Best Universities for Biochemistry in the UK 2027
Durham University ranks first for biochemistry in 2027, followed by Swansea University in second and the University of Lincoln in third. The Unifresher ranking compares 60 universities using eight measures built around academic outcomes and the complete student experience.
Biochemistry students need strong laboratory teaching, useful feedback, research opportunities and a course that develops practical and analytical skills. They also need a university location they can afford and an environment where they feel supported. Unifresher brings those factors together rather than using reputation as the whole answer.
Why this ranking is student-first: Unifresher combines teaching, support and graduate outcomes with affordability, safety, social life and sustainability. That gives students a broader comparison of where they can learn complex science and enjoy university life.
Top universities for biochemistry in 2027
The top three lead through different strengths. Durham has the best complete score and the highest earnings figure on the podium, Swansea records perfect academic support, and Lincoln combines 98% teaching quality with 96% support.
Durham University
Durham
The strongest combined result, with 93% teaching quality and 95% academic support.
Swansea University
Swansea
Second overall, with a strong 79% satisfaction result and perfect published support.
University of Lincoln
Lincoln
Third overall, pairing one of the strongest teaching results with 96% academic support.
How the biochemistry ranking works
Eight measures create a fuller comparison
Unifresher combines academic and graduate results with the practical factors students experience throughout university. This helps applicants compare both the quality of a biochemistry course and the place where they will live and study.
Biochemistry University Rankings 2027
Search or sort all 60 universities. Sorting changes the comparison order only; every university's official published rank remains in the first column.
| Rank | University | Graduate earnings | Satisfaction | Teaching | Academic support | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Durham University Durham | £28,500 | 78% | 93% | 95% | 172 |
| 2 | Swansea University Swansea | £22,500 | 79% | 86% | 100% | 163 |
| 3 | University of Lincoln Lincoln | £23,500 | 78% | 98% | 96% | 158 |
| 4 | University of Exeter Exeter | £26,500 | 79% | 94% | 86% | 157 |
| 4 | Wrexham University Wrexham | £20,500 | 74% | 96% | 100% | 157 |
| 5 | Edge Hill University Ormskirk | £24,000 | 83% | 95% | 88% | 154 |
| 6 | University of Bristol Bristol | £26,500 | 73% | 96% | 90% | 151 |
| 7 | University of Worcester Worcester | £25,000 | 79% | 90% | 77% | 147 |
| 8 | Northumbria University, Newcastle Newcastle upon Tyne | £25,000 | 74% | 78% | 91% | 145 |
| 8 | University of Liverpool Liverpool | £27,500 | 71% | 91% | 96% | 145 |
| 9 | University of Reading Reading | £24,000 | 74% | 86% | 89% | 138 |
| 9 | Nottingham Trent University Nottingham | £27,000 | 76% | 90% | 88% | 138 |
| 9 | University of St Andrews St Andrews | £30,000 | 84% | 92% | 96% | 138 |
| 9 | Cardiff University Cardiff | £26,000 | 71% | 94% | 82% | 138 |
| 10 | Canterbury Christ Church University Canterbury | £29,000 | 73% | 84% | 89% | 137 |
| 11 | University of Kent Canterbury | £26,500 | 72% | 96% | 91% | 136 |
| 12 | Royal Holloway, University of London Egham | £26,000 | 74% | 89% | 100% | 135 |
| 12 | University of Sunderland Sunderland | £22,500 | 74% | 90% | 100% | 135 |
| 12 | Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield | £25,000 | 73% | 92% | 96% | 135 |
| 13 | Lancaster University Lancaster | £25,000 | 82% | 95% | 95% | 134 |
| 14 | University of East Anglia (UEA) Norwich | £26,000 | 79% | 88% | 82% | 131 |
| 15 | University of York York | £28,000 | 77% | 93% | 85% | 129 |
| 16 | University of Warwick Coventry | £30,500 | 74% | 94% | 94% | 128 |
| 17 | University of Leeds Leeds | £30,000 | 74% | 78% | 86% | 125 |
| 17 | University of Bath Bath | £30,000 | 80% | 83% | 92% | 125 |
| 17 | University of Sheffield Sheffield | £24,500 | 75% | 94% | 97% | 125 |
| 18 | Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne | £25,000 | 75% | 95% | 73% | 122 |
| 19 | University of Essex Colchester | £28,500 | 74% | 80% | 80% | 120 |
| 20 | Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool | £25,500 | 72% | 68% | 80% | 117 |
| 21 | University of Manchester Manchester | £32,000 | 70% | 80% | 82% | 116 |
| 22 | King's College London London | £30,000 | 67% | 89% | 84% | 114 |
| 23 | University of Leicester Leicester | £25,000 | 73% | 95% | 95% | 113 |
| 24 | Queen Mary University of London London | £32,000 | 69% | 89% | 95% | 110 |
| 25 | Keele University Newcastle-under-Lyme | £24,500 | 81% | 77% | 85% | 109 |
