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King's College London
You are viewing a course in < Biomedical and life sciences
Undergraduate degree

Molecular Genetics BSc

UCAS code: C400 (Please note: the course details below apply to 2021 entry. The details for 2022 entry are being updated and will be published in the coming days so please check back for the very latest information before you commit yourself to any of our courses.)

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAA
Duration:
Three years, or four years with a year abroad/extra-mural year or MSci
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2022
Application deadline:
26 January 2022
Optional study abroad
Apply via UCAS

The Molecular Genetics BSc at King’s is a multidisciplinary degree programme focusing on the advances in the field of biology that investigate how the structure and functions of genes and the genome regulate the processes and mechanisms of life. Geneticists study how DNA is replicated, repaired, and decoded to make protein and other molecules within cells and tissues, which in turn impact the physiology, behaviour, and wellbeing of living things. The course covers the broad range of genetics from the molecular basis of genes and genomes to evolutionary and healthcare genetics. The understanding of how genes and genomes work provides insights into disease and avenues for developing new therapies within personalised medicine, As an expanding research area, Molecular Genetics contains many topics about our life, health and wellbeing and many issues of wide relevance for today’s society.

Key benefits

  • Europe's largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education
  • Close links with the Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals NHS Trust Clinical Genetics service and Genomic Laboratory Hub
  • State-of-the-art research facilities such as the Biomedical Research Centre’s Genomics Core Facility
  • Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and researchers
  • One of the UK's best graduate employment rates
  • Contemporary approach based on our history of pioneering discoveries – including our part in finding the structure of DNA
  • Flexible options to tailor your degree through overseas study, work placement or to switch to a four-year MSci

The Molecular Genetics course is continually evolving in the light of advances in the field, and reflecting the rapid rate of conceptual and technological development. The course provides knowledge and training in understanding how genetic information influences the processes of life in healthy and diseased organisms. This degree focuses on the new genetic methods and technologies that advance our understanding of mechanisms of life. You will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of genetics and the basis of human genetic disease as well as a wide variety of other disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular imaging, systems biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience and psychology. During the course, you will also train in modern laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis and presentation. This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; and Pharmacology. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to another course within this suite. In Year 2 you may choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions either for a semester or for a full year. If you choose to study abroad for a full year your programme will change from a three year programme to a four year programme. You can also undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer.

Base campuses

campus guys
Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Dental Institute are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

waterloo-banner
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Special features

Optional study abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Biology and Chemistry
Preferred subjects:
No preferred subjects

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

AAC Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 666 at Higher Level

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

34 points including 664 at Higher Level. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry. Notes: The total point score of 34 includes TOK/EE.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Application deadline: 26th January 2022 - 18:00 GMT

 

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

We recognise that many applicants applying to Medicine/Dentistry will apply to a non-clinical programme as their fifth UCAS option. Therefore, applicants are welcome to apply to our Common Year One programmes at King's with a Medicine/Dentistry statement and it will not count against you if your personal statement is geared towards these subject areas.  

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

 

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Practical laboratory work
Directed self-study

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses, both on the South Bank of the Thames, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Exams

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations.  Forms of assessment may typically include multiple choice tests, essays, reports or presentations.  Coursework contributes approximately 40% and examinations approximately 60% to your final mark.

Regulating Body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Study Abroad & Extra-Mural Year

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for either a semester in your second year, or for a full year between years 2 and 3 at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

  • The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • The University of California
  • The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

You may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option, and the availability of partner universities may vary depending on whether you wish to study abroad for a semester or a full year.

Transfer to the MSci

Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. Students apply directly to placement providers through a process facilitated by the university. Placements, either in the UK or overseas, may be in a pharmaceutical company, a government research establishment or academic research institute.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 360 credits. On the three-year BSc programme, you can also choose to study a semester abroad during Year 2 or study a full year abroad or take an extra-mural year between Years 2 and 3. If you choose to study a year abroad or to take a extra-mural year this will change your three year programme to a four year programme.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Graduates from the School of Bioscience Education are equipped with a variety of transferable skills including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation skills and teamwork. Our graduates are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers or training for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD.

A degree in Molecular Genetics opens the door to many career options. Graduates are in great demand in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, biotechnology and healthcare industries, or in the marketing, sales and management areas.

