AAA for both
Both ask for AAA at A level and 38 points in the IB.
Course choice · Imperial
Imperial Biological Sciences or Biochemistry: which science is your anchor?
Imperial's Biological Sciences and Biochemistry share a department, a grade (AAA at A level, 38 IB points) and the same three ESAT modules, but the required science differs: Biological Sciences asks for an A in Biology, while Biochemistry asks for an A in Chemistry, and in the IB Biological Sciences names 6 in Biology and 6 in a second science while Biochemistry names 6 in Chemistry. The decision for a sixth-former is which science is their stronger anchor, and whether they want organisms and ecosystems or the molecular and chemical basis of life.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Biological Sciences or Biochemistry
Taken from Imperial's ESAT page and its Biological Sciences and Biochemistry course pages 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.
Biology versus Chemistry as the anchor
Biological Sciences requires an A in Biology; Biochemistry requires an A in Chemistry.
IB Higher Level subjects differ
Biological Sciences names 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics; Biochemistry names 6 in Chemistry.
The same three ESAT modules
Both require Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology, each module with 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
Different emphases
Biological Sciences offers ecology and cell biology options; Biochemistry studies living systems at the molecular and cellular level.
Official sources
- Imperial College London: Biological Sciences BSc (undergraduate course page)imperial.ac.uk
- Imperial College London: Biochemistry BSc (undergraduate course page)imperial.ac.uk
- Imperial College London: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)imperial.ac.uk
Read on 31 October 2026 on Imperial's ESAT page and its Biological Sciences and Biochemistry course pages, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's Department of Life Sciences pages, the module lists, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The decision
Required science and scientific emphasis
The two degrees ask for the same overall AAA but differ in which science must be an A. Biological Sciences names Biology first, then Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, then a third subject; Biochemistry names Chemistry first, then Biology, Mathematics or Physics, then a third subject. Both require three ESAT modules, Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology, so test preparation does not differ. The courses differ in emphasis: Biological Sciences offers second-year options from ecology to immunology; Biochemistry studies the molecular and cellular basis and chemical processes of life.
Which course?
Choosing by anchor subject
Avandy's comparison is general and does not predict outcomes.
Biological Sciences fits if
Biology is your strongest subject and you want a broad range from organisms to molecules.
Biochemistry fits if
Chemistry is your strongest subject and your interest is molecular and cellular.
Compare the full guides
Avandy's Imperial Biological Sciences and Biochemistry guides cover each degree.
Entry rules
Grades, IB subjects and the ESAT
Both ask for AAA with the stated A-level subjects and 38 IB points. The IB wording differs: Biological Sciences names 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at higher level, Biochemistry names 6 in Chemistry at higher level. Both require three ESAT modules. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
Which science is your anchor?
It decides which A level or IB subject must be an A or a 6.
Do you prefer breadth or molecular depth?
The emphases differ.
Can you prepare for three ESAT modules?
Both require the same three.
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 rules and the ESAT requirement: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Test windows, the UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's course pages for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Decide which science is your anchor, then read both course pages 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-choice advice and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities, does not supply test content and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What is the main entry difference?
Biological Sciences requires an A in Biology; Biochemistry requires an A in Chemistry. Both ask for AAA.
Do the IB requirements differ?
Biological Sciences names 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics at higher level; Biochemistry names 6 in Chemistry at higher level; both ask for 38 points.
Do I sit different ESAT modules?
No. Both require Mathematics 1, Chemistry and Biology.
How long is each ESAT module?
Each module is made up of 27 multiple-choice questions and lasts 40 minutes.
Does Avandy state offer scores?
No. This page records Imperial's wording for 2027 entry and states no scores.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the test and course pages again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Biological Sciences or Biochemistry
Tell us about the student's curriculum, whether Biology or Chemistry is their stronger A level or IB Higher Level subject and which kind of life science they prefer, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.