A four-year BSc with a year abroad
Imperial says the course includes a year at an approved university in France, Germany or Spain, where students attend lectures and conduct a research project.
Undergraduate · Imperial Biochemistry with Language
Imperial Biochemistry with Language for Science: a year in another country
Imperial's Biochemistry with Language for Science BSc is the department's four-year degree with a third year at an approved university in France, Germany or Spain. Its distinctive entry rule is a language requirement alongside Chemistry, and the ESAT is compulsory. French, German and Spanish are options within one course, so the decision is language and year abroad, not three separate degrees.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Biochemistry with Language for Science
Taken from Imperial's Biochemistry with Language for Science BSc course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
A language requirement
A-level applicants need AS level grade B or A level grade C or equivalent in the chosen language; IB applicants need grade 5 at Higher Level or grade 6 at Standard Level.
AAA with Chemistry
The A-level standard is AAA including A in Chemistry, A in Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and A in a third subject.
The ESAT is compulsory
Applicants sit three ESAT modules: Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology.
Generally no interview
Imperial says that, generally, the department does not hold interviews.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Imperial's Biochemistry with Language for Science BSc course page, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's Department of Life Sciences and language-centre pages, the partner-university details, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The degree
Biochemistry, translation and a research year abroad
Imperial says the language element explores the theory and practice of translation and the history, politics, science and technology of the chosen country. Students also build familiarity with the biochemical industry, including commercialising technology, entrepreneurship and intellectual property, and benefit from the department's research programme and facilities. The third year is spent abroad on lectures and a research project.
Language route or standard Biochemistry?
What the language option adds
The standard Biochemistry degree is taught by the same department.
Choose the language route if
you already study French, German or Spanish and want a year abroad built into the degree.
Choose standard Biochemistry if
you want the science without the language requirement. Avandy's Imperial Biochemistry guide covers it.
Remember
French, German and Spanish are options within one course, with the same entry rules apart from the language.
Entry rules
Chemistry, a language, the ESAT and generally no interview
A-level applicants need AAA including A in Chemistry, A in Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and A in a third subject, plus AS level grade B or A level grade C or equivalent in the chosen language. IB applicants need 38 points with 6 in Chemistry at Higher Level and the language at grade 5 Higher Level or grade 6 Standard Level. The ESAT is compulsory. This page states no test scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
Is your language good enough now?
The requirement is stated at entry.
Do you want a research year abroad?
The third year is spent at a partner university.
Can you prepare for three ESAT modules?
Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology are all required.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
Grades, subject requirements, the test position and the interview arrangements: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, test windows and interview dates: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Check your language level against the requirement, and plan ESAT preparation.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not supply interview or test questions. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does Imperial Biochemistry with Language for Science require?
AAA including Chemistry and a language at AS level grade B or A level grade C or equivalent, or IB 38 with 6 in Chemistry at Higher Level and the language at grade 5 Higher Level or grade 6 Standard Level, in Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Which countries can I study in?
Imperial says France, Germany or Spain, at an approved university.
Is the ESAT required?
Yes. Imperial says applicants sit three modules: Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology.
Is there an interview?
Imperial says that, generally, the department does not hold interviews.
Is it one degree or three?
One course with French, German and Spanish options.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Biochemistry with Language for Science
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Chemistry and Biology, their level in French, German or Spanish and their readiness for a year abroad, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.