| 25 | University of Bedfordshire Luton | £23,000 | 68% | 84% | 89% | 109 |
| 25 | University of Surrey Guildford | £26,500 | 78% | 86% | 94% | 109 |
| 25 | University of Edinburgh Edinburgh | £30,000 | 74% | 87% | 84% | 109 |
| 26 | University of Hertfordshire Hertfordshire | £28,000 | 71% | 83% | 81% | 108 |
| 26 | University of Glasgow Glasgow | £25,500 | 75% | 92% | 92% | 108 |
| 27 | University of Aberdeen Aberdeen | £25,000 | 76% | 85% | 100% | 106 |
| 27 | University of Strathclyde Glasgow | £28,000 | 75% | 92% | 92% | 106 |
| 28 | Kingston University Kingston upon Thames | £23,000 | 71% | 83% | 100% | 105 |
| 29 | University of Salford Salford | £25,000 | 73% | 73% | 73% | 104 |
| 29 | University of Portsmouth Portsmouth | £24,500 | 77% | 92% | 98% | 104 |
| 30 | University of Nottingham Nottingham | £26,500 | 74% | 88% | 90% | 102 |
| 31 | UCL (University College London) London | £30,500 | 68% | 82% | 79% | 100 |
| 32 | Brunel University London Uxbridge | £28,000 | 68% | 83% | 95% | 99 |
| 33 | Aston University Birmingham | £27,500 | 75% | 92% | 96% | 95 |
| 33 | Middlesex University Middlesex | £26,000 | 69% | 100% | 95% | 95 |
| 34 | University of Sussex Brighton and Hove | £25,000 | 77% | 81% | 86% | 91 |
| 35 | University of Huddersfield Huddersfield | £22,000 | 74% | 72% | 88% | 89 |
| 35 | University of Northampton Northampton | £27,000 | 75% | 98% | 82% | 85 |
| 36 | University of Birmingham Birmingham | £27,000 | 72% | 83% | 87% | 83 |
| 36 | University of Hull Hull | £27,000 | 76% | 91% | 88% | 83 |
| 37 | University of Southampton Southampton | £28,500 | 76% | 84% | 76% | 82 |
| 37 | University of Dundee Dundee | £22,500 | 75% | 88% | 88% | 82 |
| 38 | Imperial College London London | £33,000 | 66% | 86% | 82% | 78 |
| 39 | University of East London London | £30,000 | 68% | 80% | 80% | 75 |
| 40 | University of Westminster London | £28,000 | 68% | 87% | 76% | 74 |
| 41 | London Metropolitan University London | £22,000 | 66% | 86% | 83% | 45 |
What the biochemistry ranking shows
Durham ranks first
Durham University leads with a score of 172, supported by strong teaching, support and earnings.
Imperial College London
Imperial has the highest graduate-earnings figure in the table at £33,000 and ranks 38th overall.
University of St Andrews
St Andrews records the strongest student-satisfaction result at 84% and shares ninth place.
Middlesex University
Middlesex is the only university in the table to record 100% for teaching quality.
Six universities score 100%
Swansea, Wrexham, Royal Holloway, Sunderland, Aberdeen and Kingston all reach 100%.
Median earnings are £26,500
The midpoint across all 60 graduate-earnings figures is £26,500.
What this ranking tells you about studying biochemistry
Biochemistry explores life at molecular level, commonly covering proteins, enzymes, metabolism, genetics, cell signalling, microbiology and disease mechanisms. Courses can still differ substantially in their chemistry content, practical intensity, computing, research specialisms and opportunities to work beyond the university laboratory.
Durham leads through a balanced result
Durham ranks first with £28,500 graduate earnings, 93% teaching quality and 95% academic support. Swansea and Lincoln then show why course-level data matters: Swansea reaches 100% for support, while Lincoln records 98% for teaching and 96% for support. The podium is not based on reputation alone.
Why Unifresher looks beyond prestige: science students experience practical classes, feedback, assessment, living costs and support throughout the degree. Combining those measures gives applicants a more realistic picture of where they may learn well and feel able to thrive.
The highest earnings figure sits outside the top 30
Imperial records the highest graduate-earnings figure at £33,000 but ranks 38th overall. Manchester and Queen Mary each record £32,000, while Warwick and UCL reach £30,500. Earnings remain useful, but Unifresher also weighs teaching, support and the wider cost and experience of studying in each location.
Laboratory experience should be compared carefully
Ask how many practical hours students receive, how large laboratory groups are, which techniques are taught and how quickly students progress from guided experiments to independent work. Useful training may include protein analysis, molecular biology, spectroscopy, chromatography, cell culture, data analysis and experimental design, depending on the course.
Accreditation adds context, not a universal verdict
Royal Society of Biology accreditation follows an independent assessment of a named bioscience programme's academic foundation and skills development. It can help applicants identify courses aligned with recognised bioscience standards, but students should check the exact programme in the current directory and still compare modules, facilities and placements.
