Confused

I applied to do biochemistry at kcl (I have an offer) and got my results a few days ago (A*AB) in bio, French and chem in that order.

Despite this from looking online I’m not sure if biochemistry is a very good degree in terms of prospects, pay etc.

I was thinking of taking a gap year so I could retake chem and maybe do maths as an additional 4th.

Could anyone give me advice on whether I should continue and do biochemistry at kcl or retake and apply for a different course.

If a different course which one would any of you suggest?

Reply 1

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post

by Waz-24s

I applied to do biochemistry at kcl (I have an offer) and got my results a few days ago (A*AB) in bio, French and chem in that order.
Despite this from looking online I’m not sure if biochemistry is a very good degree in terms of prospects, pay etc.
I was thinking of taking a gap year so I could retake chem and maybe do maths as an additional 4th.
Could anyone give me advice on whether I should continue and do biochemistry at kcl or retake and apply for a different course.
If a different course which one would any of you suggest?

Hey @Waz-24s 👋

Firstly, congratulations on your A-level grades... you did great!

What subject(s)/course(s) interest you most? It is important to follow your specific interests when deciding on which course you'd like to pursue, as you don't want to have any regrets and not enjoy your course.

Is there a specific career that you have in mind? This will also help to dictate which course would be best suited to you.

You can find a helpful list of job opportunities that are available with a biochemistry degree here: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/biochemistry - I think it would be a great degree to pursue if this is where your interests lie!

From your grades, it seems that you enjoy biology and perform well in this field, so I'd recommend thinking of courses that link to this subject area.

It's important to not rush into a decision, so if you are really unsure, maybe take a year out to gather your thoughts and make the right decision. You can then also retake your chemistry exam if you feel that you could obtain a better grade.

Best of luck with whatever you choose to do next!

Lauren
WrexhamUniReps

Reply 2

McGinger

Original post

by Waz-24s

I applied to do biochemistry at kcl (I have an offer) and got my results a few days ago (A*AB) in bio, French and chem in that order.
Despite this from looking online I’m not sure if biochemistry is a very good degree in terms of prospects, pay etc.
I was thinking of taking a gap year so I could retake chem and maybe do maths as an additional 4th.
Could anyone give me advice on whether I should continue and do biochemistry at kcl or retake and apply for a different course.
If a different course which one would any of you suggest?

Suggest that you look at degrees that include a placement or work experience - or subjects with a more obvious career angle - Pharmacy, Neuroscience, Genetics, Microbiology, Psychology, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, any STEM subjects 'with Management' etc, Natural Sciences (multi-disciplinary science), or even Law (no specific A level subjects required).

Reply 3

Felynalanine

If I were you, and you enjoy biochemistry most importantly, I would take the degree without delay. Pay and prospects are only bad for biochemistry if you choose to do it as a career choice, or do a PhD in it! (and even then not guaranteed to be bad, if you go the industrial route)

Lots of people study biochem then go into a grad scheme or entry-level job with good salary progression. It's a desirable degree for many "office" jobs e.g., in the civil service. You should take advantage of career services at the university for help with interviews & assessments but the subject biochem wouldn't be an obstacle to getting a high-paying job. Your degree classification, work experience, and interview performance will be more important for a lot of jobs.

But it all depends what you want to do. if you want to go into something more technical (software dev, engineering, robotics, etc...), then maybe a gap year and a degree in a more physical/mathematical STEM subject would benefit you.

Btw, I work in the biochem field and am about to start a PhD if you have questions about it. In terms of salary, starting salaries for research assistants/technicians in biochem are £25-30k. PhD stipends can be £18-22k. Post docs in academia I think earn £35-40k. However, abroad the salaries are much higher and also some companies pay much higher salaries than academia.