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Biochemistry and Genetics with a Placement Year

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time with year in industry
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Singleton Park Campus
More about Swansea University

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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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.

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.

Modules

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

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.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Singleton Park Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time with year in industry • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 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:
CC4P
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

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:
CC4P
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

Chat to student ambassadors

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

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  • Jess

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    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.

  • Niamh

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    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.

  • 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.

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    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 :) .

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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!

Entry requirements

Qualification 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 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

15 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

80 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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