Skip to main content

Medical Genetics

Entry Year: 2025

3 study options

Medical Genetics BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS code
C431
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees

Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS code
CCX2
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£25,000
Funding information
Paying your fees

Medical Genetics with Year Abroad BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2025
UCAS code
C43Y
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Overview

Discover breakthroughs in the genetic basis of diseases and explore the potential of targeted therapies and personalised medicine.

Driven to save lives and make an impact? Here youll learn how to do exactly that from pioneers in medicine and the sciences. One recent breakthrough by our genetics researchers could help develop treatments for cancer scientists discovered a molecular lock that prevents genetic mistakes when cells divide. 

Taught by both the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, youll benefit from the strengths of both schools, their academic experts and their top facilities.  

This course will set you up for careers in biomedical or genetic research, biotechnology, and bioinformatics/data science. It's also one of the many possible pathways into medicine. 

Learn to carry out research  

Building a strong scientific understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of human health is central to the course. Youll also look at the development of disease and explore the evolution of diseases within human populations.  

Our experts will discuss mitochondrial and human genomes while introducing you to medical research, genetic counselling, and bioethics. All this knowledge will help you design your own project. Youll learn what it takes to become a researcher whose work saves lives and shapes the future. 

Structure

You can complete your Medical Genetics degree in three or four years. If you choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and the Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.

Year 0

Foundation Programme

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Communication in Science and Technology 

Year-long modules

Compulsory

  • Science and Engineering Success
  • Foundations of Chemical Science
  • Foundations of Physical Science
  • Foundations of Engineering
  • Foundations of Biological Science
  • Mathematics A

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 1

  • Basic Biochemistry
  • Cells
  • Essential Skills for Biologists
  • Evolution
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Practical Biology
  • Practical Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Physiology
  • Tissue Biology

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

Compulsory

  • Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics
  • Genes and Bioinformatics
  • Human Genetic Disorders
  • Research Methods and Communication

Choose four from

  • Basic Immunology
  • Biomedical Pharmacology
  • Comparative and Integrative Physiology
  • Infectious Disease Biology
  • Metabolic Pathways
  • Microbial Physiology and Growth

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

Compulsory

  • Advanced Human Genetic Disorders
  • Functional Genomics and Epigenetics
  • Professional Skills and Development for Biologists

Choose one from

  • Biological Sciences Research Project
  • Project: Engaging the Public with Science
  • Structured Research Projects 

Choose three from

  • Advanced Immunology
  • Biomedical neuroscience
  • Cancer Biology
  • Endocrine Physiology and Biochemistry
  • Molecular Basis of Personalised Medicine
  • Population and Chromosome Genetics
  • Reproductive & Developmental Biology

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Study options

Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.

Year abroad

Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Medical Genetics BSc with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).

Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are. Learn more about financing your year abroad here.

student profile image
Testimonial

Studying Medical Genetics has always been a passion of mine and Queen Mary was the ideal university to pursue my passion in understanding genetic based concepts and developing my personality.

Mariam Hafidh Abbas, Medical Genetics (2020)

Teaching

Teaching and learning

We use a mixture of teaching styles - lectures, tutorials, classroom activities and laboratory work.

Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 20 to 25 hours per week preparing, writing up and reading.

Medical Genetics at Queen Mary was voted UK for Organisation and Management, 4th in UK for Assessment and Feedback in the recent National Student Survey 2024.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by written examinations and coursework (practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).

Final-year students undertake a research or investigative project, assessed with a detailed written report, poster and interview.

Resources and facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

  • newly refurbished lecture theatres
  • up-to-date IT facilities
  • modern, well-equipped labs.

View tour of Fogg Building

View tour of Blizard Building

Entry requirements

A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology at Higher Level.
BTECSee our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQ

Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification.

For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq

Contextualised admissions

Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Biology at A-Level.

Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Biology at A-Level.

More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered.

A-LevelGrades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level. A second science subject at Higher Level of Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
BTECSee our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 credits must be at Distinction, 15 credits at Merit and 15 credits at Pass or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
Contextualised admissionsWe consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages.
A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Biology at A-Level.

Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Biology at A-Level.

More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered.

Non-UK students

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.

English language

Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.

You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

Further information

See our general undergraduate entry requirements.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

Scholarships and bursaries

Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

The Medical Genetics programme will prepare you for careers in medical research, the pharmaceutical industry and health sciences.

Many of our students go into scientific roles such as clinical and laboratory work, postgraduate study or science communication. Others transfer their skills into sectors such as marketing and finance.

93 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA GOS 2017/18).

Recent Medical Genetics graduates have been hired by:

  • Genomics England
  • Institute of Cancer Research
  • Public Health England
  • the NHS.

Career support

The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has a careers consultant, who can offer specialist advice and organise subject-specific events. We also have a dedicated internships coordinator.

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

  • specialist advice on choosing a career path
  • support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
  • feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
  • interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.

Data for these courses

Medical Genetics - BSc (Hons)

Biological Sciences with Foundation - BSc (Hons)

Medical Genetics with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)

About the School

The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is a large and dynamic school with strong links to industry. We offer a stimulating and supportive learning experience.

You’ll experience inspirational teaching from high-calibre staff who are leaders in their field. According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 91 per cent of our Biological Sciences research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. You’ll stay up to date with weekly departmental seminars on new research findings.

Thanks to our close teaching and research links, students have special opportunities for original investigative work with the Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, Forest Enterprise, and University of London’s Marine Biological Station at Millport in Scotland.

Back to top