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Biological Sciences (Genetics)
- MBiolSci
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- Full-time
- 22/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Genetics covers many aspects of society including human health, forensic science, food production, environmental quality, species conservation, ethics and law. On this course you will learn how genetic engineering, molecular and developmental genetics, human genetics and evolutionary genetics all contribute to a greater understanding of the discipline. You will gain a balanced understanding of modern genetics focusing on the organisation, inheritance, expression and evolution of genes in organisms ranging from bacteria to Homo sapiens.
You will work alongside leading geneticists who are investigating some of the most important questions in genetic research in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of life and evolution. Geneticists study these processes in all types of organisms and discover how errors in them can cause disease, and they help discover how genes work across the biological sciences. You will also gain a broad understanding of fundamental biological processes, while developing analytical skills and gaining experience in handling complex information. By studying genetics alongside options in other biological sciences, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and gain a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.
The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Genetics) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas.
The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Biological Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.
What's the difference?
At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of different courses to choose from.
Biological Science covers major aspects of biology and molecular science across a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to humans and plants. All 14 courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
Medical Science allows you to select specialist modules that focus more closely on the application of biological principles to medicine. All eight courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.
Modules
For more information on this course and a full list of modules, visit the course information page on our website
Assessment method
For more information on the methods of assessment on this course, visit the course information page on our website
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- MBiolSci • Full-time • 4 to 5 years
Start dates
- 22/09/2025
Apply by
29 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:
- L34
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1, 2
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Leicester 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
29 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:
- L34
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
Contact the Admissions Team at study@le.ac.uk with details of the course you are studying including modules taken, previous qualifications obtained with grades (at GCSE and A-level or equivalents) and the reason for your transfer request.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - ABB
including at least two A-levels in relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
General Studies is not accepted.
BBB + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level). A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
Applied Science. Plus five GCSEs at 5/B or above including two science grades. GCSE English Language and Mathematics to be held at minimum grade 4/C.
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits
A strong science Access course is required.
Please contact the Admissions Office before applying to check acceptability for Access module content and your overall academic profile.
Scottish Higher - AABBB
including at least two relevant science subjects from from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
AS
Two AS subjects may be considered in place of one A-level. Must be taken alongside two full A-levels in relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Applied Science Diploma considered with an A-level in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, plus standard GCSE requirements.
Applied Science Diploma considered with an non-science A-level, plus five GCSEs at grade 5/B or above including two science grades. GCSE English Language and Mathematics to be held at minimum grade 4/C.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Applied Science Foundation Diploma considered in combination with other qualifications. Must include at least one A-level in relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, plus standard GCSE requirements.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Can be considered in combination with other qualifications. Combinations must include a minimum of two Science subjects. Please contact the Admissions Office before applying to check acceptability for your particular combination of qualifications.
Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB
including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in SL Maths or 3 in HL Maths and grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language and Maths at GCSE.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Accepted in place of a third A-level at grade B or above, provided at least two relevant science A-level subjects are taken from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
Extended Project
Considered with three A-levels. Typical offer: BBB + EPQ at grade B.
A-level subjects to include at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H3
including two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. No less than five Higher Level subjects will be considered. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in Ordinary level Maths or 6 in Higher level Maths if minimum of grade 4/C not held in Maths at GCSE. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in either Ordinary level or higher level English Language if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language at GCSE.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2
including two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Standard requirement - Grade 4/C in both GCSE English Language and Mathematics if not held at A/AS level.
T Level - D
Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician)
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the programme of study and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous examination results.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
For further details of our English Language requirements please see our website https://le.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements
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.
The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria.
Historical entry grades data BETA
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
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
The tuition fee for home students is reviewed annually and for the academic year 2025/6 it is £9,535. The fee for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation, subject to government regulations. The inflation rate used will be RPIX, which includes all the items in the Retail Price Index, excluding mortgage payments. For your information, the inflation rate used by the Government when increasing the tuition fee from £9,250 to £9,535 was 3.1%.
Fees for international students can be found on the individual course pages. https://le.ac.uk/courses
For further information about fees and funding please see the following page of the University website: https://le.ac.uk/student-life/undergraduates/fees-funding
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