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Genetics

  • 3 Study options
  • Undergraduate
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2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

With a degree in Genetics, you’ll 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’ll be prepared for opportunities in a wide range of careers, including research, industry, healthcare, forensics and the development of improved crops to address food security.

Across years 1 to 3, you’ll build from core foundations in genetics, cell biology and biochemistry to more advanced study and exposure to the latest research in human genetics, model systems, genetic engineering, sequencing technologies and biotechnology. You’ll study globally relevant topics, while also developing essential practical techniques used routinely in research labs and industry. As you progress, you can tailor your learning to your interests and in your final year, you’ll undertake an independent research project, giving you hands‑on experience with real genetic research in laboratory, field, computational or literature‑based settings.

This three-year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, to study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.

Why study at Leeds

  • Study with one of the largest centres for biological sciences research in the UK**,** with access to cutting‑edge facilities, industry links and specialist research opportunities.

  • Projects are available in the research laboratories of the Leeds General Infirmary and the Leeds Institute for Molecular Medicine at St. James’s University Hospital for those who select the optional medical modules.

  • Specific pathways through the programme present you with opportunities for workplace training through placements and internships.

  • Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.

  • Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.

  • Flexible options to transfer onto other suitable and related degrees at the end of year 1, as many programmes within our School share a common first year.

Accreditation

This course offers the option to apply for a year in industry as part of your course. If you are successful in your application and undertake this work placement, you'll graduate with the BSc Genetics (Industrial) variant, which is accredited by The Royal Society of Biology.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Time abroad (mandatory) • 4 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 4 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
L23

University of Leeds has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
L23

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

T Level
Not accepted

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma

Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D39M6P0 including distinctions in Biology and Mathematics or Chemistry. Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science. Will also consider (depending on subject content):
• biochemical sciences
• biological and environmental science
• biological and health science
• biological sciences
• biosciences
• combined sciences
• environmental science
• life and biological science
• life science
• medical and health science professions
• natural sciences
• physical and natural sciences.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Five Highers AABBB, with AB in two 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.

● Science subjects include: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.
● Science-related subjects include: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, PE, Psychology, Science in Society, Statistics, Food Science, and the Use of Maths.

Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers are not accepted on their own.

Extended Project

Applicants offering an EPQ or IPQ qualification will receive a standard offer, as shown above, plus an alternative offer. The alternative offer would be ABB plus grade A in EPQ / IPQ. Subject-specific requirements are still valid.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 31

31 overall with 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.

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

BTEC Extended Diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead. (Other BTEC subjects may be considered alongside a science A-level).

BTEC Diploma entry requirements: DD plus A/B in A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead. (Other BTEC subjects may be considered alongside a science A-level).

Applicants with BTEC Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have an A/B in at least two A-levels, and at least one of these should be Biology.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H3H3

Including H2 in Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at Higher Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Not accepted

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3M1

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.

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.

For the most up-to-date information on entry requirements please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/courses

Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: Successful completion of Year 1 of a relevant degree course with an overall score of at least 65% in addition to the standard year 1 entry requirements below

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.

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.

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.

If the most common grade accepted is higher than our entry requirements, this is due to the attainment of our applicants. If you have been made an offer and you meet or exceed the grades of your offer, you will be accepted.

If grades lower than our entry requirements have been accepted, in most cases this is because we operate contextual admissions as part of our decision making, which considers factors beyond grades. For more information about contextual admissions, please visit our website.

Learn more on the University of Leeds website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

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 further information please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduatefees

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