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Genetics (Including Placement Year)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Sandwich
  • October 2026
  • Undergraduate
Colchester Campus
More about University of Essex

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Genetics is at the forefront of modern biology, driving progress in medicine and synthetic biology. Thanks to recent developments in genetic analysis and manipulation, we are now able to explore the interaction between genes and the environment at an unprecedented level: from developmental processes to the epigenetic effects of the environment in our genome.

Teaching on our BSc Genetics course focuses on real-world applications, including medicine, biotechnology and genomics.The study of genetics includes understanding how genes are passed from one generation to the next, how DNA works, and the effects of variation and natural selection.

You study topics including:

  • The structural organisation of a genome, the process of transcription, and the regulation of gene expression

  • The contribution of genome science to the diagnosis and prevention of disease

  • Evolutionary biology, from Darwin to genomics

  • Molecular cell biology

  • The human genome

  • Bioinformatics and genomics

You will be trained in genetics and genomics. Depending on your choice of modules, you will focus on biomedical aspects, on the study of genomes or on a combination of both areas. Our optional modules also cover a wide range of topics including plant biotechnology, stem cells and microbiology.

Some of the most exciting and important advances in biology are now being made in the field of genetics, and at Essex you have the opportunity to be part of this revolution.

Visit our genetics subject page for more information and content.

Modules

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Colchester Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Sandwich • 4 Years

Start dates

  • October 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:
C403
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

University of Essex has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

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:
C403
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 112 - 120 points

Offers will be made from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels.

A level BBB - BBC

Offers will be made in the range of BBB to BBC or 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels Including B in Biology (or equivalent). Acceptable A-level equivalents are Chemistry and Life and Health Sciences.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDM - DMM

Offers will be made in the range of DDM to DMM or 120-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels Entry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.

Access to HE Diploma D: 6 credits M: 39 credits

We will consider science based Access to Higher Education Diplomas. Advice can be provided on an individual basis. We can only accept QAA approved Access to HE Diplomas

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 29 - 30 points

or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher level Biology or Chemistry grade 5, plus Standard Level Mathematics grade 4 Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. We are happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.

T Level D

For our Life Sciences courses we can consider T-levels taken in Science on a case-by-case basis. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. We cannot accept the T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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.

At Essex we consider your whole application – not just grades. If you don’t meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
We’re dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application. Involvement in our on-campus events may also support eligibility for a Contextual Offer.

Learn more on the University of Essex website

Historical entry grades data

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

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

Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

Related courses

At University of Essex

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