BSc (Hons) Genetics

Explore the blueprint of life and unlock the secrets of the genome in a course that puts you at the forefront of one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields in biology. At the University of York, our BSc in Genetics provides you with a comprehensive and flexible education in modern genetics, combining rigorous academic training with cutting-edge practical experience.

Thanks to revolutionary advances in DNA sequencing technologies and genome analysis, we are now in a golden era of genetic research. This course is designed to immerse you in the molecular mechanisms of inheritance, gene expression, and genome structure, while also exploring how genetic knowledge is applied in areas such as biomedicine, biotechnology, and conservation biology.

From your first year, you will gain a strong foundation in key topics such as:

• Molecular biology and biochemistry
• Cell biology and genetic regulation
• Evolutionary biology and population genetics
• Human genetics and inherited diseases
• Genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics
• Genetic engineering and synthetic biology

As you progress, you will be able to tailor your studies through a wide range of optional modules, enabling you to explore specialised areas such as cancer genetics, microbial genetics, systems biology, and ethical implications of genome editing. This interdisciplinary approach ensures you graduate with a well-rounded and adaptable understanding of genetics in both theoretical and applied contexts.

You will learn in modern, well-equipped teaching laboratories designed for collaborative, practical work and small-group experimentation. Our teaching is research-led, meaning you'll be learning from academics engaged in pioneering genetic research, including work on human disease, agricultural improvement, and ecosystem resilience.

To further enhance your experience, the course offers:

• The option of a Year in Industry, giving you hands-on experience in a professional setting, working in biotech companies, research institutes, or government labs.
• The opportunity for a Year Abroad, allowing you to gain global perspective while studying genetics at one of our international partner institutions.
• Paid summer research placements in university laboratories, giving you a taste of real research and a head start on your career or further studies.

In your final year, you will undertake a substantial research project, where you’ll work closely with academic staff on a topic that aligns with your interests and career goals. This could involve original lab-based research, computational genome analysis, or literature-based investigations into the latest developments in genetics.

Our graduates are equipped with a powerful combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and critical thinking that makes them highly sought after across a range of sectors, including:

• Biomedical research and genetic counselling
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• Environmental and agricultural genetics
• Data science and bioinformatics
• Science communication and policy

Many also go on to pursue postgraduate research (MSc or PhD) or further training in medicine, veterinary science, or public health.

If you are fascinated by the mechanisms that shape life and want to contribute to solving global challenges in health, agriculture, and the environment, then Genetics at York offers a pathway into a meaningful and future-facing career.