Genetics
Genetics is fundamental to all areas of biological study, as genes carry the information which largely determines what we are and how we function in the environment.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths O6/H7
Lab Science H4 in Biology
Students presenting with 2016 (or previous) Leaving Certificate must present with an HC2 in Biology (meets the Laboratory Science requirement).
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
As a graduate, you will be eligible to compete for entry into MSc and PhD programmes, in Ireland and overseas, in many disciplines including biochemistry, ecology, medical genetics, medicine, microbiology, neuroscience, plant science, and zoology. Relevant postgraduate programmes at UCC include:
MSc Biotechnology
MSc Food Microbiology
MSc Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation
Phd programmes include: PhD Biochemistry, PhD Genetics, PhD Medicine, PhD Microbiology and the Graduate Entry Medicine programme.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BSc in Genetics are versatile and multi-skilled graduates. You will graduate from this course with a strong foundation in modern genetics, molecular biology, and functional genomics. The practical applications of these disciplines include: animal breeding, biotechnology, forensics, genetic counselling, and medical genetics, making you an attractive candidate for a variety of careers. This course will also equip you with the skills to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, molecular diagnostics, medical research, science journalism, and teaching. Recent graduates work in a variety of jobs including: research scientist, research assistant, laboratory technician, technical writer, quality control analyst, and medical laboratory analyst.
The following companies have recently recruited students from the course:
Abtran, Advertising Standards Authority, Anulab CUM, Biosciences Institute, Clonakilty Community Hospital, Education and Research Center, Eirx Therapeutics, Human Genetics Division, University of Southampton, Kerry Ingredients, Kostal, Lavanagh Centre, Millipore, NASA Space Station, Nottingham Hospital, Quintiles, Science Recruitment Ireland, University College Cork, University of Texas, Vistakon Limerick, Wyeth Biopharma,
Graduates have also been successful in securing a broad range of graduate courses in related and non-related areas including accounting, tax, and human resources.
Further information
September 2026
Approximate Available Places 2
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 25
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Genetics is fundamental to all areas of biological study, as genes carry the information which largely determines what we are and how we function in the environment.
The BSc Genetics will teach you to understand how genes work in individuals and populations, and how this genetic information is passed from one generation to the next. Our Genetics programme places particular emphasis on the molecular basis of genetics, and our graduates will obtain a strong foundation in modern genetics. We also cover a wide range of topics such as classical medical genetics, evolutionary and population genetics, animal breeding, and the genetic manipulation of animal and plant genomes.
In Year 1 you will focus on foundation knowledge for Genetics, including how genes work in individuals and populations and how cutting-edge programmes such as the Human Genome Project are revolutionising the way we tackle biological questions.
Year 2 is designed to provide fundamental background knowledge in preparation for the specialisation in Genetics in Years 3 and 4.
Year 4 also includes a three-month project in the laboratory, during which time you will receive training in the use of genetic approaches to solving a contemporary question or problem in biology. These projects are based in the departments that contribute to the Genetics course.
Year 1 Modules
BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease (5 credits)
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
BT1001 Introduction to Biotechnology (5 credits)
CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 1 (10 credits)
GN1001 Principles and Methods in Genetics (10 credits)
MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits)
MA1001 Calculus for Science Part 1 (5 credits)
MA1002 Calculus for Science Part 2 (5 credits)
PY1010 Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences (10 credits)
Dr Andrew Lindsay
genetics@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 1327
http://www.ucc.ie/en/biochemistry
Yvonne Brennan
genetics@ucc.ie