Genetics Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Genetics Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Play a vital role in genetic engineering, decoding the human genome to improve our quality of life.
Our genetic code harbours a blueprint for life, governing how our bodies are made and why diseases occur. Scientists use genetics to tackle major challenges, including identifying early disease markers to improve medicine and enhancing crop yields to fight world hunger.
With this degree, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature, transmission and expression of genetic information in living organisms. Start by building on core foundation...
Play a vital role in genetic engineering, decoding the human genome to improve our quality of life.
Our genetic code harbours a blueprint for life, governing how our bodies are made and why diseases occur. Scientists use genetics to tackle major challenges, including identifying early disease markers to improve medicine and enhancing crop yields to fight world hunger.
With this degree, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature, transmission and expression of genetic information in living organisms. Start by building on core foundations in genetics, cell biology and biochemistry, then shift to more advanced study, immersing yourself in the latest developments in human genetics, genetic engineering, sequencing technologies and biotechnology. You’ll also sharpen your practical expertise as you exercise routine procedures used in labs and industry today.
As you progress, you can tailor your learning to your interests with a choice of modules that’ll take your learning inside or outside the lab. In your final year, you’ll undertake an independent project, giving you hands‑on experience with real genetic research.
Once you graduate, you’ll be a capable genetic scientist who can work at the core of biological and medical sciences, enhancing our understanding of the nature of life and transforming industries such as health and agriculture for the better.
“When studying a science degree, a common misconception is that people assume you are always in the lab. This is definitely not the case, and you have lots of options when picking modules.”
Georgina Adams, BSc Genetics
Why study at Leeds?
* Join a comprehensive scientific hub: Study with one of the largest centres for biological sciences research in the UK, with access to industry links and specialist research opportunities.
* Access real-life projects: Get the chance to work on authentic projects in the research laboratories of the Leeds General Infirmary and the Leeds Institute for Molecular Medicine at St. James’s University Hospital.
* Get the placements to suit you: Specific pathways through the programme present you with opportunities for workplace training through placements and internships.
* Gain real-life working experience: Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.
* Enhance your expertise: Convert your three-year degree into a four-year integrated Masters (MBiol), with an optional additional year of specialist training.
* Enrich your worldview: 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.
* Your course, your choice: Benefit from 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.
Rankings and awards
* Top 25 in the UK for Biological Sciences, Complete University Guide 2026
* 7th in the UK for Biomedical Sciences, The Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027
Where this degree could take you
Typical graduate careers include:
* genetics research
* genetic counsellor
* clinical scientist, genomics
* scientific publishing and science journalism
* teaching
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
* biomedical support worker
* laboratory analyst
* postgraduate research assistant
* teacher training
Careers support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
Course Information
3 option s available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2027-09-23
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A26-H08
Institution Code
L23
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2
Entry Requirements
A level
A,A,B
Including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science subject, then an A grade is required. Critical Thinking and General Studies are excluded. We accept the following: Science: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics. Science-related: Computing, Environmental Science, Food Science, Geography, Geology, PE, Psychology, Statistics. Applicants taking a science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement. When an applicant is taking any of the following: ● Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) ● Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) ● Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level) ● AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level) ● Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate It will be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be a one grade drop from the standard offer. For example, an A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level. GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.
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
31.0
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)
H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3
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
D3,D3,M1
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.
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