BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology and Genetics
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- CC74
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
17th
UEA is ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science
The Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis93%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
After recent Nobel prizes for developments of genome editing and mRNA vaccines, now is the perfect time to begin your study of molecular biology and genetics. Studying Molecular Biology and Genetics at UEA will give you a fundamental grounding in the study of biology whilst enabling you to decide which area of molecular biology or genetics best fits with your interests.
You'll study alongside students from the School of Biological Sciences and will have the opportunity to decide how to shape your own degree to reflect the areas of biology you want to explore. This may include specialising in medical genetics, biotechnology or agriculture, as well as studying human health and disease, microbial or plant molecular biology, cellular signalling, and evolutionary biology.
Whichever route you decide to pursue, this flexible programme of study will give you the chance to enjoy modules from across our diverse range of topics, taught by staff who are experts in their field and research active members of the Norwich Research Park.
The School of Biological Sciences brings a strong research-led ethos to every course we offer. More than 220 people within the School are actively involved in current research, with subjects ranging from the biochemical, molecular and cellular levels to ecological interactions and evolutionary processes. Some of our research focuses on understanding fundamental biological principles and some is applied research such as protein structure and microbial energetics, the study of human diseases, and conservation biology. Our students benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes: the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute and the Quadram Institute.
After completing your Molecular Biology and Genetics degree, you'll be equipped to start working in a research laboratory, join industry, or pursue further studies and a career in academia.
Study and Modules
Structure
This three-year degree programme allows you to develop your knowledge of biology in the first year, alongside your training in essential scientific methods and techniques. In your second year, you'll have the chance to specialise, taking core modules in molecular biology and genetics but also selecting optional modules according to your own interests. In the final year, you’ will be able to specialise further and have the opportunity to undertake a substantial independent research project.
Your first year of study gives you a thorough introduction to areas which are essential for all biologists and are fundamental to the study of life processes, including an introduction to molecular biology and genetics. You'll also receive training in essential scientific methods and techniques, including applied mathematics and statistics.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our School is home to world-class academics, internationally recognised researchers and undergraduate research laboratories that are some of the best in the country
Most of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars and practical laboratory sessions, which will provide you with hands-on experience as well as invaluable contact time with lecturers.
Our programme modules involve applied work in collecting, analysing and reviewing data, plus observations on biological processes, with a particular emphasis on the critical assessment of existing knowledge. Problem posing and solving skills are promoted through seminars and group discussions. And mathematical and statistical skills are developed in both semesters in the first year.
Independent study
You'll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library and online resources, and you'll be assigned an Academic Adviser who will provide you with guidance throughout your academic journey at UEA.
Assessment
You'll encounter a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets.
Your balance of coursework and examinations will vary depending on your module choices. Although many of our modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and examination, a few are assessed only through coursework. For example, at Level 5, the majority of modules are assessed through 40-50% coursework, 50-60% examination, although a small number of modules are 100% coursework.
Structure
In your second year, you'll study two core modules in the fields of Molecular Biology and Genetics. However, the majority of your subjects are optional, with up to eight modules from which to choose. These additional modules cover a variety of subjects, from biochemistry or microbiology to cell biology or evolutionary biology, allowing you to begin tailoring your degree according to your own interests.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You'll continue to be taught in a variety of ways, from the lecture theatre to the laboratory. You'll be instructed in the major subjects of molecular biology and genetics together with optional subjects. All core modules will develop your practical skills in the laboratories and applied skills such as data analysis and statistics.
Assessment
You'll continue to be assessed using a variety of methods, chosen to best measure your skills in the given subject. Coursework and examinations will be used alongside hands-on formats such as lab reports and presentations.
Structure
In your final year of study, you'll undertake a substantial independent research project as well as continuing to study several other modules, including an advanced-level genomics module, which is core to the programme. There is a greater range of optional modules (up to eleven), allowing you to specialise further in subjects of particular interest to you.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Research design and analysis are brought together in your third-year undergraduate research project, which we encourage you to deliver as independently as possible. You'll have the opportunity to design your research topic led by staff at the School of Biological Sciences and other institutes of the Norwich Research Park.
Assessment
Previous methods of assessment will continue, with a greater focus on independent work. A large part of your third-year marks (40%) will be made up of assessment of your independent research project.
Employability
After the Course
Not only do our courses provide you with scientific knowledge, they also develop your skills in the areas of research and communication, IT and data science, data collection, analytics and critical thinking. Our graduates have entered careers in pharmaceuticals, food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, conservation management, environmental assessment, teaching, science communication and more.
The School of Biological Sciences works together with UEA’s Careers Service to offer you support at every stage of your course, from choosing a career through to applying for graduate jobs and further study.
Careers
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
Contextual offer: BBC including Biology or Human Biology
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management.
For BTEC Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying one of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus B at A Level, OR DD plus B in A Level Biology/Human Biology.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus C at A Level, OR DD plus C in A Level Biology/Human Biology.
Extended Certificate: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BB at A level, OR D plus BB at A Level to include Biology or Human Biology.
Contextual offer: D in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Forensic and Criminal Investigation plus BC at A level, OR D plus BC at A Level to include Biology or Human Biology.
For BTEC Forensic and Criminal Investigation applicants MUST be studying one of the following modules: Physiology and Human Body Systems, Environmental Forensics, Forensic Genetics or Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to Science Pathway. Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We only accept Science as a pathway.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with HL 5 in Biology
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2 including Biology, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB including A in Biology.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Biology. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Biology or Human Biology
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with HL 5 in Biology
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: