Molecular Biology and Genetics with a Placement Year (Hons) University of East Anglia

Overview

Whether you’re drawn to medical genetics, biotechnology, or evolutionary biology — or interested in human health and disease, microbial or plant molecular biology, or cellular signalling — this Molecular Biology and Genetics with a Placement Year (Hons) course will set you on the path to a rewarding future in science. In year three, you’ll undertake a 9–12-month placement in an area of your choice, offering you invaluable real-world experience to greatly enhance your employability. 

The School of Biological Sciences from University of East Anglia brings a strong research-led ethos to this course. Many of our academics are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, covering a broad spectrum from biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology to ecological interactions and evolutionary processes. This includes both fundamental science aimed at deepening our understanding of biological principles, and applied research tackling real-world challenges — such as protein structure and microbial energetics, human disease studies, and conservation biology. You'll benefit directly from this expertise, with research feeding into your learning at every stage. 

Placement Year

On this course, you’ll spend your third year working in a placement that’s relevant to your interests, gaining real-world experience and skills that are highly valued by future employers. 

You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement, and at the start of your second year you’ll be asked to write a CV and apply to a range of employers. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but it'll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.  

During this year, you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.  

Please note that we can’t guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you’re unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to apply to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a placement year or the Biological Sciences MSci degree. 

Career Pathways

Example of careers that you could enter include: 

• Healthcare 
• Medical laboratory work 
• Genetics 
• Teaching