Overview

Key Features

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in the field of Human Genetics (Honours) offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is hosted by the Division of Human Genetics at the National Health Laboratory Service (Braamfontein campus), where students will enjoy first-hand exposure to a functional diagnostics laboratory and a clinical genetic service.

In addition to receiving a strong theoretical foundation, students will receive laboratory training in basic molecular genetic techniques. Students will be given an opportunity to learn and practice their data analytic skills through individually assigned research projects. Candidates looking to equip themselves with the skills needed to apply genetic knowledge to human health and well-being are strongly encouraged to consider this course.

Career Opportunities

Completion of the Human Genetics Honours degree will afford access to the following career opportunities:

Biomedical consumable/equipment sales representative
Scientific writer
Research Assistant
Medical Scientist: students will need to complete an internship recognized by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
Genetic Counsellor: students will need to complete a Masters in Genetic Counselling degree and internship
Researcher/Lecturer in Human Genetics: students will need to obtain a Masters and PhD degree
Physician: students will need to be accepted into medicine via the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP)

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The course has both theory and a research component. As part of the theory component, students are required to attend lectures covering a broad range of human genetics concepts, including, but not limited to: cytogenetics, Mendelian inheritance, multifactorial inheritance, clinical genetics, pharmacogenetics, epigenetics, gene regulation, bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing technologies.
For the research component, each student is tasked with a small project, through which they will experience the different facets of genetic research, from study design, and writing research proposal to analytical skills, results interpretation, and research report write-up.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Genetics View 17 other Bachelors in Genetics in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Other requirements

General requirements

Graduates with a BHSc or BSc. A third-year average mark of 65% or greater, with at least one major in a molecular biology discipline (genetics/genetics and developmental biology, biochemistry, molecular medicine) or bioinformatics is required. This is the minimum percentage required for students to qualify to apply for this programme. Please note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee students a place in this programme.
Applicants without a background in molecular biology may be considered in exceptional circumstances (e.g. a psychology graduate interested in behavioural genetics or a computer science graduate interested in bioinformatics). In such circumstances, candidates may be required to write an entrance exam.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

75730 ZAR / year

≈ 75730 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

75730 ZAR / year

≈ 75730 ZAR / year

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Human Genetics (Honours).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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