Research opps are absolutely available, if you want them- and the 4th year is all research (it’s a research Masters). It is still not as common for undergrads in the UK (in any subject) to do summer work (internships* or research), especially the summer after 1st year. The expectations in terms of PhD applications are still more results driven and finding the supervisor, and there is less penalty for not having a ton of research experience beyond what is in your course.
The biochemist I know best went on to the Crick Institute for his PhD research. He is supposed to defend his PhD this summer, has a drug in Phase 3 trials and has been seconded to lead a research (sub) group working on the covid vaccine. He was also the top biochemist in his year, though, so I suspect his results are not typical!
In the US grad school schools will expect a strong M & C GPA, and depending on the subject possibly a subject GRE / regular GRE- but they will also assume at least 2, and more typically 3 summers of research work. Summer research jobs (such as REUs) are structured, not difficult to find (though the process isn’t fun), provide a decent stipend, and are typically 8-10 weeks long. ND summer break runs mid-May to late August, so you could expect to have ~2 weeks off at the beginning of the summer and ~2+ at the end. I always felt a little sorry for my STEM collegekid who spent all her college summers that way! But- she loved it & is still researching away in grad school, so to each their own. She did really like going to different labs each summer, and learned as much from the overall experience as the actual science part!
Forgot to ask above- but what college, @charkiedukie126 ?
Also, fwiw, you may find that being at ND is like having a full-time minder compared to the UK. That may be exactly what you are looking for! but if you are used to running your own life your own way, you may find it takes some getting used to.
*except the penultimate summer, for those looking at Law, IB, or Consulting, where there is a fierce push to get the all-important summer internship that usually concludes with a job offer for after graduation.