Genetics with a Foundation Year

Genetics is an exciting and fast moving field that is transforming our understanding of life and driving innovation across science and medicine. From diagnosing and treating diseases to developing new pharmaceuticals, personalised therapies, genetic engineering, biotechnology and the study of evolution, biodiversity and pathogens, genetics now underpins many of the most important scientific advances of our time.

Our Genetics BSc (Hons) / MSci (Hons) provides an in depth understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life on Earth. You will gain hands on experience with techniques used to analyse gene expression, protein interactions, DNA structure and damage, and biomolecular and cellular imaging, alongside advanced computational approaches used in modern genetic research.

Throughout the programme, you will develop strong analytical, problem solving and project management skills, and learn how to design experiments and plan effective research programmes.

This single honours, interdisciplinary degree draws on shared modules across the Department and wider School, giving you a broad and diverse learning experience. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your academic and professional development through an intercalary year abroad or a year in industry.
Throughout your 3 year BSc (Hons), you will undertake a mix of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your particular interests, career ambitions, or plans for further study.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a Year Abroad with our partner institutions, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience.

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, this programme is available as a 4-year MSci, which is an advanced undergraduate degree, adding a further research-focused year to your degree. Our MSci leads to a master’s level qualification, in addition to your undergraduate degree, giving you expert scientific training and a springboard towards a range of specialist careers.

Whichever qualification you choose, you will benefit from the expertise of our academic staff who are active in a diverse range of molecular biological research fields, offering an unrivalled mix of academic excellence and cutting-edge practice.

An optional Foundation Year is also available. This provides an excellent introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress onto Year 1 of your BSc (Hons)/ MSci (Hons).

Kickstart a bright future at Swansea University.

With around 300,000 residents, Swansea isn’t the biggest city this side of the Severn, but she’s got a big personality with a cost of living that’s refreshingly affordable compared to most other UK cities. Whether you like to explore the outdoors, take in a bit of culture, or anything in between, Swansea has something for everyone.

As a student at Swansea University, you'll benefit from a friendly, inclusive community and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime. Alongside first-class resources that include a mock court room, indoor athletics centre & virtual reality lab, you'll learn from leading academics, in a supportive and nurturing environment.

With 120 societies, 50 sports clubs and 12 months of must-see events, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy between lectures.

Whoever you are and whoever you want to be, you'll find yourself right at home in Swansea.