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Biochemistry and Genetics with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad and foundation year
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Singleton Park Campus
Awarded by:
Swansea University (Prifysgol Abertawe)
More about Swansea University

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

If you’re interested in Biochemistry and Genetics, how they links to the study of diseases, the development of pharmaceutics and the complex relationship between these and our environment, but don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme or are a mature student returning to education, our BSc with a Foundation Year is the right course for you.

The foundation year of this four-year course will introduce you to the key concepts and knowledge you need to progress to the BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year with at least a 60% overall average, students will progress onto Year 1 of the BSc.

Our Biochemistry and Genetics degree will give you an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans.

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

This degree will prepare you for roles in a wide variety of professions, including the pharmaceutical industry, forensic science, and the development of new crops and agrochemicals. Our graduates have gone on to employment or further study in: university research, industrial research & development, clinical sciences, teaching, forensics, scientific management, medical sales, scientific publicity, graduate-entry medicine.

Modules

"Year 0
Foundation Biological Chemistry
Metabolism and Homeostasis
The Human Cell
Foundation Skills development
Introduction to molecular biology
Fundamentals of microbiology and disease
Fundamentals of organic chemistry

Year 1
Genetics, Genomics & Evolution
Chemistry for Biochemists
Energy and Metabolism: The Reactions of Life
Microbiology
Human Physiology
Organic Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences.
Population Genomics
Epigenetics, Gene Regulation and Disease
Chemical Analysis: from Composition to Structure Elucidation; an Introduction for Life Sciences.

Year 2
Microbial Molecular Genetics
Human and Medical Genetics
Metabolic Regulation: Enzymes & Signal Transduction
Human Immunology
Molecular Evolution
Bioethics
Introduction to neuroscience
Biostatistics
Advanced metabolism
Techniques in molecular biology

Year 3
Membranes and energy transduction
Capstone project
Teaching science
Animal Development
Membrane Trafficking
Advanced Biostatistics
Medical Genetics
Genetic Toxicology
Genetics of Cancer
Nucleic acids: components, metabolism and modification
Human Immunopathology
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
The Neuroscience of Learning, Memory and Cognition
Advanced Research Topics in Biomedical Science
"

Assessment method

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratory classes and independent projects Assessment will take place through a variet of differenr methods including examinations, coursework, laboratory practicals and presentations. In your final year you will undertake an independent research project, potentially contributing to scientific research at the school, under the guidance of professional research scientists.

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Singleton Park Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time with time abroad and foundation year • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 22/09/2025

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
CC4C
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
CC4C
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Biochemistry and Genetics with a Foundation Year and Year Abroad at Swansea University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Josh

    Swansea University
    Medical Engineering with a Year in Industry, BEng (Hons)
    Hi! I’m Josh a Biomedical Engineering undergraduate studying at Swansea University. I am very interested in biomechanics and the applications of engineering in prosthesis. At the University, in my free time, I play volleyball and like to go on drives to explore Swansea.

  • Jess

    Swansea University
    Medical Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)
    Hiya, I’m Jess and I’m a fourth year biomedical engineering student currently on my year abroad. I’m really interested in robotics within medicine and biomechanics and hope to pursue these in the future. Other things I really enjoy are dance, hiking and music.

  • Pash

    Swansea University
    Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
    Hi, I'm Pash! I previously studied Applied Medical Sciences for my undergrad at Swansea, and now I'm a 4th-year medical student. Having lived in Swansea for the last six years now, this is my second home. So ask me anything you'd like about life as a Swansea student! 😊

  • Tomi

    Swansea University
    Medical Biochemistry, MSci (Hons)
    Hi, I'm Tomi :) I would describe myself as scientifically minded, with a systematic approach to working, and enthusiasm to learn and develop personal skills in a practical setting. A possible career goal may be to become a healthcare scientist, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into medical research/industry with a budding interest in consultancy work.

  • Wendy

    Swansea University
    Psychology, BSc (Hons)
    I aspire to be a clinical psychologist and I have a strong interest in child psychology and a passion for helping others. I am dedicated to developing my skills and knowledge to support the well-being and mental health of young people, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the field!

  • Jessica

    Swansea University
    Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
    Hi! My name is Jessica but you can call me Jess. I was born and raised in Australia but then moved to Montreal, Canada and did my secondary schooling there. I also have New Zealand and British Citizenship. I’m currently in my third year of my degree and I plan on doing a Masters once I’m finished. I’m so excited to answer any questions so please feel free to connect with me!

  • Favour

    Swansea University
    Business Management (Modern Languages), BSc (Hons)
    Good Afternoon , My name is Favour . I am a student ambassador studying Business Management ( Modern Manguages ) and I enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. I also like business because it's quite interesting especially the marketing side , it prepares you for how to work in a corporation and equips you with many skills that will be useful in the working life , including managing people :) .

  • Eleri

    Swansea University
    English Language and TESOL, BA (Hons)
    I love the idea of teaching English in South Korea. I have spent much time in Seoul and Busan over the past 2 years and would love the opportunity to move more permanently. As an avid history lover, Korea's expansive history fascinates me! I am a massive fan of BTS, and my bias is Jimin! I am learning to speak Korean and will participate in a summer school in Seoul this summer to expand my language knowledge further. In my spare time I enjoy creating content for my Instagram which consists of BTS, lifestyle and travel!

  • Niamh

    Swansea University
    Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
    Hi! My name is Niamh and I am a former Applied Medical Science student currently studying medicine at Swansea University. Making the move from secondary to university can be a daunting experience and so I am happy to be a part of the Unibuddy scheme to alleviate any worries and answer any questions that prospective students may have about life here in Swansea University.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff

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A level - CCD

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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

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Access to HE Diploma

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Scottish Higher

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WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Swansea University accepts the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales as fully equivalent to x1 A-Level.

Each applicant is considered on a case-by-case basis. If you don't think you meet our standard entry requirements please contact us on study@swansea.ac.uk to discuss entry onto the Foundation Year.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.

English Language Requirements at Swansea University https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

UK applicants who meet course requirements are guaranteed a conditional offer. We assess applications on individual merit. We consider making reduced offers, eg. to Care Leavers or students with extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to disclose any relevant circumstances.

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is considered as equivalent to one full A-Level and students can take x2 A-levels alongside this. EPQ students predicted Grade B or above will receive a one-grade offer reduction.

Learn more on the Swansea University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

30 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

90 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/

Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/

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