University College Cork offers the Bachelor of Genetics as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Cork, Ireland. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for genetics and related professional fields. Tuition fees are USD 27,444 / year(s), and the next available intake begins on September 1, 2026.
This is a multidisciplinary course and includes academic staff from a number of different departments in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) and project supervisors from the College of Medicine and Health. This approach will consolidate your knowledge of modern genetics and open a huge number of doors across the science sector.
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):
UCC Language Centre Pre-sessional Programmes
These programmes are available to assist students who:
Find out more about the Language Centre's Pre-Sessional Programmes.
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:
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:
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.
Ireland, Cork