Placements can change the value of the degree
A year in industry, summer studentship or substantial research project can provide evidence of laboratory competence and help students decide whether they prefer academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or another route. Compare whether placements are guaranteed, competitive or independently arranged and what support the university provides.
A BSc and integrated master's offer different trade-offs
A BSc usually offers a shorter route and more flexibility after graduation. An integrated master's commonly adds advanced modules and a larger research project within one continuous programme. Students considering a research-intensive career should compare project quality and supervision rather than assuming the longer course is automatically better.
Biochemistry and biomedical science are not interchangeable
Biochemistry normally focuses more deeply on molecular mechanisms and fundamental bioscience. Biomedical science is generally more directly connected to disease investigation and diagnostic laboratory practice. Students aiming to use the protected title of biomedical scientist should research the IBMS and HCPC route before choosing a degree.
Graduate earnings need context
The table ranges from £20,500 to £33,000, with a median of £26,500. HESA Graduate Outcomes information is collected approximately 15 months after course completion. Individual outcomes vary according to role, location, placement experience, postgraduate study and whether graduates enter laboratory, commercial or non-scientific work.
How to use the ranking when choosing a biochemistry degree
Compare chemistry, biology and computing
Review compulsory modules in molecular biology, genetics, proteins, metabolism, physical chemistry, statistics and data analysis.
Inspect laboratories and research projects
Ask about practical hours, group sizes, equipment, technical support and the scope of the final independent project.
Check placements and research opportunities
Compare industry years, summer studentships, hospital or biotech links, careers support and how placements are secured.
Compare BSc and integrated master's options
Check transfer rules, advanced modules, project supervision, additional costs and whether the longer route fits your goals.
Related Unifresher rankings and degree advice
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best university for biochemistry in the UK in 2027?
Durham University ranks first in the 2027 Unifresher biochemistry ranking with an overall score of 172. Swansea University is second with 163, and the University of Lincoln is third with 158.
How many universities are included in the biochemistry ranking?
The published 2027 Unifresher biochemistry ranking compares 60 universities across eight academic, career and student-experience measures. All 60 universities and every supplied result appear in the table.
What graduate earnings are shown for biochemistry?
The graduate-earnings figures range from £20,500 to £33,000, with a median of £26,500 across the 60 universities. Imperial College London has the highest figure at £33,000. These are comparative graduate outcomes rather than guaranteed starting salaries.
When are graduate outcomes measured?
HESA Graduate Outcomes information is collected approximately 15 months after students complete their higher education studies. The figures describe outcomes at that survey point, not salaries six months after graduation.
Does accreditation matter for a biochemistry degree?
Royal Society of Biology accreditation can be a useful sign that a bioscience degree has undergone independent assessment of its academic content and skills development. Accreditation applies to the exact programme, so check the current RSB directory rather than assuming every course at a university is accredited.
Should I choose a BSc or an integrated master's in biochemistry?
A BSc is normally the shorter and more flexible route. An integrated master's such as an MSci or MBiochem adds advanced study and usually a larger research project, which may suit students considering research or doctoral study. Compare transfer rules, placement options, funding and the exact final-year project before deciding.
What should I look for in a biochemistry degree?
Compare laboratory hours, practical class size, access to modern equipment, experimental design, statistics and coding, independent research projects, placement or study-abroad options, RSB accreditation, teaching, academic support and the department's areas of research.
What is the difference between biochemistry and biomedical science?
Biochemistry focuses on chemical and molecular processes in living systems, including proteins, enzymes, metabolism, genetics and cell signalling. Biomedical science is usually more directly focused on human disease and diagnostic laboratory science. Students aiming for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist should check the specific IBMS and HCPC route rather than assuming a biochemistry degree provides it.
What careers can you pursue with a biochemistry degree?
Biochemistry graduates can work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, laboratory science, clinical research, quality and regulatory work, scientific publishing, data-focused roles, education and science communication. Many also continue to master's or doctoral study. The best course depends on the laboratory, computational and professional skills required for the route you want.
Why does Unifresher include student-life measures in a biochemistry ranking?
Laboratory-based degrees can involve long contact hours, demanding practical work and substantial independent study. Unifresher combines teaching, support and graduate outcomes with affordability, safety, social life and sustainability so students can compare both the science course and the environment in which they will study.
Ranking, accreditation and career information
- Unifresher university rankings methodology for the eight measures and subject-ranking process.
- HESA Graduate Outcomes definitions for the approximately 15-month survey point.
- Royal Society of Biology UK accreditation for how bioscience degree accreditation works.
- Royal Society of Biology accredited-programme directory for checking an exact course.
- Biochemical Society undergraduate biochemistry guidance for typical course content and study routes.
- Biochemical Society careers resources for molecular-bioscience careers and work experience.
- IBMS biomedical scientist registration guidance for understanding the separate professional route.
