How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- specialist training with the NHS
University
You'll normally need a relevant science degree, like:
- biochemistry
- biotechnology
- biopharmaceuticals
- chemical and molecular biology
- microbiology genetics
- molecular biology
If you do not meet the entry requirements for one of these subjects, you may be able to do a foundation year.
Postgraduate courses
For certain jobs you may need a postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD.
Some degree courses include an integrated master's qualification like MBiolSci, MBiochem or MSci. You'll have more time for independent research and they're designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.
Laboratory experience
It's important to get work experience in a laboratory during your degree course.
You can do this through a:
- work placement
- internship
- year in industry scheme
- Summer Vacation Studentship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Work
You could start as a laboratory technician and study for a biochemical science degree while working.
Other Routes
You could train to be a clinical biochemist in the NHS through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
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Professional and industry bodies
You can find career development opportunities and create a network of contacts by joining a professional body like the Biochemical Society and the Royal Society of Biology.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a biochemist from the: