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Biochemistry and Genetics with a Year Abroad

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with time abroad
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Singleton Park Campus

Course summary

Molecular biology is a growing subject which is making an enormous impact in many scientific areas, including the study and treatment of many human diseases, pharmaceutical development, and the complex relationships between our environment and ourselves.

This interdisciplinary joint honours degree combines two complementary and overlapping disciplines, providing you with in-depth knowledge of the advanced molecular biology techniques and research, which are the basis for understanding all forms of life.

You will learn about the genetic processes that occur within living organisms, and study how cells work at the sub-cellular and molecular levels, gaining an in-depth understanding of the biochemical function of living organisms, from bacteria to plants, animals, and humans.

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

You will study at one of the UK’s leading Medical School, located on our Singleton Park Campus, in beautiful parkland, overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

Swansea was one of the first UK universities to introduce Genetics as a BSc discipline in the 1960s, so we have a long and respected track record in this field.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

Modules

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Genetics, Genomics & Evolution; Organic and Analytical Chemistry: an Introduction for Life Sciences; Population Genomics and Clinical Applications; Introductory Biochemistry; Human Physiology; Skills for being a Medical Scientist; Cell Biology.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Microbial Molecular Genetics; Metabolic Regulation, Enzymology and Endocrinology; Human Immunology; Molecular Evolution; Metabolaeth carbohydrad a lipid; Human & Medical Genetics.

In Year 3: Modules will be dependent on which partnership University you choose to study at.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Membranes and Energy Transduction; Practical Quantitative Research; Animal Development; Membrane Trafficking; Advanced Biostatistics; Medical Genetics; Genetic Toxicology; Genetics of Cancer.

Assessment method

A wide variety of assessment methods is used in addition to the more traditional written exams, essays, lab reports and project dissertations. Students may undertake coursework such as: online web assignments, online problem solving, poster production, talks, slide presentations, screencasts, and literature reviews. Some of these tasks develop groupwork skills.

How to apply

Apply by
14 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:
CC4A
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If you are an international student, please visit our International pages for details of entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/your-country/

Open days

Entry requirements

A level
BBB - AAB

Biology and Chemistry essential.

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

Distinction (D) in a relevant BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (6 units) is accepted in place of one A-Level (A2) (other than Chemistry or Biology).

Typically Distinction to Double Distinction plus A Level Grade B in Biology and Chemistry.

Access to HE Diploma

At least 24 Distinctions and 15 Merits in Level 3 Credits including Distinctions in ALL Biology and Chemistry modules.

Scottish Higher

Scottish Advanced Higher at equivalent grade is accepted in place of any A-Level (A2).

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 - 33 points

Including good HL grades in Chemistry and Biology.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

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

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Welsh Baccalaureate at equivalent grade is accepted in place of one A-Level (A2) (other than Chemistry or Biology).

Extended Project

We recognise the EPQ as an excellent indicator of success.

If you are predicted a Grade B or above in the EPQ, you will receive an offer with a one
grade reduction, to include your EPQ with a grade B.

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

5 Higher subjects at min. H3 inc. Biology = H2 & Chemistry = H2

GCSEs: English and Maths minimum Grade C Wales (England Pre-2017) or Grade 4 (England Post-2017).

We welcome applicants with T levels. Applicants will be assessed on a case by case basis.

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 Universityhttps://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

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.

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.

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/

Sponsorship information

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
 
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/scholarships/
 
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/academi-hywel-teifi/learn/scholarships/

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