BSc (Hons) Human Genetics Bachelor's degree at West London
BSc (Hons) Human Genetics at West London covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Human Genetics is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at West London, based in Ealing / Brentford. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 6 modules
- Cell and MicrobiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and dynamics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the study of microorganisms.
- Essential Skills for BioscientistsCompulsory
Module details
This module has been designed to support you in developing the core technical and transferable skills required to study, undertake research, and communicate effectively on topics in the Biosciences.
- Fundamentals of ChemistryCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide an appropriate foundation in core concepts of physical and quantitative Chemistry for you across different disciplines including biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, and pharmacology.
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, concepts and terminologies of biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Genetics and DiseaseCompulsory
Module details
This module provides knowledge and understanding of the structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and how these molecules encode the properties of cells – providing you with a basic grounding in the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.
- Human Anatomy and PhysiologyCompulsory
Module details
The module will enable you to understand and gain experience of the structure and function of the main human organs.
Level 5 6 modules
- Bioinformatics and Systems BiologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to provide you with a robust foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology.
- Fundamentals of PharmacologyCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to help you understand how drugs work in the body to prevent and treat diseases.
- Research, Development and LeadershipCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in biomedical and biosciences contexts.
- Infection and ImmunityCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the current concepts of basic immunology as well as continue to build on your infection knowledge from Level 4 with respect to diseases you may encounter in the clinic.
- Genetics and EvolutionCompulsory
Module details
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of genetics, inheritance, and the mechanisms that drive evolution.
- Proteins and EnzymesCompulsory
Module details
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to modern protein science including investigating the relationship between protein structure and function, techniques for analysing protein sequences and for determining protein structure.
Level 6 5 modules
- Final Year Research ProjectCompulsory40 credits
Module details
The 40-credit module aims to equip you to plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest.
- Clinical Genetics and CytogenomicsCompulsory
Module details
The module aims to: Provide an overview of human genetic concepts and clinical disorders that have a genetic component. The course seeks to teach the students to apply their knowledge of the principles of human genetics to a variety of clinical problems.
- Nanobiology, Genomics and BioinformaticsCompulsory
Module details
The module provides you with opportunities to develop a firm understanding of the theories and concepts underpinning nanobiology and apply bio-nanotechnology and bioinformatics skills and tools to study the structure, function, and operational mechanism of RNA biology, proteins, genome editing, and vehicles for gene therapy.
- Population Genetics and GenomicsCompulsory
Module details
The module aims to equip you with bioinformatics skills to analyse the genetic makeup of biological populations and understand how various factors, including natural selection, influence changes in genetic composition.
- Chromosomal and Genomic Basis of DiseaseCompulsory
Module details
In this module, you will explore the causes of DNA rearrangements and single nucleotide changes and specific examples of associated genomic disorders.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course explores how genes work, from molecular mechanisms through to whole organisms. You'll start with cell biology, biochemistry and genetics, understanding how cells function and how traits pass between generations. Year 2 introduces molecular biology, where you'll study gene expression and modern laboratory techniques, alongside research methods and practical work. By Year 3, you'll specialise in areas such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience. Throughout, you'll develop practical lab skills, learn to analyse data, and complete a substantial research project that involves designing and carrying out your own investigation. The course typically moves from foundational science to independent research.
Who it's for
This course suits those with a strong interest in genetics and biological sciences. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariffs ranging from 96 to 111 points. You'll need to study full-time and be fluent in English. The programme combines classroom learning with hands-on research and professional development, making it appropriate for those considering careers in research, healthcare, diagnostics, or related fields within biological sciences.
Careers & job market
Across biological sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National earnings data for biological sciences graduates shows starting salaries of £23,000–£29,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. These figures reflect national trends rather than guarantees specific to this programme. Your career path may include research, clinical genetics, pharmaceutical development, or public health roles.
University & format
The University of West London, based in Ealing and Brentford, is a recognised UK degree-awarding body. This is a full-time BSc (Hons) degree taught in English over 4 years. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Your degree is nationally recognised as a UK honours qualification.
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C421). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at West London →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Head of School, Biological Sciences - Strategic Leadership & GrowthUNIVERSITY OF READINGEducation-Focused Assistant Professor, Biological SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambicBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambic Therapeutics, IncCrop Geneticist The James Hutton Institute, Department of Cell & Molecular SciencesEuropean Plant Science OrganisationRegional Lead, Life Sciences FM, UK, Ireland & NordicsJLLIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.5 out of 10: continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of West London
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Ealing / Brentford
2,092 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to West London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by West London; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check West London’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with West London and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
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What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
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