Genetics, BSc (Hons)

Understanding the Genetic Processes of Life

Understanding the building blocks of life

Course Overview

The study of genetics is an exciting and fast-moving field that is making an enormous impact in a range of scientific areas, including the understanding and treatment of diseases, pharmaceutical development, evolution, and the conservation of biodiversity.

Our Genetics degree will give you an in-depth knowledge of these fundamental building blocks of all life on earth. You will learn techniques for analysing gene expression, protein interactions, DNA structure and damage, image analysis of biomolecules and cells, and advanced computer analytical methods.

You will develop excellent analytical and project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes.

Why Genetics at Swansea?

You will benefit from access to the state-of-the-art research facilities at the Medical School, including DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer-based image analysers for molecular or cellular studies, and a powerful supercomputer facility.

Your Genetics Experience

You can choose to study Genetics as a:

  • 3-year BSc,
  • 4-year BSc with a year in industry in the form of a placement year,
  • 4-year BSc with a year abroad, or a
  • 4-year MSci with an integrated master’s level qualification

Studying the 3 year BSc, you will undertake a mix of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

Additionally, the 4-year programme with a Placement year offers an additional placement year between the second and final year, giving you the opportunity to experience work in industry, and allowing you to build confidence and gain real-world experience.

Adding a year abroad, as part of the 4-year BSc option, allows you to add invaluable international experience to your CV while building intercultural communication skills that will improve your ability to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds.

Whichever qualification you choose, you will benefit from the expertise of our academic staff who are active in a diverse range of molecular biological research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting edge practice.

Don't think you meet the entry requirements? Why not consider our BSc Genetics with a Foundation year?

Genetics Employment Opportunities

With a degree in Genetics, career opportunities are diverse and extensive. They include:

  • medical research,
  • pharmaceutical industry and health sciences,
  • post graduate studies (MSc, MRes, PhD)
  • genetic counselling,
  • clinical scientist,
  • Graduate entry medicine
  • Physicians associate
  • Teaching
  • Scientific writer
  • bioinformatics

You can find more information on our Genetics degrees by visiting our . 

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

AAB-BCC

Genetics, BSc (Hons)

Genetics with a Placement Year, BSc (Hons)

Genetics with a Year Abroad, BSc (Hons)