Program Overview

BSc in Genetics

Programme Information

The Division of Genetics offers internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Genetics is at the core of the biological, agricultural, veterinary and medical sciences and has become essential in fields as diverse as virology and epidemiology, biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Single- and double-major options are offered in the Bachelor of Science in Genetics programme. Students can therefore choose to either specialise in genetics as a single major, or combine their genetics subjects with a second major, such as biochemistry, microbiology, plant science or zoology in the Bachelor of Science in Genetics programme.

Individuals seeking to enrol in programmes such as Genetics should be innovative and creative thinkers with curious minds who exhibit inquiry-driven tenacity, display a passion for life-science-related topics and have a fair understanding of mathematics.

At the undergraduate level, students are provided with a thorough background in the principles of genetics, as well as the application of those principles in fields as diverse as genomics, plant and animal biotechnology, diagnostics and risk determination, bioethics, conservation ecology and population, and behavioural and evolutionary studies.

Graduates acquire skills in analytical and critical thinking, as well as creativity in problem solving and data handling, which equip them for success in both scientific and non-scientific careers.

Career Opportunities

Graduates generally choose to work as:

• Molecular biologists
• Medical or clinical geneticists
• Cytogeneticists
• Biotechnologists
• Agricultural scientists
• Molecular ecologists
• Forensic scientists
• Genetic counsellors
• Bioinformaticists and computational analysts
• Veterinary scientists
• Teachers or lecturers at various institutions
• Bioscience-related industries

If students combine genetics with additional qualifications such as law, they will be equipped for successful careers in, for example, patent law, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, project management, computer programming (natural computation) and science journalism. Note that the level of training and qualification plays an important role in determining the type of work in which a qualified geneticist can become involved.

Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.

Admission Requirements

• Achievement level:
  • English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 5
  • Mathematics: 5
  • Physical Sciences: 5
  • APS: 32
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Duration

3 years, full-time

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025