Overview
A foundation year helps you develop the study skills and self-confidence needed for higher education when you don’t reach the entry requirements for your subject.
The biotechnology sector is developing rapidly, offering you many exciting career opportunities, especially within biomedical and pharmaceutical companies.
On our course you’ll learn how to apply a theoretical scientific knowledge base to real-world problems that are crucial to our sustainable future. This will involve in-depth study of topics such as protein structure and function, enzymology, metabolism, molecular biological techniques as well as plant, animal and human genetics.
Part of your studies could take place at our innovative Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park, Sandwich where we have collaborations with a number of research-based companies. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a placement module, where you'll work in a commercial environment and learn new skills to enhance your CV and help you stand out as a skilled and experienced graduate.
Our friendly and supportive team has an open-door policy and is ready to support and advise you throughout your studies.
We know employers are looking for dynamic, open-minded graduates who can adapt, innovate, and collaborate. This is why we have designed a new way of teaching and learning to ensure that you are work-ready for when you graduate. Our 2026 course will reflect this new approach. The 2026 course page will be made live shortly.
Accredited by Royal Society of Biology
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Watch on YouTubeYou'll learn about the basis of evolution, the processes by which genes and cells function and how you can apply your knowledge and practical skills towards our understanding of life, the development of a new biotechnology or even the discovery of a future drug to treat disease.Dr Lee Byrne, Senior Lecturer, Biochemistry and Genetics
Why study Biochemistry and Genetics at CCCU?
Work in the Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park
Collaborate with research-based companies at Discovery Park, Sandwich.
Joint 6th in the UK
for student satisfaction with the quality of teaching in the subject area of Biological Sciences.
Complete University Guide Subject League Table 2025
Entry requirements
64
UCAS Tariff Points
Accepted qualifications
We accept a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others. Below are some common examples.
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | DDE |
| BTEC | MPP |
| Access | Pass 45 Credits |
| International Baccalaureate | TBC |
Extra information
We also welcome applications from students with few or no formal Level 3 qualifications who wish to return to education.
You may be asked to attend an interview.
More information
Contact us
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
How you’ll learn
You will study modules entitled as follows. Module descriptors will be added in due course.
Level 0 modules:
- Introduction to Biology
- Introduction to Chemistry
- Science skills
- Advancing Chemistry
- Maths and Physics for the Life Sciences
- Advancing Biology
Level 4:
- Biochemistry 1
- Statistics and Introduction to ‘R’ Software
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Microbiology
- Chemistry for Life and Environmental Science
- Biochemistry 2
Level 5:
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
- Animal Genetics
- Plant Genetics
- Bioinformatics and Data Handling
- Human Genetics
Optional modules Level 5:
- Analytical Techniques
- Food Chemistry
- Work Placement
Level 6:
- Honours Project in Biochemistry and Genetics (40 credits)
- Immunology
- Plant Product Chemistry
- Genetics of Plant Systems
Optional modules Level 6:
- Advanced Food Chemistry
- Advanced Bioinformatics
You will be taught through a combination of blended learning with workshops, laboratory practicals, field visits and seminars.
Workshops will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your academic personal tutor at least once each semester, but you are encouraged to arrange additional meetings as required.
You will use industry-standard software as well as access to specialist facilities and equipment throughout your course.
In the final year, you will conduct an independent research project that can cater to your particular interests and skills development. You will be supervised by a member of our academic team and guided in undertaking independent research, data analysis and presentation of your results. Depending on the topic of your project, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner on an industry-relevant research project.
Your actual contact hours depend on the option modules you select.
When not attending workshops, practical sessions or other timetabled activities, you will continue learning through self-study that will be structured for you by the module leader for each module. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, engaging with online learning materials (videos, quizzes etc.), undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations, workshops and seminars.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class.
For the Honours Project module in year three, you will undertake independent research. You will work under the supervision of a member of our academic team, with support of other members of the teaching team where necessary. You will also meet with your supervisor regularly.
The team consists of highly qualified academics. They have a range of expertise and experience.
All our team members hold doctoral and teaching qualifications. They are research-active and have experience in delivering research-informed teaching.
Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching and assessing some modules. However, experienced academics teach the vast majority of lectures and seminars.
You will be supported throughout your degree and in particular your honours project by a tutor with research expertise in Biochemistry and Genetics.Dr Gregg McIntoshCourse Director
How you’ll be assessed
The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is also a formal or 'summative' assessment element for each of the modules. Assessment methods include a range of coursework assessments, such as laboratory reports, literature reviews, skills assessments, presentations and your final year major project. Some modules also have a formally assessed exam. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Typically, there will be two coursework assessments weighted at 50% each and a practical skills portfolio. Some modules from Level 5 onward will have an exam that replaces the 50% piece of coursework.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module leader or personal academic tutor.
We aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of hand-in (formal coursework assessment).
Your future career
You can use your training to pursue a range of career opportunities, including academic or industrial research, project management, scientific communication or employment in the biotech sector. Alternatively, you have the option to take on further study through taught or research-based postgraduate training, including MSc by Research or MPhil/PhD.
Fees
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time - Foundation Year 0 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
| Full-time - years 1-3 | £9,535 | £15,500 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
The tuition fees relate to 2025/26 only. Please read the 2025/26 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
Home (UK) Fees
Home (UK) tuition fees for Foundation Years at Canterbury Christ Church University will be set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for foundation years in classroom-based subjects or non-classroom based subjects, as set by the UK Government.
Home (UK) tuition fees for subsequent years 1-3 are currently set in line with the maximum tuition fee cap for standard undergraduate degrees set by the UK Government.
The Government has announced that it will increase the tuition fee cap by 3.1%, in line with inflation, for the 2025/26 academic cycle. Subject to parliamentary approval, the University intends to increase our tuition fees in line with this and as per our terms and conditions. This means that from September 2025 onwards, our undergraduate home tuition fees for subsequent years of study are expected to be £9,535.
Overseas/International Fees
Undergraduate / PGCE tuition fees for international students are not set by the UK Government.
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Industry Links
This course is associated with the University’s Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab at Discovery Park, Sandwich. Here you’ll have the opportunity to undertake laboratory work and be encouraged to broaden your experience by interacting and collaborating with a range biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
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Duration:
4 yearsUCAS code:
C724Location(s):
Canterbury