BSc (Hons) Human Genetics

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Human Genetics degree at the University of West London provides a comprehensive foundation in human genetics, equipping students with knowledge and skills in areas like molecular biology, genetics of diseases, and evolution. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, industry, and academia, and benefit from excellent facilities, industry collaborations, and a mentoring program. The optional placement year module enhances employability by allowing students to gain valuable practical experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Human genetics is a central component of health, medicine, and pharmacology. This program aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in research, industry, and academia.

Objectives:

The course will introduce students to:

• Molecular biology
• Fundamentals of evolution and its impact on genetic differences
• Medical microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Genetics of diseases
Graduates will acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for success in research, industry, and academia.

Teaching:

• Excellent facilities, including new biomedical science labs
• Regular promotion of work experience opportunities and workshops preparing students for careers as geneticists, including interview techniques, work placements, and negotiating workplace politics
• Seminar series with bodies such as Genomics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GeCIP) evidence workshops and seminars
• Mentoring program between students of all years
• Strong links with local healthcare providers and biotech industries

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for a wide range of careers and jobs in fields such as:

• Academic researcher
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical scientist – genomics
• Clinical scientist – immunology
• Genetic counselor
• Pharmacologist
• Geneticist
• Research scientist (life sciences)
• Medical illustrator or technologist
• Physician assistant
• Physician
• Professor
• Technical writer

Other:

• Students can choose to study a placement year module to develop their employability skillset and enhance professional development and career prospects.
This module requires students to undertake 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
• There is no guarantee that students will be successful in securing a placement.
If a placement opportunity does not arise, the University will automatically transfer the student to the non-placement route.
• The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.

The fee above is the cost per year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change. UK £9,250 – per year International £16,250 – per year