Program Overview

Healthcare Genetics and Genomics iBSc

Key Information

• Course type: Single honours
• Delivery mode: In person
• Study mode: Full time
• Duration: One year
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline: 29 June 2025

Course Description

The Healthcare Genetics and Genomics iBSc explores the importance and future potential of molecular and medical genetics in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human diseases. The course covers both a range of single gene disorders and complex disease genetics for conditions such as cancer, which have defects in multiple gene functions at their basis.

Course Aims

• Provide a broad understanding of the importance and future potential of genetics and genomics in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human diseases.
• Provide an opportunity to conduct an original piece of research or investigation on a specific topic related to the application of genetics or genomics in healthcare.
• Gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles and components of recombinant DNA technology.
• Gain an understanding of the genome, gene organisation, structure and function, and genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of regulation of gene expression.
• Demonstrate high-level knowledge in the application of genetics and genomics in healthcare.
• Develop a research question and address that topic through independent research in the laboratory, using bioinformatic methods or investigation of the literature.
• Develop the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, the concepts and applications in medical genetics and genomics.

Base Campus

• Guy's Campus: The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, and the Institute of Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students.

Entry Requirements

• Full details on how to apply for King's internal students are included on KEATS.
• Further details for external students please see the Intercalated webpage.
• Application deadlines:
  • King's internal students: 26th January 2025
  • External students: 29th June 2025
• Entry requirements for MBBS students:
  • King's students must have passed Stage 1 and Stage 2.
  • External students must have first-time passes for years 1 and 2 and all SSCs.
• Entry requirements for Dental students:
  • BDS students are required to pass year 2 at the first attempt and year 3 or 4 if applicable.
• Entry requirements for Veterinary students:
  • Veterinary students are required to pass year 2 at the first attempt and year 3 if applicable.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Self-Study
• Laboratory-based Practicals

Assessment

• Coursework
• Written/Practical Examinations
• Essays
• Oral Presentations

Structure

• This is a one-year degree course in which you will take a combination of required and optional modules to total 120 credits.
• Required modules:
  • Medical Genetics (15 credits)
  • Genomic Approaches in Healthcare (15 credits)
  • Cancer Genetics (15 credits)
  • Bioinformatics for Biologists (15 credits) or Advanced Molecular Genetics (15 credits)
  • Extended Research Project in Molecular Genetics (45 credits) or Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Library Project B (15 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Immunology & Immunotherapy of Cancer (15 credits)
  • Behavioural Genetics (15 credits)
  • Epigenetics (15 credits)
  • Birth Defects (15 credits)

Employability

• Genetics is increasingly being recognised as a key measure in not only diagnosing ailments but also in devising more effective treatment options that are more 'personalised'.
• The aims of this iBSc are aligned with those of the Health Education England Genomics Education Programme.
• The programme prepares students for pathways leading to consultant positions in Clinical or Medical Genetics.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time tuition fees UK: £9,535 per year
• Full-time tuition fees International: £35,800 per year
• Additional costs:
  • Books
  • 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
  • Accommodation fees

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's, please visit the Fees and Funding section.