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Genetics

Genetics

The field of genetics is central to our understanding of biology, from modern developments in treating human disease to studying the evolutionary relationships between species.

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The study of genetics at Essex
Undergraduate Masters

Undergraduate degrees

Genetics is an important, exciting and wide-ranging field to study and the application of genetics in healthcare and research means the prospects for graduates have never been better.

On our courses you study both genetics, at the level of a single gene or group of genes, and genomics, at the level of an organism’s entire genes – the genome. We focus on real-world applications, including medicine, biotechnology and genomics.

At Essex you will be part of a wide community of geneticists working in medical genetics, genomics, epigenetics and evolution, among other areas.

Why study here?
  • You study advanced, medically important topics including cancer biology and immunology.
  • Develop essential lab skills in gene manipulation, cloning and bioinformatics.
  • We're ranked 1st in the UK for genetics (The Mail University Guide 2025) and 1st for student positivity in genetics (National Student Survey 2025, English Broad Discipline Universities).
Images of two genetics students working in a lab
Images of two genetics students working in a lab
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Career prospects

As the world's environmental problems increase, the demand for qualified biologists and geneticists continues to grow.

Our courses equip you with the analytical and computational skills that are in high demand by employers. The Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy predicts that the life sciences sector could expand by over 130,000 jobs between 2020 and 2030. You will also become skilled at report writing, data analysis and delivering presentations.

Our recent graduates have taken up a wide range of careers in research laboratories, consultancies, business and industry, conservation practice and environmental assessment.

Find out more about careers, employability and the support we can provide on our School of Life Sciences web pages.

Photo of BSc Genetics student, Jane Baston
"The School of Life Sciences is great to be a part of. The lecturers are very friendly and are always ready to answer any questions you have. The modules that I’ve taken have been really varied, including an Evolutionary Psychology module. Because of this, I’ve developed interests in areas I’d never even heard of before I came to Essex, and now I’ve decided I want to go on to study palaeoanthropology at Masters level."
Jane Baston BSc Genetics
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Postgraduate study

Genome sequencing is revolutionising the field of medicine. Personalised medicine is becoming a priority for health providers and governmental agencies around the world. Studying genetics with us at postgraduate level will enable you to be a part of the next generation of healthcare providers, equipped with the necessary skills in health data analytics and genomics to make a real difference. Study at Essex and become an expert in the field of genetics.

Study topics such as:

  • gene technologies,
  • bioinformatics and computational biology,
  • data analysis and computing programming.

We will train you to analyse genomic data in connection with health and disease. You will explore how genome sequences are analysed and you will receive hands-on experience in data analysis. You will also study gene and genome technologies, as well as have the opportunity to develop your professional skills.

Why study here?
  • We're ranked 7th in the UK for biology (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • Use our state-of-the-art computational and data analysis facilities, including a high-performance computing cluster.
  • You'll have the chance to work alongside recognise academic experts in the fields of genetics and genomics.

School of Life Sciences

Meet the home of genetics Masters degrees in Life Sciences Our facilities Our research
Find out more about the application process
Find out how to apply to Essex as a Postgraduate Student and discover the resources we provide to support you with your application
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Scholarships and funding
Explore our range of scholarships, bursaries and funding opportunities.
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We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.



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