Medical Genetics with a Year Abroad

Medical genetics is a section of a broad area of modern biomolecular sciences, which covers a range of subjects. The field as a whole generates a wide range of graduates who go onto a range of careers, including work in an academic or industrial research laboratory, pharmaceutical sales, patent law, medical writing, consultancy, or following additional training, medical practice.

Our Medical Genetics BSc (Hons)/ MSci (Hons) will give you an in-depth knowledge of these essential building blocks of life. 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.

Throughout the programme, you will develop excellent analytical and project management skills and learn how to design experiments and plan work programmes. You will study a mix of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

This degree forms part of our ‘Medical Science in Practice’ Pathway to Medicine programme. Students who meet the entry requirements and complete the Pathway will be guaranteed for an interview for the School’s flagship Medicine (Graduate Entry) MBBCh course.

By studying at Swansea, you will learn from academic staff who are actively engaged in a wide range of cutting‑edge genetics research. Their expertise offers you an exceptional mix of academic excellence and real‑world scientific practice. Alongside your formal studies, you will have the opportunity to attend regular research talks delivered by Swansea University academics and guest speakers from other universities, industry, the NHS, and leading research institutions.

You will also benefit from access to the Medical School’s state‑of‑the‑art research facilities, supporting advanced molecular and cellular studies. These include DNA and protein analytical equipment, computer‑based image analysers, and a powerful high‑performance computing facility for large‑scale data analysis.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a Year Abroad with our partner institutions, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, this programme is available as a 4-year MSci, which is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to your degree. Our MSci leads to a master’s level qualification, in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

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.

An optional Foundation Year is also available. This provides an excellent introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you will need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc (Hons)/ MSci (Hons).

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics & Evolution, Population Genomics, Skills for Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, and Cell Biology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Human and Medical Genetics, Microbial Molecular Genetics, Doctors, patients & the goals of medicine, Molecular Evolution, Bioethics, Pharmacogenomics: Genes on Drugs, Introduction to Health Data Science and Practical Epidemiology.

In Year 3, you will typically study areas including: Practical Quantitative Research, Medical Genetics, Human Immunopathology, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Capstone Project, Teaching Science, Animal Development, Advanced Biostatistics, Genetic Toxicology, Genetics of Cancer, the biology of ageing in health and disease, Bioinformatics: From Sequence to Function.

Assessments will include Laboratory practicals, written exams, oral presentations, written assignments, and clinical skills assessments. The range of assessment methods is chosen to develop and demonstrate a range of skills transferable to the modern healthcare environment including reflection, oral and written communication, confidence and competence.