University of Leicester

Medical Genetics BSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Are you interested in the role of genetics and molecular biology in understanding, diagnosing and treating disease, including clinical research, genetic testing and genetic counselling? On this three-year BSc in Medical Genetics you will study a broad range of relevant topics, including proteins, gene expression, molecular cell biology, metabolism and molecular medicine and biomedical ethics. Your degree in Medical Genetics will give you an education and training in genetics with particular emphasis on its application to medicine.

If you take this course you will be affiliated to our Department of Genetics, one of the largest genetics departments in the country with an excellent international reputation for research in a broad range of fields including human and medical genetics. This course is identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci in Medical Biosciences (Genetics). This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting (in part) the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills. 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.

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. Watch the full subject spotlight on Springpod Other official national and international qualifications considered

Key highlights

  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology towards Chartered Biologist status
  • Genetics taught with particular emphasis on its application to medicine
  • Modules include gene expression, molecular medicine and biomedical ethics
  • Affiliated to one of the country's largest genetics departments
  • Option to switch to a Biological Science course early in first year
  • Identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci route

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — to include including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, P
  • A-level: BBB — + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level
  • GCSE: 4/C — to include English Language, Mathematics, Science
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 30 of which must be at distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 — International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology.
  • BTEC: D*DD — BTEC Nationals : Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences.
  • T-level: Distinction — to include in Science (with an Occup

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Clinical scientist (genomics)
  • Genetic technologist
  • Genetic counsellor
  • Clinical research associate
  • Research scientist
  • Biomedical scientist

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £25,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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