BSc Genetics
About this course
BSc (Hons) Genetics, a genetics degree centred on the study of genes across different scales, from molecular genetics to population genetics. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. This three-year undergraduate course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and offers the option to add a Year in Industry or Year Abroad. The first year covers core scientific foundations through compulsory modules such as Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills, Life on Earth, Genetics, Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges, Molecules of Life, and Cells to Organisms. The second year builds experimental competence through compulsory modules including Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication and Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action, alongside optional study in areas such as Population Genetics and Evolution, Gene Expression in Action, Medical Genetics, and Molecular Biotechnology. The final year centres on an independent Research Project as a compulsory element. Students can further tailor their studies through optional modules spanning Genomics, Evolution, Genetics of Disease, Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, and Ecology Field Course.
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 including Biology and a second science We accept the following subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology plus either 5 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 5 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects. We accept the following IB subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Mathematics (A&A or A&I), Physics, Psychology, Sports, exercise and health science BTEC: DDD We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2010 syllabus), please contact us for information on the units we accept.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BSc Genetics (C400) at the University of York for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 74%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 23%
- Natural and social science professionals: 14%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Teaching Professionals: 5%
- Caring personal services: 4%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 78%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 62%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 20%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 17%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills
- Life on Earth
- Genetics
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges
- Molecules of Life
- Cells to Organisms
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
- Population Genetics and Evolution
- Gene Expression in Action
- Medical Genetics
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges
- Molecular Microbiology
- The Immune System
- Neuroscience
- Practical Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Introduction to Bioenterprise
- Research Project
- Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
- Genomics
- Evolution
- Advanced Topics in Gene Expression
- Genetics of Disease
- Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
- Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
- Ageing and Regenerative Medicine
- Pathogens
- Molecular Machinery in Action
- Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
- Trends in Microbiology
- Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease
- Molecular Recognition
- Current Research in Ecology
- Ecology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Genetics at University of York earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £43,500. The £33,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Genetics.
What do graduates of BSc Genetics at University of York do next?
80% 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 York?
88% 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 York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.
Is BSc Genetics at University of York accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Genetics at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Genetics at University of York?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.