Students have gone on to further study in molecular genetics whilst others have continued to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields including genomic medicine, cardiovascular pharmacology and biomedical research.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Research Project Co-ordinators
  • Research Scientists
  • Food Scientists
  • Company Managers
  • Business Analysts
  • Research Assistants
  • Scientific Copy Editors

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2022-2023 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2022-2023 academic year is £29,460 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.   Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies  
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions  
  • Library fees and fines  
  • Personal photocopies  
  • Printing course handouts  
  • Society membership fees  
  • Stationery  
  • Graduation costs 
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

The Molecular Genetics course is continually evolving in the light of advances in the field, and reflecting the rapid rate of conceptual and technological development. The course provides knowledge and training in understanding how genetic information influences the processes of life in healthy and diseased organisms. This degree focuses on the new genetic methods and technologies that advance our understanding of mechanisms of life. You will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of genetics and the basis of human genetic disease as well as a wide variety of other disciplines including biochemistry, cell biology, molecular imaging, systems biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience and psychology. During the course, you will also train in modern laboratory techniques, experimental design, data analysis and presentation. This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year 1’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; and Pharmacology. Once you have successfully completed year one, you can choose to switch to another course within this suite. In Year 2 you may choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions either for a semester or for a full year. If you choose to study abroad for a full year your programme will change from a three year programme to a four year programme. You can also undertake an extra-mural or work placement, usually at a leading biomedicine employer.

Base campuses

campus guys
Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Dental Institute are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

waterloo-banner
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Special features

Optional study abroad

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Subject requirements

Required subjects:
A-level (or equivalent) grade A in Biology and Chemistry
Preferred subjects:
No preferred subjects

A-Levels

Required grades:
AAA

Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels.

Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

Contextual A-Level information

AAC Please note that A-level General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted by King's as one of your A levels. Must include grade A in Biology and Chemistry. Notes: If you are taking linear A-levels in England, you will be required to pass the practical endorsement in all Science subjects. This is with the exception of private candidates who are unable to take the practical component. We do not consider the EPQ at any point of the assessment process.

International Baccalaureate

35 points including 666 at Higher Level

Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry Notes: The total point score of 35 includes TOK/EE.

Contextual International Baccalaureate information

34 points including 664 at Higher Level. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Higher Level Chemistry. Notes: The total point score of 34 includes TOK/EE.

Alternative accepted qualifications

Standard requirements

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

Course specific subject requirements are indicated in subject requirements above

English language requirements

Please note that nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries (as defined by UKVI) who have successfully completed high school in the respective country, are not required to complete an English language test. For information on our English requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Application deadline: 26th January 2022 - 18:00 GMT

 

Contextual consideration

We make contextual offers for this programme, which can be found in the entry requirements. As part of the assessment process, we take into account contextual information to gain a more complete picture of each application. More information can be found on the Contextualised admissions website.

Deferrals

Applications can be submitted for deferred entry by choosing the appropriate year of entry on the UCAS application.

If your circumstances change and, therefore, you need to request a deferral after an offer has been made, then we can generally permit these for this programme. However, each deferral request will be considered on a case-by-case basis and we reserve the right to decline any post-offer deferral request. Requests should be submitted via a message on King’s Apply with an explanation of the reason for making the request.

Please note, second deferral requests will only be considered where the request is due to extreme unforeseen extenuating circumstances, for example, health reasons. We are unable to permit deferral requests that go beyond two years and you would need to apply again. This is with the exception of deferrals which are due to military/national service.

Foundation courses

Applicants studying Foundation Year programmes in the UK are welcome to apply for this programme. Foundation programmes from other universities and further education providers in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis. Whether or not we can consider a particular foundation year as suitable for study at King's depends on the content of the syllabus and modules studied. In the past we have accepted foundation programmes from a number of other institutions.

We are unable to accept Foundation programmes that are integrated as part of a main degree at another institution. These may be called Year 0 or Integrated Foundations. We are also unable to accept non-UK Foundation courses.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your qualification, such as a list of modules and course specifications.

The King's International Foundation Programme has guaranteed pathways available for progression onto our King's undergraduate degree programmes, and information can be found on the website.

Graduates

Our general entry requirements are based on A-level or equivalent. However, where an applicant is completing/has completed a degree, we are able to consider the degree study as part of the assessment of the application.

Generally, we would consider a minimum of a UK Bachelor degree with a 2:1 grade profile (or overseas equivalent) as meeting the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees. However, those who have achieved/are predicted a high 2:1 or a First may be considered more competitive.

