Biochemistry with Foundation Year

Get ready for degree-level study with our degree with a foundation year. In Year 0, you’ll be part of a supportive Natural and Applied Sciences Foundation Year, gaining essential skills, knowledge and research experience, as well as the confidence to complete a full honours degree as part of this four-year course.

You’ll be able to begin this qualification without meeting the standard Level 3 entry requirements, learning in a supportive community and gaining the essential skills required to succeed in degree-level education.

From there you'll discover how life works at the molecular level with our BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Foundation Year Degree. From researching DNA and proteins to enzymes and metabolism, you'll gain the skills needed for careers in medical research, biotech, pharmaceuticals, or further study.

Taught by a multidisciplinary team of expert scientists in state-of-the-art labs, this degree blends biology, chemistry, and molecular biology to help you solve real-world problems, from fighting disease to innovation in sustainability. You'll also benefit from our unique links to industry through the Industry Liaison Lab at the nearby Discovery Park in Sandwich.

What you'll learn across your four-year degree


• Explore DNA, proteins, and enzymes to understand how cells function and how diseases develop.



• Participate in active research as part of your final year dissertation and gain the skills needed for graduate roles.



• Develop practical lab skills using cutting-edge scientific equipment and technologies.



• Investigate genetic engineering, biotechnology, and personalised medicine in real-world contexts.



• Apply data analysis and scientific thinking to tackle problems in research and industry.



With a strong focus on hands-on experience, problem-solving and career-focused learning, our Biochemistry degree will prepare you for success in science and beyond. Whether you're aiming to work in the lab, the field, or further academic study, this course gives you the knowledge and confidence to lead the way in the molecular sciences.

Interim accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology
This course has been awarded interim accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Interim accreditation is awarded to new courses before a full cohort has graduated.

Specialist facilities
In our Verena Holmes STEM building, you’ll learn using cutting-edge analytical equipment, including: fluorescent and confocal microscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry.
Our Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab offers a unique opportunity for you to get involved in real-world scientific work. Located off campus at Discovery Park, a thriving part of the South East’s life science community, our Lab is where companies are undertaking advanced research. Here you have the chance to collaborate with employers who are finding solutions that lead to new treatments and ground-breaking discoveries.

Career prospects
As a Biosciences student, you’ll be able to meet future employers through our annual employers’ fair. Guest speakers from the industry deliver talks and host stands, giving you the opportunity to make contacts and see where your degree could take you.
Some of our graduates have gone on to successful careers as Head of Marketing at MSD, Senior Associate Scientist at York Bioanalytical Solutions, and Crystallisation Laboratory Technician at Pfizer.

University isn't just an education, it's the start of your career. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), you'll get to explore a number of exciting career paths, whatever you study.

CCCU is ranked top 5 UK university for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026), highlighting its excellent student careers and employability support. The university is home to career-relevant courses and industry-standard facilities. For example, film students can showcase their creativity in the fully equipped film/TV studio, forensics students can test their observational abilities in mock crime scenes, and nursing students can practice their skills in simulated hospital wards.

With a campus in a World Heritage Site, Canterbury is also less than an hour on the train from London and is buzzing with student life. You've got beautiful coast and countryside right on your doorstep, and plenty of opportunities to make friends. With CCCU's range of clubs and societies, including Tennis, Musical Theatre and Dodgeball, you're bound to meet your friends for life.

Click register interest now to secure your place at CCCU this September.