BSc Genetics
About this course
BSc in Genetics, a genetics degree focusing on the transmission, expression, and study of genetic information in living organisms. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods. The course includes an optional year in industry leading to an accredited industrial variant, and students complete a final-year independent research project. The first year introduces foundational biological principles through compulsory modules such as The Microbial World, Living Planet, The Basis of Life, Laboratory and Experimental Skills, Unlocking Scientific Success, Introduction to Genetics, Introduction to Immunology, and optional modules including Biology of the Mind, Intro to Pharmacology, Using Biology to Feed the World, and Discovery modules. Year two deepens knowledge with compulsory study in Omics and Big Data Biology, Intermediate Skills in the Molecular Biosciences, Developing Scientific Excellence, Human Populations and Disease, Medical Immunology, Molecular Virology, Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology, Medical Microbiology, Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour, and How Plants Live. The final year focuses on advanced topics and practical application through compulsory modules covering Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics, Biology Integrated Research Projects, Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications, Advanced Cancer Biology, Advanced Topics in Molecular & Cellular Biology 2, Reproductive Medical Science, Evolution and Population Genetics, Social Biology, Advanced Topics in Evolution, Animal Developmental Biology, and Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB BTEC: 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). IB: 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.
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 79%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 17%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 9%
- Elementary occupations: 8%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 76%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 62%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 51%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 385 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 29%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 20%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- The Microbial World
- Living Planet
- The Basis of Life
- Laboratory and Experimental Skills
- Unlocking Scientific Success
- Introduction to Genetics
- Introduction to Immunology
- Biology of the Mind
- Intro to Pharmacology
- Using Biology to Feed the World
- Discovery modules
- Omics and Big Data Biology
- Intermediate Skills in the Molecular Biosciences
- Developing Scientific Excellence
- Human Populations and Disease
- Medical Immunology
- Molecular Virology
- Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour
- How Plants Live
- Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics
- Biology Integrated Research Projects
- Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications
- Advanced Cancer Biology
- Advanced Topics in Molecular & Cellular Biology 2
- Reproductive Medical Science
- Evolution and Population Genetics
- Social Biology
- Advanced Topics in Evolution
- Animal Developmental Biology
- Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Genetics at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £43,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Genetics.
What do graduates of BSc Genetics at University of Leeds do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Genetics at University of Leeds?
79% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Genetics at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Is BSc Genetics at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does BSc Genetics at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Genetics at University of Leeds?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.