Curious about the cells, systems and molecules that
underpin all of life on Earth?
Biochemistry at the University of Oxford is all about studying those systems to make connections and discoveries that can help advance humanity and improve quality of life for people everywhere.
Biochemistry as the name suggests, combines biology and chemistry by applying chemical techniques to biological problems. What sets biochemists apart from other biological scientists is that we use molecular methods to investigate, explain and manipulate biological processes, instead of studying the integrated function of organs, organisms and ecosystems. This kind of work provides the foundations of a number of other scientific disciplines, like pathology, pharmacology, physiology, genetics, zoology, botany and even surgery and anatomy.
Where can a biochemistry degree take you?
Our undergraduate course provides a solid base for any number of career paths. Most years roughly half of our graduates go straight into employment, with a quarter of those taking roles in scientific research or development or working on the technical side. A further quarter usually go into the finance sector and another quarter begin working in management or administration. The remaining quarter tend to be spread out across a wide range of jobs in anything from marketing, sales and the media to local and national government, the voluntary sector, the clergy and the police.
The other half either continue studying or combine work and study. The courses they do most commonly involve doctorates in biochemistry, or a related field like pharmacology, immunology or physiology - although some do branch off into things like teacher training, medicine, law, or accountancy.
Overall, University of Oxford graduates consistently show the impressive variety of doors that our biochemistry undergraduate course can help to open.
Interested?
Here’s our recommended reading list to help you find out a bit more about biochemistry before you apply, along with our electronic brochure which will answer many more of your questions.
