Genetics MBiol, BSc

With a degree in Genetics, you will be playing a vital part in the development of genetic engineering and the decoding of the human genome. Take on the ‘grand challenges’ of medicine and agriculture as you gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature, transmission and expression of genetic information in living organisms.

Genetics is at the core of biological and medical sciences and so upon completion of this degree you will be suitable for opportunities in a wide range of careers including research, industry, healthcare, environment, and forensics. You’ll also develop extensive knowledge and understanding of related disciplines through optional modules such as human genetic disorders and cancer genetics.

This integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. You may also choose to apply for our 3 year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance.

Course highlights

• For those who select the medical modules, projects are available in the research laboratories of the Leeds General Infirmary and the Leeds Institute for Molecular Medicine at St. James University Hospital.
• You will study the applications of genetic techniques in fields as diverse as genetic engineering, diagnostics and therapies for human diseases, developmental biology, biotechnology, and conservation biology.
• Career development is at the heart of all our programmes, with specific modules presenting you with opportunities for workplace training through placements and internships.
• Genetics is a key part of biological sciences and underpins biotechnology and pharmaceutical development - the rapid development of the various vaccines to protect against Coronavirus was a direct result of the application of genetic engineering.
• One year of additional specialist training culminating in an extended research project. 

Flexible degrees

Genetics is a specialist degree within the School of Biology which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

Many of our biology degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in Biology, Ecology and Conservation Biology and Zoology, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Genetics (Industrial); MBiol Genetics; MBiol Genetics (Industrial); MBiol Genetics (International).

Year 1

You’ll establish your foundation of knowledge and expertise with a set of core modules including genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. Other modules from biology and microbiology will serve to enhance your development in the relevant fields. Modules will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practicals allowing you to develop the research skills necessary for completing your degree.

Optional field course: coastal and uplands habitats in Millport, Scotland.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable degree courses.

Year 2

You’ll focus more specifically on genetics with compulsory modules in genetic engineering, human genetics and developmental biology, bacterial genetics, bioinformatics. This is in addition to a diverse range of optional modules including microbiology, virology, evolution and cell biology.

At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree and enhance your portfolio of transferable skills.

Year 3

All students will study advanced level modules in human genetics and biotechnology, with options including developmental biology, cancer biology, population genetics and microbiology.

You will also undertake a preparatory research project introducing you to the advanced research skills you’ll use in year 4. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with specialised knowledge along with broader transferable skills ideal for succeeding in the graduate job market.

Year 4

You’ll carry out an extended research project focused on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to genetics. This will provide you with invaluable experience developing the high-level skills necessary for a career in research. Alongside this, you will study a range of Masters-level modules including high-throughput technologies, plant biotechnology and conservation genetics.

Examples of MBiol projects include:

• generation and analysis of genetically engineered plants
• genetic analysis of development in model animals like the worm C. elegans
• genome engineering using CRISPR/Cas genome editing
• Identification of mutations responsible for inherited disorders
• next-generation sequencing and analysis of large datasets
• analysing genetic diversity in natural populations.

The MBiol programme provides an excellent springboard toward a research career in academia or industry.

Course Explanation:

At level 2 there are numerous optional modules for you to choose from. For example, in molecular pharmacology you will understand the molecular details of drug-target interactions and how this leads to drug discovery, or choose molecular virology to learn about virus structure, function and the virus lifecycles and how they evolved.

At level 3 choose 40 credits of optional modules. Choose cancer biology to understand the variety of functions of oncogene and tumour suppressor gene products, including components of signal transduction pathways, transcription factors and proteins involved in DNA damage repair. This module complements the core human genetics module taken in Semester 1, and also covers the importance of cell cycle checkpoints in reducing the risk of cancer.

For more information about the specific modules, please see our course catalogue.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.

Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures, lab practicals, and private study.

A typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.

Independent study and research are crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers comprehensive training.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

Including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If biology is the only science subject then an A grade is required. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking any of the following:

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

• Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ)

• Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

• AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

It will be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc:
  D3/D3/M1 including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If biology is the only science subject then a D3 grade will be required. Global Perspectives excluded.

  MBiol:
  D3/D3/D3 including biology and preferably another science subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).

• International Baccalaureate

  BSc:

  6,6,5 at higher level including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science at higher level, a 6 will be required.

  MBiol:

  6,6,6 at higher level including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science at higher level, a 6 will be required.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  BSc:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level.

  MBiol:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc:
  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General studies and critical thinking excluded. If biology is the only science subject then an A grade is required.

  MBiol:
  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General studies and critical thinking excluded.

  • Science subjects include: biology, human biology, chemistry, maths and physics.

  • Science-related subjects include: computing, environmental science, geography, geology, P.E, psychology, science in society, statistics, food science and use of maths.

  Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We typically receive a high number of applications for this course. To ensure we treat all applications fairly, we may put your application on hold until after the UCAS deadline before making a final decision. All applications received before the UCAS deadline are guaranteed equal consideration. Please see our Admissions Guidance page for more details as well as advice on personal statements.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions guidance

Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Application process

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships

Our degree prepares you for a wide range of opportunities in scientific and non-scientific careers. Graduate prospects have been seen to be substantial in the field of genetics, leading to a high level of graduate employment after the course.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Genetics research
• Genetic counsellor
• Clinical Scientist, genomics
• Scientific publishing and science journalism
• Sales and management in science-related industries
• Teaching

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Biomedical Support Worker
• Laboratory analyst
• Postgraduate Research Assistant
• Teacher Training
• MSc Medical Genetics
• MSc Business with finance

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.