes are introduced covering radiochemical analysis, electroanalysis and thermal analysis.

Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases

30 credits

This is a core module for Pharmacology and an option for other Life Science degree courses, namely Biological Sciences (Medical Biology route) and Biochemistry.

This module provides an opportunity to learn about the various chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of both infectious and neoplastic disease. Treatments for infectious diseases will cover drugs that have actions on bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, while the neoplastic disease therapy will include a range of different cancers, including both solid and blood cancers. The lectures will focus on the mode of action, side effects and mechanisms of resistance of both antimicrobials and anti-cancer drugs.

Clinical Chemistry and Haematology (Blood Sciences)

30 credits

You will evaluate the contribution of laboratory investigations to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in key areas such as renal disease, diabetes, anaemia, and haematological malignancies. Topics are introduced through a structured lecture series and further explored in practical laboratory sessions. Case histories are used to illustrate current best practice, reinforced by keynote lectures from expert practitioners in the field.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

  • 112–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
  • A-levels to include Chemistry with a minimum of grade C and any Biology subject, grade A - E.
  • With foundation year: 64 points.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in appropriate Science subject with grades DMM.

Candidates are normally required to hold GCSE Mathematics grade C/4.

Typical offer 2024

  • 112–128 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
  • A-levels to include Chemistry with a minimum of grade C and Biology.
  • With foundation year: 64 points.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in appropriate Science subject with grades DMM.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Science subject which has been passed with 112 UCAS points.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered. 

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Accreditation

This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Kingston University graduates from this programme will receive one year's free membership of the Royal Society of Biology.

Teaching and assessment

Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include placements, project work, practical sessions, workshops, conferences and field trips.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

  • Year 1: 24% scheduled learning and teaching
  • Year 2: 26% scheduled learning and teaching
  • Year 3: 21% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Types of assessment

  • Year 1: Coursework 37%; practical 20%; exams 43%
  • Year 2: Coursework 54%; practical 12%; exams 34%
  • Year 3: Coursework 28%; practical 22%; exams 50%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 35 students and lecture sizes are normally 35-325. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 2 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 3 (2027/28): £19,900
Year 4 (2028/29): £20,700

For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories, and labs dedicated to chemistry specialist equipment, such as:

  • gas and liquid chromatography;
  • electron and confocal microscopy;
  • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers;
  • nuclear science equipment;
  • thermal analysis;
  • x-ray diffractometers; and
  • electrochemical analysis;
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

The library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
  • online database subscriptions; and
  • a growing selection of resource material

After you graduate

You'll be ready for graduate entry to careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, forensics, medicine, teaching and business management. This degree also provides a base for postgraduate study.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10% discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

What our students say

For me, the best thing about Kingston University is its collaborative ethos. The staff are incredibly supportive, which encourages students to be involved and support each other. Being able to work in such an atmosphere, surrounded by both state-of-the-art facilities and world-class expertise has been an incredible opportunity.

My course is very interactive, containing lot of tutorials, workshops and meetings where all students can take an active part in their learning process. Personal tutors provide pastoral support to help not only with academic performance but emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.

All my experience in Kingston has put me in an excellent position to apply for my PhD. My time in Kingston has been amazing and knowing that I made the most of it is very rewarding. I would recommend the biochemistry course at Kingston University to any student who seeks a stimulating environment to do pioneering cutting edge science."

Bozhidar Ivanov, Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Having the opportunity to learn from staff that were such experts in the variety of subjects offered was incredible, their passion for the content always came through and they were always willing to support students through assignments and exams.

I loved my time studying Biochemistry and have used the knowledge I gained in my personal life to help understand more about my own body and the world around me.

The course is run well and the modules are designed with student input on their structure and assessment, because our opinion on the course is valued too. The faculty were so pleasant and kind, and you build a very different relationship than when you are at school or college, and I made friendships with my course mates that I know will last a lifetime. Graduating was bittersweet because I was so proud to get to the end, but so sad to leave and move on to the next chapter."

Rachel Crossley-Watters, Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Why take a placement? Work placements: 

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job  
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid) 
  • help you to select your final-year project. 

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (eg a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility. 

For further information please contact the Placements Team by telephone 020 8417 2969 or email secplace@kingston.ac.uk

Examples of placements  

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles: 

Construction-based placement employers 

Construction-based placement roles 

RG Group 
Multiplex 
Costain 
Willmott Dixon  
Fluor 

Assistant site manager 
Assistant trades package manager 
Assistant logistics manager 
Health and safety officer 
Construction engineer

Science-based placement employers 

Science-based placement roles 

Reckitt and Benckiser 
GSK 
Drug Control Centre 
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd  
Various local and international hospitals 

Bioanalytical sciences 
Lab assistant 
Pharmacy assistant 
Sports coach 

Engineering-based placement employers 

Engineering-based placement roles 

Airbus 
BAM Nuttall 
Nissan 
Bosch 
Wozair

Analysis of aircraft structure 
Construction resources specialist 
Site engineer assistant

Computing and IS based placement employers 

Computing and IS based placement roles 

Disney 
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe 
IBM 
McKinsey 
Intel

Database co-ordinator 
Software developer 
Website developer 
App developer

Mathematics-based placement employers 

Mathematics-based placement roles 

Lloyds Banking Group 
AXA 
Allianz 
PAU Education, Spain

Analyst 
Investment solutions 
Research analyst 
Accounts assistant

Find out about studying this course part-time

The part-time course is half the workload of the full-time course, taking six years to complete rather than three. The course is flexible so you can switch to full-time study in Years 2 or 3 if you wish.

Before the course begins, you will meet with a tutor to discuss your time commitments. The course leaders will then try to let you know the timetable of lectures and seminar groups as soon as possible. On average, part-time students need to allow 10 hours a week to attend lectures and seminars, plus a further 10 to 15 hours for independent study, but this does vary.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.