Medical Genetics, BSc (Hons)

Your first year is made up of modules covering the essential scientific foundations, including evolutionary & molecular genetics, genetic analysis, eukaryotic cell biology, and human physiology.

As you progress, you will further develop your knowledge, studying specialised topics, including human and medical genetics, animal development, human immunopathology, genetic toxicology, genetics of cancer, and doctors patients and the goals of medicine.

In your final year, you will complete an independent research project under the guidance of a professional research scientist.

A-levels/Welsh Baccalaureate: AAB-BBB. Biology essential, plus at least one other science (usually Chemistry)

IB: 32-34 to include Higher Level grades in Biology, plus at least one other science (usually Chemistry)

BTEC: Typically Distinction to Double Distinction plus A Level Grade B in Biology

As well as one of the above qualification types all applicants are required: 

GCSE: English and Maths minimum Grade C Wales (England Pre-2017) or Grade 4 (England Post-2017)*

We accept Swansea University approved equivalent qualifications.

Why not consdier a Foundation Year?

If this course interests you, but you don’t have the required entry qualifications to join our BSc programme why not consider our BSc with Foundation Year.

Or explore our 4 years Undergraduate Masters Degree.

Our integrated masters is a 4 year undergraduate degree, this extra year of study as part of your first degree will see you graduate with a full masters all covered by your student loan.

*Students wishing to take the Pathway to Medicine option the GCSE requirement is mandatory 

During each year of your degree, you will be required to study 120 credits, made up of compulsory and optional modules. 

Learning will be facilitated using an approach that includes lectures, laboratory practicals, independent learning and small groups. Whilst the programme will be academically rigorous, there will be support from Personal Academic Mentors who are dedicated to helping you succeed in your studies and future career in science and medicine.

Covid-19 Update

The University calendar runs in teaching blocks. Teaching block one (TB1) runs from September until January and during this block, for this year, you will be taught in a ‘blended’ way. Your teaching will comprise of both face to face, on campus practicals which will be supported by an element of online learning.

Your face-to-face, on campus sessions will be a mixture of:

• Induction activities
• Lab Practicals
• Workshops and Seminars
• Placements
• Bookable independent study and group work

Your online learning and teaching may include:

• Lectures and other activities available on our online learning platform, Canvas, for self-directed learning
• Academic Mentoring and office hours
• Some facilitated teaching (such as workshops and seminars)
• Practise assessments

Due to the practical, hands on nature of our BSc programmes you will be required to be on campus on occasion.  If you are unable to attend campus due to travel restrictions or health then please get in touch with us so we can work with you to try to resolve this and support you in starting your studies at the Medical School.

This course offers some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh Provision expander below.

At least 40 credits

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh. Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

• Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
• Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
• Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
• Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' rights to use the Welsh Language.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh once you leave school or college will be a natural step for you and a way of ensuring your chance of getting the best education possible. The smaller class sizes will provide you with a great opportunity for support. It will also be a valuable addition to your CV and career development. Opportunities are available for students who are fluent and confident in the language as well as for those who are less confident or who are learners. It is also possible to choose Welsh-medium seminar and tutorial classes for modules taught primarily through the medium of English.

Medical Genetics students will be taught by a range of world leading researchers based at the Medical School, giving you unrivalled access to teaching on the latest genetics research at the Medical School.

• Principle teaching staff for the Medical Genetics programme are:
• Course Director: Professor Paul Dyson
• Admissions Tutor: Dr Hugh Jones
• Dr Claire Morgan
• Dr George Johnson
• Dr James Cronin

Fees for full time Undergraduate UK students may be increased in subsequent years of study by an inflationary amount determined by Welsh Government.

Fees for full time Undergraduate EU/International students will increase by 3% for each subsequent year of study.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Personal Academic Mentor:

You will be assigned an Academic Mentor from a pool of trained personnel drawn from academic staff in the Medical School, or possibly clinical staff from Health Boards for GEM and PA. 

Personal Academic Mentors are your first point of contact while studying at the Medical School and can provide assistance and guidance on a range of issues that may affect your wellbeing, attendance and educational progress. Personal Academic Mentors may also help with your personal development planning and careers advice. Your mentor may also direct you to Welfare and other support services as appropriate.

Student Life Officer:

Our Student Life Officer focuses on student support and identifying students who may need to be referred on the services both within and outside of the University, and working with these students to put a plan in place to manage their welfare.  This officer is trained to recognise signs of domestic abuse, hate crimes through to dealing with homesickness and any other pastoral issues.

Medical School Information Office:

Our team of administrators and student information co-ordinators are on hand to support with your academic queries and signpost you to additional services where required. 

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

To learn more about study abroad, visit our Go Global webpages. Enrolment on a programme with a semester/year abroad does not guarantee you a semester/year abroad placement. Spaces are limited and subject to a competitive selection process. In the event you do not secure a semester/year abroad placement, you will be transferred to the standard variant of your degree scheme without a semester or year abroad.

International summer programmes are open to students from all colleges. Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as China, Zambia, South Korea, Japan, Canada and across Europe. For more information about programmes and eligibility visit our Summer Abroad webpages.

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Below is an example of a year one Medical Genetics Timetable. Undergraduate students at the Medical School can expect on average 70 hours contact time per month.