Where a programme has subject requirements, these will still need to have been met. If you have not met the subject requirements via A-level (or equivalent) then we may be able to consider the content within your degree. We would be looking for significant study of the subjects across the degree programme with a 2:1 or above grading on those modules.

Once you have submitted an application, the Admissions Office may contact you via King's Apply to ask for further details on your degree study.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the many factors in the overall assessment of your application, and is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the university and inform us of your commitment to the programme and how the programme fits into your career plans, as well as any work experience or extracurricular activities you have done.

We recognise that many applicants applying to Medicine/Dentistry will apply to a non-clinical programme as their fifth UCAS option. Therefore, applicants are welcome to apply to our Common Year One programmes at King's with a Medicine/Dentistry statement and it will not count against you if your personal statement is geared towards these subject areas.  

Resits

We are able to consider applicants who have retaken or are retaking their qualifications.

Transfers

Transfers into this programme are not permitted.

 

Help for international applicants

International Foundation Year

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, we can help with our Foundation year courses.

Pre-sessional courses

If you have an offer from King's, but English isn't your first language, we have courses to help you.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Practical laboratory work
Directed self-study

Teaching on this course takes place in lectures, seminars and tutorials and through practical laboratory work. The rest of your time will be spent on self-study, including reading, research and writing assignments.

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Guy’s and Waterloo Campuses, both on the South Bank of the Thames, putting you at the heart of everything London has to offer in terms of academic resources and also close to its social and entertainment attractions.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Exams

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations.  Forms of assessment may typically include multiple choice tests, essays, reports or presentations.  Coursework contributes approximately 40% and examinations approximately 60% to your final mark.

Regulating Body

King’s College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Study Abroad & Extra-Mural Year

You will also have the opportunity to study abroad for either a semester in your second year, or for a full year between years 2 and 3 at one of our partner universities, which currently include:

  • The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • The University of California
  • The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

You may be required to fulfil additional entry requirements for this option, and the availability of partner universities may vary depending on whether you wish to study abroad for a semester or a full year.

Transfer to the MSci

Alternatively, you may apply for an extra-mural year, to be taken between the second and third years if selected. Students apply directly to placement providers through a process facilitated by the university. Placements, either in the UK or overseas, may be in a pharmaceutical company, a government research establishment or academic research institute.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totaling 360 credits. On the three-year BSc programme, you can also choose to study a semester abroad during Year 2 or study a full year abroad or take an extra-mural year between Years 2 and 3. If you choose to study a year abroad or to take a extra-mural year this will change your three year programme to a four year programme.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Graduates from the School of Bioscience Education are equipped with a variety of transferable skills including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation skills and teamwork. Our graduates are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers or training for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD.

A degree in Molecular Genetics opens the door to many career options. Graduates are in great demand in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, biotechnology and healthcare industries, or in the marketing, sales and management areas.

Students have gone on to further study in molecular genetics whilst others have continued to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields including genomic medicine, cardiovascular pharmacology and biomedical research.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Research Project Co-ordinators
  • Research Scientists
  • Food Scientists
  • Company Managers
  • Business Analysts
  • Research Assistants
  • Scientific Copy Editors

Tuition Fees

Full time tuition fees UK:

The UK tuition fee for the 2022-2023 academic year is currently £9,250 per year. This is based on the UK Government’s cap.

Full time tuition fees International:

The International tuition fee for the 2022-2023 academic year is £29,460 per year.

Please note that the International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

All International applicants to Undergraduate programmes are required to pay a deposit of £2,000 against their first year’s tuition fee. This deposit is payable when you firmly accept an unconditional offer to study with us, and will be offset against your tuition fees when you join King’s.

If you choose the study abroad option with one of King’s partner universities, you will not be charged tuition fees by the host university (although some partners do charge a small administration fee for applying). King’s will continue to invoice for a proportion of King's tuition fees. You should also budget to pay for the associated subsistence costs, such as travel, visas, accommodation and food as well as any vaccination/immunisations required by the country to which you are travelling.   Please see the Study Abroad web pages for details of the relevant partner universities and detailed information on the fees that apply under the Course Essentials tab.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies  
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions  
  • Library fees and fines  
  • Personal photocopies  
  • Printing course handouts  
  • Society membership fees  
  • Stationery  
  • Graduation costs 
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
Classroom
Study mode:
Full time
Required A-level:
AAA
Duration:
Three years, or four years with a year abroad/extra-mural year or MSci
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2022
Application deadline:
26 January 2022
Optional study abroad
Apply via UCAS

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